Flexplate

Remove and replace the flexplate on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, requiring transmission removal and torque converter separation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts × 8 — Use OEM specification - Replace with new
• Torque converter seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission gasket/seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust gaskets × 1 — Replace as needed

Fluids

• ZF Lifeguard 8 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Verify replacement flexplate part number matches original application
2. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and lift is properly positioned
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover and undertray panels
5. Raise vehicle to comfortable working height and secure on lift
6. Drain transmission fluid into appropriate container (approximate 10 quarts)
7. Install engine support fixture or attach hoist to secure engine independently

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust system components
   Disconnect exhaust system from catalytic converters rearward. Remove exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system to provide clearance for transmission removal. On AWD models, this step is critical for driveshaft access.
2. 2

   Disconnect driveshaft and remove heat shields
   Mark driveshaft-to-differential flange position with paint or marker for reinstallation alignment. Remove driveshaft mounting bolts and carefully lower driveshaft. Remove transmission heat shields and any protective covers securing transmission bellhousing area.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections and shift linkage
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including speed sensors, range selector, and solenoid harnesses. Label each connector for reinstallation. Disconnect shift linkage and secure away from work area. Remove starter motor if it obstructs transmission access.
   ⚠Photograph connector locations before removal. Incorrect reconnection will cause transmission faults and potential damage.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove transmission crossmember and support transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with wooden block to distribute load. Secure transmission to jack with safety strap. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts. Slightly lower transmission to access upper bellhousing bolts while maintaining engine support.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access and mark torque converter position
   Through starter motor opening or lower bellhousing access, rotate crankshaft to access torque converter bolts. Mark torque converter position relative to flexplate with paint marker at three points around circumference. This maintains rotational balance.
   ⚠Rotate engine only by crankshaft bolt, never by accessories. Mark converter-to-flexplate orientation to prevent balance issues.
6. 6

   Remove torque converter mounting bolts
   Working through access opening, remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts while rotating crankshaft to access each bolt position. There are typically 6-8 bolts. Keep bolts organized for inspection and potential reuse per service manual recommendation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission-to-engine mounting bolts
   Remove all transmission bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. Note bolt lengths and positions as they vary. Some upper bolts may require extension and universal joint socket. Verify all bolts are removed before attempting separation.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission is securely supported on jack before removing final bellhousing bolts. Transmission can shift suddenly during separation.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate and remove transmission
   Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine to disengage torque converter from flexplate and transmission input shaft from pilot bearing. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding out. Lower transmission on jack and remove from under vehicle. Place torque converter holder or wire to prevent converter from sliding out during storage.
9. 9

   Lock crankshaft and remove flexplate bolts
   Install flywheel holding tool or lock crankshaft using appropriate method. Remove all flexplate mounting bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center in star pattern if sequence unknown). Remove flexplate from crankshaft, noting any shims or spacers behind flexplate.
   ⚠Keep any shims or spacers with old flexplate. These set critical crankshaft endplay and must be reinstalled in exact position.
   Torque spec

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

    Inspect components and prepare for installation
    Inspect crankshaft flange for damage, cracks, or wear. Check runout with dial indicator if available (should be less than 0.010 inch). Inspect torque converter pilot for wear. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Ensure crankshaft bolt holes are clean and dry. Inspect new flexplate for shipping damage and verify correct part number.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Position any shims or spacers that were removed onto crankshaft flange. Align new flexplate onto crankshaft ensuring correct orientation (torque converter side faces transmission). Install NEW flexplate bolts with medium-strength thread locking compound. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque in proper sequence per service manual (typically star pattern from center outward) to specification.
    ⚠️Always use new flexplate bolts. Reused bolts can stretch and fail, causing catastrophic engine and transmission damage. Verify tightening sequence with service manual before torquing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall transmission assembly
    Apply thin coat of high-temperature grease to torque converter pilot. Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should be recessed approximately 1 inch from bellhousing face). Position transmission on jack and carefully raise into position. Align transmission with engine block dowel pins. Push transmission forward ensuring torque converter hub engages flexplate center properly. Install and hand-tighten all bellhousing bolts, then torque to specification in sequence per service manual.
    ⚠Verify torque converter is fully seated before mating transmission. Improper seating will prevent proper bolt installation and cause pump failure.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install torque converter bolts and reconnect components
    Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter with flexplate bolt holes, matching marks made during disassembly. Apply thread locking compound to torque converter bolt threads. Install and torque all torque converter bolts to specification per service manual sequence. Reinstall transmission crossmember and torque mounting bolts. Reconnect shift linkage, electrical connectors, and all sensors to proper locations using reference photos.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall driveshaft and exhaust system
    Align driveshaft to differential flange using alignment marks made during removal. Install and torque driveshaft bolts to specification. Reinstall exhaust system components, heat shields, and protective covers. Install new exhaust gaskets where applicable and torque mounting hardware.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill transmission and final checks
    Install undertray and engine covers. Reconnect battery negative cable. Fill transmission with ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid to proper level (approximately 10 quarts - verify with dipstick or level plug per service manual). Start engine and cycle through all gear positions while stationary. Check for leaks around bellhousing and all connection points. Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and adjust as needed.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values using proper sequences where indicated
2. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
3. Double-check transmission fluid level after test drive and with transmission at operating temperature
4. Clear any diagnostic codes that may have been set during battery disconnect

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from bellhousing area
• Test drive vehicle through all gears verifying smooth shifting and no vibration
• Check for fluid leaks around transmission bellhousing after test drive
• Verify no check engine or transmission warning lights are illuminated
• Listen for flexplate noise at idle in Park and Neutral (clicking or rattling indicates improper installation)
• Perform final transmission fluid level check with engine at operating temperature and adjust if necessary

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