Alright, guys, so you're tackling a transmission removal on your 2012 Scion tC? That's a pretty serious job, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you can totally do it. We're going to walk through each step, making sure you don't miss anything important. Remember, safety first! Always disconnect the battery and use jack stands when working under your car. Let's get started!

Preparing for the Transmission Removal

Before you even think about wrenching, preparation is key. Trust me, a little prep work saves a ton of headaches later on. First, gather all the tools you'll need. You're going to want a good socket set, wrenches, a transmission jack (absolutely essential), jack stands, a floor jack, penetrating oil, and some containers to catch fluids. Also, grab some gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. It’s also a good idea to have a repair manual specific to your 2012 Scion tC handy – it can be a lifesaver for torque specs and diagrams.

Next, disconnect the negative battery cable. This prevents any accidental electrical issues while you're working. Then, safely raise your Scion tC using the floor jack and secure it on jack stands. Make sure the car is stable before you get underneath it. Now, locate the transmission and inspect the area. Take note of all the components connected to it, such as the shift linkage, electrical connectors, and driveshafts. Spray any rusty bolts with penetrating oil to make them easier to remove. Finally, drain the transmission fluid. Locate the drain plug on the transmission pan, place a container underneath, and remove the plug. Let it drain completely before moving on. This step is crucial to avoid a messy spill later. With everything prepped and ready, you’re one step closer to getting that transmission out.

Disconnecting Components

Okay, with the prep work done, it's time to start disconnecting everything that's attached to the transmission. This part needs a delicate touch and attention to detail. Start by disconnecting the shift linkage. This usually involves removing a retaining clip or bolt. Be careful not to damage the linkage, as it can be tricky to replace. Next, disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the transmission. These can include sensors, solenoids, and wiring harnesses. Make sure to label each connector as you remove it, so you know where it goes when you reinstall the transmission. A simple piece of masking tape and a marker work wonders for this.

Now, it's time to disconnect the driveshafts. For a front-wheel-drive car like the Scion tC, this means disconnecting the axles from the transmission. You'll likely need to remove the wheels and disconnect the ball joints or struts to get enough clearance to pull the axles out. Be careful not to damage the axle seals on the transmission. If you do, you'll need to replace them before reinstalling the transmission. With the driveshafts out of the way, you can move on to disconnecting the starter. Remove the bolts holding the starter in place and carefully pull it away from the transmission. Finally, disconnect any other components that might be attached to the transmission, such as the cooler lines (if equipped). Take your time and double-check that everything is disconnected before moving on to the next step. Trust me; you don't want to be fighting with a stubborn component while trying to remove the transmission.

Supporting and Removing the Transmission

Alright, this is where things get interesting. You've disconnected everything, and now it's time to actually remove the transmission. This requires a transmission jack, which is specifically designed to support the weight of the transmission and allow you to lower it safely. Position the transmission jack under the transmission and adjust it so that it's supporting the transmission's weight. Make sure the transmission is stable on the jack before you start removing the transmission mount bolts. These bolts hold the transmission to the car's frame or subframe. Once you've removed the transmission mount bolts, double-check that the transmission is fully supported by the jack. Slowly lower the transmission a few inches and double-check for any remaining connections. Sometimes, there's a hidden wire or hose that you might have missed.

If everything looks clear, continue lowering the transmission gradually. As you lower it, guide it away from the engine. You might need to wiggle it a bit to get it to clear any obstacles. Once the transmission is completely clear of the car, carefully roll it out from under the vehicle. Now, take a moment to inspect the transmission and the surrounding area. Check for any signs of damage or wear. This is a good time to replace the rear main seal on the engine, as it's easily accessible with the transmission removed. Also, inspect the clutch (if it's a manual transmission) and replace it if necessary. With the transmission safely out of the car, you've completed the most challenging part of the job.

Post-Removal Inspection and Preparation

Okay, so you've wrestled that transmission out – nice job! But before you start celebrating, let's take a good look at everything. Inspection time! First, give the transmission itself a thorough once-over. Look for any cracks, leaks, or obvious damage. Check the input shaft for any signs of wear or damage. If you're planning on reinstalling the same transmission, now is the time to address any issues. If you're replacing the transmission, make sure the new one is the correct model and compatible with your 2012 Scion tC.

Next, inspect the engine side of things. As mentioned earlier, this is a prime opportunity to replace the rear main seal. This seal prevents oil leaks from the back of the engine, and it's much easier to replace with the transmission out of the way. Also, check the condition of the flexplate or flywheel. Look for any cracks, wear, or damage to the teeth. If you find any issues, replace the flexplate or flywheel before reinstalling the transmission. Clean the mating surfaces of the engine and transmission. Remove any dirt, grease, or debris that could prevent a good seal. Finally, prepare the new transmission (or the old one, if you're reinstalling it) for installation. Install the torque converter (for automatic transmissions) or the clutch disc and pressure plate (for manual transmissions). Make sure everything is properly aligned and torqued to the correct specifications.

Reinstalling the Transmission

Alright, with everything inspected and prepped, it's time to put that transmission back where it belongs. This part can be a bit tricky, so take your time and be careful not to damage anything. Position the transmission jack under the transmission and adjust it so that the transmission is level and aligned with the engine. Slowly raise the transmission, guiding it into place. You might need to wiggle it a bit to get the input shaft to align with the pilot bearing or torque converter. Once the transmission is flush with the engine, install the transmission mount bolts. Torque them to the correct specifications.

Now, it's time to reconnect all the components you disconnected earlier. Start with the starter, followed by the driveshafts, electrical connectors, and shift linkage. Make sure to refer to your labels and notes to ensure that everything is connected correctly. Double-check all your connections and torque all the bolts to the correct specifications. With everything reconnected, it's time to refill the transmission fluid. Use the correct type of fluid for your 2012 Scion tC and fill it to the proper level. Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Check for any leaks or unusual noises. If everything seems okay, take the car for a test drive. Pay attention to how the transmission shifts and operates. If you notice any problems, address them immediately. Congrats, you've successfully reinstalled the transmission!

Final Checks and Adjustments

Okay, you've got the transmission back in, but we're not quite done yet. Final checks are crucial to ensure everything is running smoothly. After your test drive, park the car on a level surface and check the transmission fluid level again. Make sure it's within the proper range. Also, inspect all the connections you made earlier. Look for any leaks or loose bolts. If you find anything, tighten it up. Check the shift linkage and make sure it's properly adjusted. If the shifting feels sloppy or difficult, you might need to adjust the linkage. Refer to your repair manual for the specific adjustment procedure for your 2012 Scion tC.

Finally, give the entire area a good cleaning. Remove any tools, rags, or debris that you might have left behind. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. You've just completed a major repair on your Scion tC. With these final checks and adjustments, you can be confident that your transmission is properly installed and ready to go. Remember, if you're not comfortable performing any of these steps, it's always best to consult a qualified mechanic. But with a little patience and the right tools, you can tackle this job yourself and save some money. Safe driving, guys!