Buy Scion tC Headlight Assembly

Snapshot

The Scion tC headlight-also called a headlamp assembly or front lamp-fits two generations (model years 2005-2010 and 2011-2016). It uses halogen bulbs from the factory, but the housing accepts safe LED or HID upgrades when done to U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 rules for brightness and aim. Typical bulb sizes are H11 or 9006 for low beam and 9005 for high beam on first-gen cars, while many facelift second-gen cars switch the low beam to a single 9012 bulb. The shell is molded from UV-coated polycarbonate, so it can cloud or trap moisture over time. Keeping the lens clean, sealing hidden vents, and aiming the beam correctly prevent glare, improve night vision, and keep you legal. (Wikipedia, Car Bulb Guide, AUXITO, eCFR)

Fitment

• First generation (2005-2010) uses a three-bolt lamp housing and a reflector low beam. The bumper must be loosened for one hidden bolt. (Scion Life)
• Second generation (2011-2016) gains a projector lens and refresh in 2014 with LED running-light strips. Mounting points differ, so choose the right assembly by year. (Wikipedia)

Bulb Types

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*2008 is a split year-check for projector lens. Data from independent bulb charts → size guide and reference table. (AUXITO, Car Bulb Guide)

Assembly Design

• Lens material: UV-coated polycarbonate is light and shatter-resistant but can haze over time. (Wikipedia)
• Vent system: Two one-way vents let air flow; blocked or missing caps lead to condensation. Normal "fog" burns off in 30 minutes of headlamp heat, says an industry bulletin. (NHTSA)
• Water leaks: Beading water that stays after driving points to a cracked seal-reseal with RTV or replace the lamp. Owners report success after baking and resealing the housing. (Reddit, YouTube)
• Cleaning lens: Mild polish removes light haze; deeper oxidation needs a restoration kit plus fresh UV clear coat. (Car and Driver, Wikipedia)

Legal Rules

• Aim & glare: U.S. law (FMVSS 108) limits beam height and intensity. Mis-aimed lamps can lead to a ticket and blind oncoming drivers. See the federal lighting rules.
• State inspection: Many states check headlamp aim at annual inspection; use the wall-tape method or a lux meter. (Scion Life)
• Recall search: Always run your VIN through the free NHTSA recall tool after buying a used lamp assembly.

Install Steps

1. Open hood; take out six top plastic clips that hold the bumper cover. (Reddit)
2. Remove wheel-well screws; peel the bumper forward to expose the hidden 10 mm lamp bolt. (Scion Life)
3. Unplug the wiring harness and pull the headlamp straight out. Video walk-throughs show the exact order. (YouTube, YouTube)
4. Reverse the steps; torque main lamp bolts to 55 in-lb to avoid cracking tabs. (Spec from Toyota repair data.) (Your Scion TC)

Upgrade Ideas

• LED drop-ins: Modern LED bulbs with an inline driver fit the stock H11 or 9005 socket and double lumen output when aimed correctly. Follow the plug-and-play LED guide. (Diode Dynamics)
• Projector retrofits: Some owners install bi-LED projectors inside the housing after baking the lens off; this keeps a sharp cutoff and meets FMVSS requirements when aimed. (YouTube)
• Sequential turn signals: After-market second-gen lamps add LED bars; wiring is plug-in to the factory harness. (Redline360)

Maintenance

• Turn the lamps on for 10 minutes after a car wash to evaporate normal moisture. (toyotaofkingsport.com)
• Apply a plastic-safe UV sealant twice a year to delay yellowing. (The US Sun)
• Replace bulbs in pairs; aging filaments dim by up to 20 % before they burn out. (Wikipedia)

Troubleshooting

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Safety Tips

• Check aim twice a year-one finger-width drop every two feet on a garage wall keeps glare away. (Scion Life)
• Wear gloves when swapping bulbs; skin oil shortens halogen life. (Wikipedia)
• Never exceed stock-wattage bulbs; higher heat may melt reflectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What headlight bulb fits a 2007 Scion tC?
A: The low beam uses an H11 halogen, and the high beam uses a 9005 bulb. (Car Bulb Guide)

Q: Do I have to remove the front bumper to change the lamp?
A: You can loosen it and peel it forward; only one hidden bolt sits behind the bumper lip. (Reddit)

Q: How do I aim the headlights at home?
A: Park 25 ft from a wall, measure from ground to bulb center, mark the wall one-inch lower, then turn the 8 mm adjuster until the cutoff sits on that line. (YouTube)

Q: Why is there fog inside my lens after a storm?
A: Small mist is normal condensation that clears as the lamp heats. Drops or puddles mean a leak. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I upgrade to LEDs legally?
A: Yes-choose bulbs that fit the reflector, keep color below 6000 K, and aim per FMVSS 108. (eCFR)

Q: What material is the lens made from?
A: It is clear polycarbonate plastic with a factory UV hard-coat. (Wikipedia)

Q: How do I stop yellow haze?
A: Polish lightly, then apply a UV-resistant sealant twice a year. (Car and Driver)

Q: Are there recalls on Scion tC headlights?
A: There are no open lamp recalls, but check your VIN in the NHTSA database to confirm. (NHTSA)

Q: What is the torque spec for mounting bolts?
A: Tighten main bolts to about 55 in-lb (hand snug with a 1/4-inch ratchet). (Your Scion TC)

Q: My adjuster only moves sideways-what now?
A: You likely turned the horizontal screw; switch to the nearby vertical adjuster. (Reddit)

Q: Is it safe to bake the lamp to open it?
A: Yes, 15 min at 220 °F softens the butyl seal; wear gloves and avoid overheating. (YouTube)

Q: Can I run higher-watt bulbs for more light?
A: Avoid it; excess heat can brown the reflector and melt wiring. (Wikipedia)

Q: How often should bulbs be replaced?
A: Replace halogens every two-to-three years or when output fades about 20 %.

Q: Do headlights need vents?
A: Yes-tiny vents balance pressure and allow moisture to escape; keep caps in place. (NHTSA)

Q: What causes water pooling at the bottom?
A: A cracked lens or missing seal lets rain in; reseal or replace the lamp to avoid short circuits. (NHTSA)