Buy Scion tC Fuel Tank

Quick Summary

Quick Summary

The Scion tC uses a compact 14.5-gallon gas tank that hides under the rear seat, feeds an in-tank electric pump, and supports the car's evaporative-emissions gear. Early models mostly carried galvanized-steel reservoirs, while later service replacements often switch to lighter, multi-layer HDPE plastic that helps cut fumes. Even though the two Scion tC generations (2005-2010 and 2011-2016) look different, their fuel-storage size, filler-neck routing, and safety layout stay almost the same. Knowing the fitment years, common leak points, removal steps, and environmental rules lets owners tackle jobs from simple gas-cap fixes to full tank swaps with confidence. (Edmunds, Car and Driver, oreillyauto.com, Soarus LLC)

Fitment Years

Fitment Years

• 2005-2010 (tC 1) - First-generation hatchbacks use a 14.5-gal tank stamped from coated steel; Toyota lists part number 77001-21101 for these years. (Edmunds, eBay)
• 2011-2016 (tC 2) - Second-generation cars retain the same 14.5-gal capacity under new part number 77001-21141 and keep the same pump opening diameter, straps, and vent line layout. (Car and Driver, Toyota Parts Deal)

Tank Basics

Tank Basics

• Capacity: 14.5 gallons (about 55 liters) on every U.S. tC. (MotorTrend, Car and Driver)
• Material choices: Factory tanks came in galvanized steel; many aftermarket or updated service tanks are multi-layer plastic (HDPE/EVOH) that weighs less and blocks fuel vapors better. (oreillyauto.com, Soarus LLC)
• Mounting: Two steel straps and a small center bracket secure the petrol reservoir just ahead of the rear axle for crash safety. (Scion Life)

Location & Design

Location & Design

The fuel tank sits flat under the rear floor. A service panel beneath the back seat lets you reach the pump and sending unit without dropping the tank, saving time on most pump swaps. The filler pipe enters on the right-rear quarter and includes a check-valve that works with the charcoal canister to stop splash-back. (youtube.com, Scion Life)

How It Works

How It Works

Inside the tank, a submerged electric pump pushes gasoline at about 42-47 psi through the filter and rail. A float arm talks to the dash gauge, and vent lines route fumes to the canister until the purge valve feeds them to the engine. (Scion Life, OBD-Codes.com)

Common Problems

Common Problems

• Loose or worn gas cap - Often triggers EVAP codes P0441, P0455, or small-leak P0456 and lights the CEL. Tightening the cap until it clicks or installing a fresh OE cap usually clears the light after a few drive cycles. (Reddit)
• Rust or impact dents - Steel tanks can corrode near the straps, leading to seepage. Plastic versions resist rust but can crack if hit by debris. (oreillyauto.com, fireengineering.com)
• Vent valve failure - A stuck purge or vent valve on the charcoal canister sets EVAP codes and may cause slow filling or fuel smell. (OBD-Codes.com, Scion Life)
• Fuel starvation on track days - Hard cornering can uncover the pump pickup if the tank is below ⅜ full, causing sputtering. (Reddit)

Diagnosis & Repair

Diagnosis & Repair

1. Depressurize the system by pulling the fuel-pump fuse and cranking the engine.
2. Access the pump through the cabin hatch for most repairs; drop the tank only when replacing the reservoir itself. (youtube.com, Delphiautoparts)
3. Support the tank, unbolt the two straps, lower it a few inches, then disconnect filler, vent, and return lines. (Scion Life)
4. Inspect the sealing O-ring, rollover valve, and grommets and replace any that look brittle.

Safety & Environment

Safety & Environment

Always drain fuel into an approved metal container before removal. Empty tanks must be purged of vapors, then taken to a licensed household hazardous-waste site or metal recycler; most areas forbid curbside disposal. (US EPA, US EPA)

Performance Upgrades

Performance Upgrades

• High-flow in-tank pumps (255 lph and up) drop in using model-specific kits and keep turbo or supercharged tC engines supplied. (proimporttuners.com)
• Surge mats or swirl pots stick to the tank floor and spread fuel across the pickup to fight starvation during long sweepers. (MotoIQ)
• Flex-fuel builds may need PTFE-lined hoses and ethanol-rated pump seals but fit the same tank shell.

Maintenance Tips

Maintenance Tips

• Keep at least ¼ tank in daily driving so the in-tank pump stays cool and lasts longer. (Scion Life)
• Replace the fuel filter (integrated with the pump) every 100 k miles or if pressure drops below 42 psi. (Scion Life)
• Rinse road salt off the tank straps each winter to slow corrosion.

Part Numbers

Part Numbers

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Disposal & Recycling

Disposal & Recycling

After cleaning, steel tanks can enter normal scrap-metal streams, while plastic tanks are classed as mixed polymers; call your local recycling center first. Never cut or weld a tank that still smells of gasoline-vapors can ignite even when liquid fuel is gone. (US EPA, US EPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Scion tC fuel-tank size?
A: Both generations hold about 14.5 gallons of gasoline. (Car and Driver)

Q: Is the tank made of metal or plastic?
A: Original tanks are galvanized steel, but many replacement units are HDPE plastic with vapor-barrier layers. (oreillyauto.com, Soarus LLC)

Q: Where is the fuel pump located?
A: It sits inside the tank and can be reached through a round service panel under the back seat. (youtube.com)

Q: What fuel pressure should I see at idle?
A: Normal rail pressure is roughly 42-47 psi with the vacuum line connected. (Scion Life)

Q: Why does my check-engine light come on after filling up?
A: A loose or cracked gas cap is the most common cause; tighten it until it clicks and drive a few cycles. (Reddit)

Q: Which trouble codes point to tank or EVAP issues?
A: P0441 (incorrect purge flow), P0455 (large leak), P0456 (small leak), and P2401-P2419 (pump monitor faults) are typical. (OBD-Codes.com)

Q: Can I weld a steel tank to repair a pinhole?
A: No-residual vapors can explode. Replace the tank or have it professionally brazed after certified purging. (US EPA)

Q: How long does it take to drop the tank?
A: With a lift and hand tools, plan on 1½ - 2 hours; driveway jobs may take longer because the exhaust and rear crossmember limit space. (Scion Life)

Q: Will first-gen and second-gen tanks interchange?
A: Mounting points match, but the sender-unit wiring differs; use the correct tank plus its matching pump module. (Toyota Parts Deal)

Q: How can I stop fuel cut-out on track days?
A: Keep the reservoir above ⅜ full or add a surge mat or small surge tank to keep the pickup covered. (Reddit, MotoIQ)

Q: Are there any open recalls for the tC fuel tank?
A: As of today, the NHTSA database shows no active tank-related recalls for the Scion tC, but you can double-check your VIN any time on the official recall lookup site. (NHTSA)

Q: What tools do I need to test fuel pressure?
A: A universal fuel-pressure gauge kit that tees into the supply line will work; expect 0-100 psi range. (JustAnswer)

Q: Can I upgrade to E85?
A: Yes, but you must install ethanol-safe pump internals, PTFE lines, larger injectors, and have the ECU retuned.

Q: How do I dispose of leftover gasoline during tank swaps?
A: Store it in metal DOT-approved safety cans and take it to a household hazardous-waste center-never pour it down drains. (US EPA)

Q: What torque do the strap bolts need?
A: Toyota does not publish a specific value, but tight enough to hold the tank without deforming it; hand-tight plus a quarter-turn is typical. Inspect them every service.