I searched in the forums and I didn't find any previous postings of this type, so I apologize if I am duplicating efforts.

My tC JUST got over the 36,000 mile mark (now its past warranty) and my first problem came up at 36,001 - I literally watched the odometer when the problem happened.

My 07 tC is having a problem with the AC Head Unit control panel - the lights flicker on and off. Sometimes if I nudge the panel with my finger or press a few AC buttons, the lights will return, but will go out again. Now, when I drive at night, they just don't come on at all. When I say lights, I am talking about the:

Clock light
the little amber ones on the AC and Recirc and defrost buttons
even the red and blue temperature control ones don't light up!

Only the airbag light is working normally on that panel.

I am guessing this is a loose wire issue. Had it been a fuse, it wouldn't flicker. How can I correct this problem? Since its an 07, I'm guessing I still have a few more years on the battery. I'm out of free dealer visitations, so I am left with DIY or a very expensive and time consuming diagnostic test.

Thanks everyone!

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=157591

it's an ongoing problem for the 07s. don't know why. but read here^ and you may get your answer.

 

soldering issue

 

you need to go and get the unit replaced... it is a known issue and if the dealership won't do it under warranty... you need to bring it up higher.

 

Thanks for this - this exactly explains my problem. I shoulda typed in HVAC Instead. Thanks!

 

with such a known problem like this. I think there is a TSB on it. I doubt with 1 mile over the ODO would they ignore ya, you got the proof in the TSB!

 

One more other thing - anyone in the east bay able to help me out? PM me please! Also, what does TSB mean?

 

sorry.. TSB = Technical Service Bulletin, known problems with a car and how to fix them. Toyota has them for the tC, I think there was one issued about this HVAC display issue.

 

east bay...? what city are you in specifically?

 

I can see you're 408...i'm a 510 kid. Alameda. Do you have a solution?

 

tsb stands for technical service bulletin. in short, it's a list of service that are found on our toyota/scion that are known to have problems... like for example, the radio door squeaking. i believe tsb are only created if there is a certain amount of complaints. it may affect only some vehicles.

versus a recall, which is a saftey issue, for example, the absence of a wind deflector shield (whatever you call it), which may cause your sunroof to shatter upon contact with flying debris. it can be fixed whether you're under warranty or not and affects a certain number of cars in production. you usually receive a letter if your vin number falls in their range.

as far as tsb... you'll have to figure it out for youself since not all cars are affected by the problem.

 

I tried googling "toyota technical service bulletin" but i didn't get any websites that were a legit Toyota or Scion site. Where are you finding these offical Toyota TSB's?

 

i don't know if it has to be legit or not. but something like this will work:

http://www.alldatadiy.com/TSB/87/07870302.html

i think you just go into your dealer and tell them the tsb #.

 

Ahh, I see. Thanks for answering my questions. But I don't see the TSB for the HVAC lights problem on the link you provided. Is it coupled with another problem?

 

maybe cuz it only happens on 07 tc's, especially early production of 07's. mine is one of them too, it's been 1yr 8months and it haven't happened on mine but I think mine will go out oneday.

 

hasn't happened on mine yet either. I got an older 07 tho.

 

i don't think there is a tsb on that unfortunately (i don't know why.) your best bet would be to go to the dealer and ask them nicely that you car is a few miles over warranty and if they could fix your hvac for you. if not, then try and find another hvac that's not an 07. it should be straight plug and play. just a single harness on the back.

 

the solution is to replace it... it's the only thing you can do... if a dealership isn't cooperative... find another one.. cause they are supposed to replace it.

if you have issues.. talk to me. a dealership down in my direction knows what's up and he'll take care of it.

also.. only '07+ hvacs will work with '07+ cars... cause an '05-'06 one will not work with your car.

 

oh no tsb? and here i thought there was. but as you can tell it's a KNOWN issue.

Yeah SquallLHeart can hook you up with a dealer who knows about it, might be worth a drive just to fix it the right way!

 

oh... oops... didn't know that. thanks for correcting me.