This procedure covers removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine, requiring transmission removal to access the flexplate bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts × 8 — Use OEM specification - typically one-time-use
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transfer case gasket/sealant × 1 — Mopar RTV or equivalent

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 10 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 rails
4. Remove skid plates if equipped
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain ATF+4 fluid
6. Mark driveshaft-to-yoke positions with paint pen for reinstallation alignment
7. Remove rear driveshaft and front driveshaft
8. Disconnect shift linkage and electrical connectors from transmission
9. Support engine with support fixture or bar across engine bay
10. Position transmission jack under transmission pan with securing straps

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transfer case from transmission
   Disconnect transfer case linkage and remove transfer case mounting bolts. Separate transfer case from transmission adapter. Note position of any brackets or spacers for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines and wiring
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission (catch any residual fluid). Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including range sensor, solenoid pack, and speed sensors. Label connectors if necessary.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission crossmember
   Support transmission weight with transmission jack. Remove crossmember mounting bolts and lower crossmember away from transmission. Ensure transmission is securely supported before proceeding.
   ⚠Verify transmission jack is centered and secure before removing crossmember support.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove torque converter access cover
   Remove the lower dust cover/inspection cover bolts from the transmission bellhousing. This cover provides access to torque converter bolts. Retain all fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove torque converter to flexplate bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using breaker bar on front crank bolt to access all torque converter bolts through access hole. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. Push torque converter back into transmission and secure with wire or strap to prevent it from sliding out during removal.
6. 6

   Remove transmission bellhousing bolts
   Remove all transmission bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. Note location of different length bolts and any brackets attached. Verify torque converter is secure and will not fall out.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate and lower transmission
   Carefully slide transmission rearward to disengage from engine dowel pins. Ensure torque converter remains in transmission. Once clear of crankshaft, carefully lower transmission using transmission jack. Have assistant guide transmission to avoid damage.
   ⚠️Control transmission descent carefully. Transmission weight shifts as it is lowered.
8. 8

   Mark flexplate orientation
   Before removing flexplate, use paint pen or marker to mark the flexplate position relative to crankshaft flange. Note position of any weight or balance marks. This maintains engine balance during reassembly.
   ⚠Failure to maintain flexplate orientation may cause engine vibration.
9. 9

   Remove flexplate bolts
   Use flywheel holding tool or wedge large prybar between flexplate teeth and bellhousing to prevent rotation. Remove all flexplate mounting bolts in a star pattern. Flexplate bolts are typically one-time-use and should be replaced.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove and inspect flexplate
    Remove flexplate from crankshaft. Inspect crankshaft flange for cracks, wear, or damage. Clean crankshaft flange thoroughly with wire brush and solvent. Inspect for any oil leaks from rear main seal. Inspect starter ring gear area of old flexplate to confirm damage pattern matches symptoms.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Align new flexplate to crankshaft flange using alignment marks made during removal. Verify flexplate is fully seated against crankshaft flange. Install NEW flexplate bolts finger-tight in star pattern. Ensure all bolt holes align properly before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque flexplate bolts
    Using flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation, torque all flexplate mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern across the bolt circle. Make at least two passes, first to 50% torque, then to final torque specification of 54 Nm (40 lb-ft).
    ⚠Use star pattern and multiple passes to ensure even clamping and prevent flexplate warping.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission (should be recessed approximately 1/2 inch from bellhousing face). Raise transmission into position using transmission jack. Align with engine dowel pins and carefully slide transmission forward onto crankshaft. Verify torque converter hub engages with crankshaft properly.
14. 14

    Install bellhousing and torque converter bolts
    Install all transmission bellhousing bolts and torque to specification. Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Install all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts and torque to specification. Install dust cover.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install transmission crossmember and torque mounting bolts to specification
2. Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors ensuring proper seating
3. Reconnect transmission cooler lines with new O-rings if applicable
4. Install transfer case with new gasket or sealant, torque mounting bolts to specification
5. Reconnect shift linkage and adjust as necessary
6. Install driveshafts aligning marks made during disassembly
7. Install skid plates if equipped
8. Remove engine support fixture
9. Refill transmission with 10 quarts Mopar ATF+4 through fill tube
10. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises or vibrations from flexplate area
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature in Park on level surface
• Cycle transmission through all gear ranges and verify proper shifting
• Verify no fluid leaks from transmission, transfer case, or driveshaft connections
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth operation with no vibration at all speeds
• Recheck all mounting bolts for proper torque after test drive
• Verify starter engages properly without grinding noise

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