This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring transmission removal to access the flexplate.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners at frame contact points
4. Remove engine skid plate or belly pan if equipped
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid from drain plug or by removing pan
6. Remove driveshaft and mark orientation for reinstallation (matchmark yoke and flange)
7. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug to prevent contamination
8. Disconnect shift linkage and electrical connectors from transmission
9. Support engine from above using engine support bar or hoist with load leveler
10. Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at center of transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission crossmember
   Remove the bolts securing the transmission mount to the crossmember, then remove the crossmember mounting bolts. Lower the transmission jack slightly to create working clearance while ensuring engine support is adequate.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect torque converter access
   Locate and remove the torque converter inspection cover on the lower bellhousing. This cover provides access to the torque converter bolts. On 3.5L EcoBoost models, this is typically a stamped steel cover secured with multiple bolts.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove torque converter bolts
   Rotate the crankshaft using a socket on the front crankshaft bolt to access each torque converter bolt through the inspection opening. Mark the torque converter to flexplate orientation with a paint pen before removal. Remove all torque converter bolts while holding the flexplate stationary with a flywheel holding tool.
   ⚠Mark torque converter orientation before removing bolts to ensure proper reassembly balance.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect the starter electrical connections and remove the starter mounting bolts. Remove the starter motor to provide clearance for transmission removal. Set aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Remove all bellhousing bolts securing the transmission to the engine block. There are typically multiple bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note the location and length of each bolt for proper reinstallation.
   ⚠Ensure transmission jack is securely supporting transmission weight before removing final bolts.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate and lower transmission
   Carefully pull the transmission straight back away from the engine to disengage the torque converter from the flexplate and the transmission input shaft from the crankshaft pilot bearing. Keep the transmission level to avoid damaging the torque converter. Once clear, carefully lower the transmission on the jack and roll away from vehicle.
   ⚠️Transmission weighs over 200 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is stable and have assistance during this step.
   ⚠Keep torque converter pushed fully into transmission pump during removal to prevent it from falling out.
7. 7

   Mark flexplate orientation
   Before removing the flexplate, use a paint pen or marker to mark the flexplate position relative to the crankshaft flange. Mark at least two reference points to ensure correct orientation during reinstallation. Flexplates are typically indexed but additional marking ensures proper balance.
   ⚠Flexplate orientation is critical for engine balance. Clear orientation marks prevent installation errors.
8. 8

   Remove flexplate bolts
   Using a flywheel holding tool or large pry bar wedged against the ring gear to prevent rotation, remove all flexplate mounting bolts in a cross pattern. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, there are typically 8 bolts securing the flexplate to the crankshaft flange.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove and inspect flexplate
   Carefully remove the flexplate from the crankshaft. Inspect the flexplate for cracks, heat damage, missing teeth on the ring gear, or warping. Inspect the crankshaft flange and dowel pins for damage. Clean the crankshaft flange thoroughly with a clean rag to remove any oil or debris.
   ℹ️Common flexplate failure signs include cracks radiating from bolt holes, heat discoloration, or damaged ring gear teeth.
10. 10

    Install new flexplate
    Align the new flexplate with the crankshaft flange using the dowel pins and orientation marks made during disassembly. Ensure the flexplate is fully seated against the flange. Install all flexplate bolts hand-tight first, then torque in a cross pattern per factory service manual sequence to ensure even clamping force.
    ⚠Verify bolt tightening sequence with factory service manual. Improper sequence can cause flexplate warping or cracking.
    Torque spec

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify flexplate installation
    After torquing all flexplate bolts, rotate the crankshaft by hand at least two complete revolutions to verify smooth rotation and ensure the flexplate is not contacting any surrounding components. Check for any unusual resistance or noise.
    ℹ️Any binding or unusual resistance indicates improper installation or damaged components.
12. 12

    Prepare for transmission installation
    Verify the torque converter is fully seated in the transmission pump. It should be recessed approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch behind the bellhousing face. Apply a small amount of high-temp grease to the crankshaft pilot bearing and torque converter hub. Position the transmission on the jack and raise to alignment height.
    ⚠Torque converter must be fully engaged in pump before installation. Partially seated converter will damage pump during bolt tightening.
13. 13

    Install transmission to engine
    Carefully align the transmission with the engine, ensuring the torque converter hub engages the crankshaft and the input shaft enters the pilot bearing. Align the dowel pins and push the transmission forward until the bellhousing contacts the engine block. Install all transmission-to-engine bolts and torque per factory service manual sequence.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install torque converter bolts
    Align the torque converter with the flexplate using the orientation marks made during disassembly. Rotate the crankshaft to access each bolt hole through the inspection opening. Install and torque all torque converter bolts per factory service manual sequence, using the flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation.
    ⚠Verify bolt tightening sequence with factory service manual to ensure proper torque converter to flexplate engagement.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall inspection cover and starter
    Install the torque converter inspection cover and torque the cover bolts. Reinstall the starter motor, ensuring proper engagement with the ring gear, and torque mounting bolts. Reconnect starter electrical connections.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall transmission crossmember and torque all mounting bolts to specification
2. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and ensure proper routing and secure connections
3. Reconnect shift linkage and all electrical connectors to transmission
4. Reinstall driveshaft using matchmarks made during removal and torque all fasteners
5. Reinstall engine skid plate or belly pan if equipped
6. Fill transmission with Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF to proper level (approximately 13 quarts total capacity, verify with dipstick)
7. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from flexplate or transmission area
• With engine at normal operating temperature, check transmission fluid level with engine running in Park on level ground and adjust as necessary
• Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges and verify smooth shifting with no slipping, vibration, or abnormal noises
• Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks from transmission, cooler lines, or drain plug
• After test drive, recheck transmission fluid level and top off if needed
• Verify no check engine lights or transmission fault codes using scan tool

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