2013 Scion tC Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Fail-Safe Chart

If any of the following DTCs are stored, the ECM enters fail-safe mode to allow the vehicle to be driven temporarily.

DTC Component Fail-Safe Operation Fail-Safe Deactivation Condition
P0011, P0015 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System
  • Idle up (control of combustion worsening)
  • Stopping fuel cut control
 Pass condition detected
P0031, P0032 and P101D Air Fuel Ratio Sensor Heater ECM turns off the air fuel ratio sensor heater. Ignition switch off
P0037, P0038 and P102D Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater ECM turns off the heated oxygen sensor heater. Ignition switch off
P0102 and P0103 Mass Air Flow Meter Sub-assembly ECM calculates the ignition timing according to the engine speed and throttle valve position. Pass condition detected
P0112 and P0113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor ECM estimates the intake air temperature to be 20°C (68°F). Pass condition detected
P0115, P0117 and P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor ECM estimates the engine coolant temperature to be 80°C (176°F). Pass condition detected
P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0220, P0222, P0223, P0604, P0606, P060A, P060B, P060D, P060E, P0657, P2102, P2103, P2111, P2112, P2118, P2119 and P2135 Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) ECM cuts off the throttle actuator current and the throttle valve returns to a throttle position of 6° by the return spring.
The ECM then adjusts the engine output by controlling the fuel injection (intermittent fuel-cut) and ignition timing in accordance with the accelerator pedal position to allow the vehicle to continue at minimal speed.*1		 Pass condition detected and then ignition switch turned off
P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 and P0304*2
  • Fuel Injector Assembly
  • Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS)
 When a catalyst-damaging misfire occurs (MIL blinking), the following fail-safe operation is performed for catalyst overheat malfunction prevention.
  1. Under a low load and at a low engine speed:

    - Fuel cut is performed on the malfunctioning cylinder.

  2. Under a high load and at a high engine speed:

    - Throttle valve opening angle control is performed.

    - Fuel cut is performed on all cylinders or the malfunctioning cylinder.

 Pass condition detected and then ignition switch turned off
P0327 and P0328 Knock Sensor ECM sets the ignition timing to maximum retard. Ignition switch off
P0351 to P0354 Igniter ECM cuts the fuel. Pass condition detected
P0504 Stop Light Switch Assembly Accelerator pedal angle is fixed. Pass condition detected
P2120, P2121, P2122, P2123, P2125, P2127, P2128 and P2138 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Assembly Accelerator pedal position sensor has 2 sensor circuits: Main and Sub.
If either circuit malfunctions, the ECM controls the engine using the other circuit.
If both circuits malfunction, the ECM regards the accelerator pedal as being released. As a result, the throttle valve closes and the engine idles.		 Pass condition detected and then ignition switch turned off
P2237, P2238, P2239, P2252 and P2253 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor
  • Air-fuel ratio feedback control is stopped.
  • Current to the air fuel ratio sensor heater is cut.
 Pass condition detected and then ignition switch turned off

HINT: 

  • *1: The vehicle can be driven slowly when the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly and slowly. If the accelerator pedal is depressed quickly, the vehicle may speed up and slow down erratically.
  • *2: Misfire related fail-safe operations occur when catalyst overheat malfunctions occur.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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