This procedure covers removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts (if reuse not permitted) × 8 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove rear wheels if additional clearance is needed
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work
6. Place drain pan under transmission pan
7. Drain transmission fluid by removing pan bolts gradually, starting from one corner

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driveshaft
   Mark the driveshaft-to-rear axle flange relationship with paint pen for reinstallation alignment. Remove four driveshaft flange bolts. Support driveshaft and slide rearward to disengage from transmission output shaft. Remove driveshaft and plug transmission output to prevent fluid loss.
2. 2

   Disconnect transmission electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect transmission range selector connector, output shaft speed sensor, and any other electrical connectors on transmission. Label all connectors for reassembly. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug openings to prevent contamination. Remove heat shields if present.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission crossmember and mount
   Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at pan rail. Remove transmission mount-to-crossmember fasteners, then remove crossmember-to-frame bolts. Lower transmission jack slightly and remove crossmember. Keep transmission supported on jack throughout procedure.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission jack is properly positioned and secured before removing crossmember support.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter motor electrical connections. Remove starter mounting bolts and carefully remove starter motor from bellhousing. This provides access to lower transmission-to-engine bolts and torque converter.
5. 5

   Remove torque converter dust cover and mark converter position
   Remove dust cover bolts from lower bellhousing to access torque converter. Mark torque converter-to-flexplate relationship with paint pen. Rotate crankshaft using 22mm socket on front crank bolt to access all torque converter bolts through dust cover opening.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove torque converter bolts
   While holding crankshaft from rotating using flexplate holding tool, remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. Rotate crankshaft as needed to access each bolt. There are typically four bolts. Push torque converter back into transmission bellhousing after bolts are removed.
   ⚠Keep torque converter pushed into transmission during removal to prevent it from falling out and spilling fluid.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Remove all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts. There are typically 6-8 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for proper reinstallation. Support transmission weight on transmission jack before removing final bolts.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Separate and lower transmission
   Carefully slide transmission rearward away from engine, ensuring torque converter remains fully seated in transmission. Move slowly and keep transmission level. Once clear of engine dowel pins, lower transmission jack and remove transmission from under vehicle. Secure torque converter in transmission with wire or strap.
   ⚠️Have assistant guide transmission during removal. Transmission is extremely heavy and awkward to maneuver.
9. 9

   Remove flexplate
   Install flexplate holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation. Remove all eight flexplate-to-crankshaft bolts in a crisscross pattern. Note any shims or spacers present. Carefully remove flexplate from crankshaft flange. Inspect crankshaft flange and rear main seal for damage or leaks.
   ⚠Flexplate bolts may have thread locker applied. Use proper tools to avoid stripping bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Inspect and prepare for installation
    Thoroughly inspect new flexplate for any shipping damage. Clean crankshaft flange with brake cleaner and ensure surface is free of oil, debris, and old thread locker. Inspect crankshaft dowel pins. Compare old and new flexplate to verify correct part. Check that ring gear teeth are undamaged.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Position new flexplate onto crankshaft flange, aligning dowel pin holes. Install flexplate bolts with medium-strength thread locker applied to threads. Hand-tighten all bolts first. Using flexplate holding tool to prevent rotation, torque bolts in a star/crisscross sequence per service manual to specification. Verify flexplate is seated flush against crankshaft flange.
    ⚠Follow correct tightening sequence to prevent flexplate warping. Sequence is critical for proper installation.
    Torque spec

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should be recessed approximately 1/2 inch from bellhousing face). Apply small amount of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot. Raise transmission on jack and carefully guide into position, aligning with engine dowel pins. Slide transmission forward until fully seated against engine block.
    ⚠Do not force transmission. If resistance is felt, verify torque converter is seated and alignment is correct.
13. 13

    Install transmission-to-engine bolts and torque converter bolts
    Install all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts in their original locations. Torque in sequence per service manual. Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter with flexplate, matching marks made during disassembly. Install torque converter bolts and torque in sequence. Rotate crankshaft to verify smooth rotation with no binding.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall remaining components
    Install torque converter dust cover and torque bolts. Reinstall starter motor and electrical connections. Install transmission crossmember and mount, torque all fasteners. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and all electrical connectors. Install driveshaft, aligning marks made during removal. Install new transmission filter and pan with new gasket.
    ℹ️Replace transmission pan gasket and filter since transmission was already drained.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)

    Gasket Bolts25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill transmission and final checks
    Lower vehicle. Fill transmission with Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through dipstick tube (approximately 6 quarts initially). Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Check for leaks at all connection points. With engine running and parking brake applied, shift through all gear ranges and return to Park. Check fluid level with engine at operating temperature and add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all torque converter bolts are properly torqued in correct sequence before final verification
2. Verify torque converter is fully engaged in transmission pump before mating transmission to engine
3. Double-check all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured
4. Verify driveshaft alignment marks match to maintain driveline balance

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from bellhousing area
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth engagement in all gears with no slipping or harsh shifts
• Verify no transmission fluid leaks at pan, cooler lines, or rear main seal area after test drive
• Confirm transmission fluid level is correct after reaching operating temperature
• Listen for proper starter engagement with no grinding or unusual sounds

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