Changing Fuel Filters: Scion Tc 08 Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to change the fuel filter on your 2008 Scion tC, this guide will take you through the process step-by-step. It's important to note that some sources suggest that the fuel filter on newer fuel-injected cars like the Scion tC doesn't need to be replaced unless there's a problem. However, if you're experiencing issues with your fuel pump or want to improve your gas mileage, changing the fuel filter may be a good idea.

The first step is to gather the necessary tools and parts. You'll need a socket set/ratchet, a flathead screwdriver, brushes, rags, and an oil drain pan. For parts, you'll need a new fuel filter assembly, a fuel pump filter (also known as a pump sock), an O-ring, and a round clip. These can be purchased from a dealership or an auto parts store.

Next, you'll need to remove the back seat of your Scion tC. This will give you access to the fuel filter, which is located inside the gas tank. Lift the carpet and remove the rubber cover that protects the wiring. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the metal cover, as it's only sealed with adhesive. Once the cover is open, clean the area to prevent dirt from getting into your fuel system.

Now, you'll need to disconnect the fuel lines and relieve the fuel pressure. Look for the line with a yellow clamp and remove it, being careful to catch any spilling fuel with a towel. There may also be a bracket over another fuel line that you'll need to remove.

With the fuel lines disconnected, you can now remove the bolts holding the fuel pump/filter assembly in place. Carefully lift out the assembly and place it in an oil catch can to prevent fuel spillage. Separate the individual components, including the fuel pump, fuel filter, and any O-rings or clips that you'll need to reuse.

Install the new fuel filter and reassemble the components, following the steps in reverse. Once everything is connected, reconnect the battery and turn the key to the ON position to build fuel pressure. Try starting the car; it may take a few tries if done correctly. If it doesn't start, double-check your work and ensure there are no leaks or loose connections.

If the car starts and runs for at least 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for 30 minutes. Start the car again to ensure that the new fuel filter is working properly. If all is well, you can patch up the cover and replace the back seat.

Removing the back seat

To remove the back seat of a Scion tc, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials. These include a range of tools, such as a socket set, ratchet, flathead screwdriver, brush, rags, and an oil drain pan.

First, remove all the "trunk" gear, such as the spare tire and emergency equipment, until you see the floor/frame of the car. You will then need to unscrew the bolts connecting the seat to the frame. There are three bolts at the back and one in the front, which can be exposed by lifting the front of the seat. Pull the seat belts through the cushion holes to allow the seat to be lifted higher, making it easier to access and remove the bolts.

Next, release the vertical locks for the back seat and lower the seat back. In the far corners, you will see that the seat back is connected to the frame. Pull apart the carpet covers to expose the bolts and then remove them. Now the seat can be taken out.

At this point, you have the option to just lift up the seat and continue with the next steps without completely removing the back seat. This will make the remaining steps a little less crowded but is not necessary. If you do wish to completely remove the back seat, you can use bungee cords to connect the two hinges of the back seat to the back door hinge to keep the seat out of the way.

Now that the seat is removed or lifted, you will see an exposed carpet. Lift away the center square of the carpet to reveal a black piece of rubber that protects the wiring. Pull away this rubber cover.

From here, you can proceed with the fuel filter replacement, which is beyond the scope of this answer.

Exposing the carpet

Now that the seat is removed, or if you just lifted up the seat, you now have the exposed carpet. Lift away the center square of carpet and you will see the fuel tank. Pull apart the rubber cover that protects the wiring.

Use a flat screwdriver to pry open the metal cover. It's only sealed by sticky goop so no bolts need to be removed. Pry apart the cover plate carefully and spread it apart evenly. If you focus on one point, you will easily bend the cover plate.

As you can see, it's very dirty underneath, so as you go from here, use some wet wipes to clean the area as much as possible. You do not want to get dirt in your fuel system.

Components

Below are the components labelled as best I could provide. You will need to remove all four of these components to remove the filter assembly:

• Fuel level sensor
• Fuel gauge
• Fuel intake valve
• Fuel return valve

Fuel level sensor

For the sensor, use one hand to squeeze the release and the other hand to pull the harness toward the back of the car.

Fuel gauge

Now remove the gauge. Use some pliers to squeeze the top of the release, then use large pliers to remove the entire grey harness. It looks like the top part comes off, but all the grey you see will pop off.

With these two removed, the engine will not receive any more gas.

Disconnecting the battery

Locate the negative terminal of your car battery. This is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. The battery is typically located in the engine compartment, but may be found in the trunk or under a rear seat. Be sure to consult your Scion tC manual if you are unsure.

Once you have located the negative terminal, proceed to disconnect it. First, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the battery cable to the terminal using an appropriate-sized wrench or socket. Do not allow the wrench or socket to touch any other parts of the car, as this could result in an electrical short.

After the nut or bolt is loosened, carefully remove the cable from the terminal. Be aware that there may still be some residual power in the battery, so avoid touching the terminal with any metal objects or creating a spark. If possible, cover the terminal with electrical tape or a plastic bag to prevent accidental contact.

With the battery cable disconnected, you can now safely perform maintenance on your fuel system. Be sure to follow all other safety precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and avoiding open flames or sparks.

When you have completed your fuel filter replacement, it is important to properly reconnect the battery cable. First, remove any covering from the negative terminal. Then, securely reconnect the cable to the terminal and tighten the nut or bolt with your wrench or socket. Ensure that the connection is secure and that the cable cannot move or wiggle loose.

Finally, you can now start your car to ensure that the fuel system is functioning properly. If you followed all the steps correctly, your Scion tC should start without any issues and you will have successfully replaced your fuel filter!

Removing the out valve

Now let's remove the out valve. You will see a small yellow C-shaped pin that holds down the valve. Slide this pin toward the front of the car and do not lose or break it. This is a proprietary part that cannot be found in auto part stores (I already tried, the ones in stores are too thick).

Unscrew the bolts (all of them). Two of the bolts hold down the intake valve cover piece.

Remove the cover piece and you will see the intake valve clamp (circled in the image). Keep cleaning. Remove the valve from the assembly. This proved to be very difficult for me because the 2 release switches simply would not release the lock. I had to pry apart the pins in the direction the releases were supposed to be moving it just to get the valve removed.

Warning: Don't damage the valve too much. If you have to replace it, you cannot just replace the valve head that connects to the assembly. The part you get from Toyota is the entire hose piece and running that in and under the car will not be a fun task.

If you can, place the valve in a plastic bag to prevent dirt or dust from getting into the valve.

Removing the filter assembly

Now that the seat is removed, or if you just lifted up the seat, you now have the exposed carpet. Lift away the center square of carpet and you will see a black rubber cover that protects the wiring. Pull this away.

Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the metal cover. It's only sealed by sticky adhesive so no bolts need to be removed. Pry apart the cover plate carefully and spread it apart evenly. If you focus on one point you will easily bend the cover plate.

Below are the components labelled. You will need to remove all four of these components to remove the filter assembly: the sensor, the gauge, the intake valve, and the return valve.

For the sensor, use one hand to squeeze the release and the other hand to pull the harness toward the back of the car. Now remove the gauge. Use some pliers to squeeze the top of the release, then use large pliers to remove the entire grey harness. It looks like the top part comes off, but all the grey you see will pop off.

With these two removed, the engine will not receive any more gas. Start the car and let it die on its own. This will drain the lines (as much as possible) of gasoline. Once the car dies, disconnect the battery and make sure it will not accidentally reconnect.

You can also disconnect the gas line from the engine. This will simply reduce the pressure in the line and less gas will spill out when you remove the out valve later.

Now let's remove the out valve. You will see a small yellow C-shaped pin that holds down the valve. Slide this pin toward the front of the car and do not lose or break it. This is a proprietary part that cannot be found in auto part stores. Unscrew the bolts (all of them). Two of the bolts hold down the intake valve cover piece. Remove the cover piece and you will see the intake valve clamp. Keep cleaning.

Remove the valve from the assembly. This may prove difficult as the two release switches may not release the lock. You may have to pry apart the pins in the direction the releases were supposed to be moving just to get the valve removed. Warning: don't damage the valve too much. If you have to replace it, you cannot just replace the valve head that connects to the assembly. The part you get from Toyota is the entire hose piece and running that in and under the car will not be a fun task.

If you can, place both valves in plastic bags to prevent dirt or dust from getting into the valves.

Before you attempt to remove the filter assembly, take note of the positions of the two circled items. You will need to place the pieces back in these positions, or you will have a hard time re-seating the bolts or the gauge may not work.

Now that all bolts and valves are removed, you can start to remove the filter assembly. Be careful, go slow and steady. You will need to rotate and tilt the filter to get it out because of the gauge level arm and the filter sock. You can use the return pipe to pull up and rotate the filter.

Frequently asked questions