It’s common for the 2004 to 2006 Scion xB to have problems like white smoke expelling from the exhaust or high oil consumption. While there’s nothing particularly wrong with the xB or the 1st generation of models, we review the top 5 issues this car is likely to have.
Most Common Scion xB Problems: 1st Generation (2004 to 2006)
1. High Oil Consumption Issues
Symptoms of Oil Consumption Problems
- Smoke out the tail pipe
- Low oil levels
- Ticking noise from the engine
Causes of Excessive Oil Consumption
Not changing the oil at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals can cause oil consumptions problems. The piston rings can wear down, and oil can seep into the combustion chamber. You may also hear a ticking noise, and this can especially be heard when accelerating.
How to Fix Oil Consumption Problems on the 2004 to 2006 Scion xB
You could do multiple oil changes after a thousand miles or so to try can break down carbon deposits on the piston rings.
2. VVT Solenoid Failure
Symptoms of a Bad VVT Solenoid
- Rough running engine
- Check engine light for the VVT solenoid
Causes of VVT Solenoid Failure
The variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid needs to be well lubricated by the oil flowing throughout the system. If the oil level falls low, like, for example, from not changing the oil regularly, the solenoid can fail.
How to Fix a Defective VVT Solenoid
The VVT solenoid is located on the passenger side at the front side of the engine. Check the oil level. If the oil is dirty, change it. Then test drive the car and see if the check engine light disappears. If the oil level is low, look for oil leaks.
If you find no issues with the oil, replace the VVT solenoid.
More on how to diagnose VVT solenoids
3. AC Problems
Symptoms of Problems with the AC on the 1st Gen Scion xB
- AC is not cold enough
Causes of Temperature Settings Not Working
You may notice as you change the temperature settings from hot to cold, the temperature inside the car doesn’t really change. This is usually because a cable connected the HVAC control switch can detach from its mounting point.
How to Fix Temperature Settings Not Working
Remove the center console faceplate. Behind the heat and AC knob, you’ll find a cable. See if the cable has detached. Otherwise there could be another problem with the AC system.
More on how to diagnose the AC system
4. Squealing Rear Brakes
Symptoms of Squealing Rear Brakes
- Grinding or squealing from the rear brakes
Causes of Squealing Rear Brakes
The 2004 to 2006 Scion xB has rear drum brakes. It’s common to find rot and build-up at the ridge of the brake drum. It could hit against the backing plate and make a squeal. You may also find rust and build-up on the brake shoe.
How to Fix Rear Brake Squeal on the 2004 to 2006 Scion xB
Clean off the rust and rot build-up from the rear drum brakes or the brake shoes. Consider replacing them if they’re damaged and can’t be cleaned.
More on how to clean and adjust rear drum brakes
5. White Smoke from Tailpipe
Symptoms of White Smoke from Tailpipe
- White smoke from the tailpipe
- Check engine light
Causes of White Smoke from Tailpipe
The white smoke is from coolant leaking to where it shouldn’t be, and this is usually from a bad head gasket on the 1st gen xB.
How to Fix White Smoke from Tailpipe
Remove the valve cover top and the head to reach the engine block. See if the head gasket is worn or damaged. Replace the head gasket and any other gaskets encountered.
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1st Generation Scion xB Model Years
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