This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with a 1.8L I4 engine and automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part or equivalent
• Flexplate bolts (if not reusable) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front engine mount (if worn) × 1 — Inspect during procedure
• Rear crankshaft seal (recommend replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheels for access to subframe and steering components
5. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
6. Mark hood hinge positions and remove hood for better access (optional but recommended)
7. Drain transmission fluid completely into appropriate drain pan
8. Remove air intake assembly and air filter box
9. Disconnect battery positive terminal and remove battery and battery tray for workspace

Procedure

1. 1

   Install engine support and prepare for transmission removal
   Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach overhead hoist with load leveler to engine lifting points. Ensure engine is securely supported before proceeding. Remove transmission dipstick tube. Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including vehicle speed sensor, shift solenoids, and temperature sensor.
2. 2

   Disconnect cooling and shift control components
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using line wrench to prevent damage. Cap open fittings immediately to prevent contamination. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket. Remove starter motor by disconnecting electrical connections and removing mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front subframe and axle shafts
   Disconnect lower control arms from steering knuckles. Remove front sway bar end links. Support subframe with floor jack and remove subframe mounting bolts. Carefully lower subframe assembly. Remove both front axle shafts from transmission by prying with appropriate lever. Support axle shafts with wire to prevent CV joint damage.
   ⚠Do not overextend axle shafts or CV joints may be damaged. Support weight of shafts after removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect engine-to-transmission connections
   Remove ground cables from transmission bell housing. Disconnect wiring harness clips and brackets from transmission. Remove any remaining sensor connections. Identify and mark all transmission mounting bolt locations as they may be different lengths.
5. 5

   Support transmission and remove mounts
   Position transmission jack with adapter under transmission oil pan. Secure transmission to jack with safety chain or strap. Remove rear transmission mount and crossmember bolts, then remove crossmember. Remove left side transmission mount. Ensure transmission weight is fully supported on jack.
   ⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 150 lbs. Ensure jack is rated for this weight and transmission is securely strapped before removing mount bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access and mark torque converter
   Through lower inspection opening or by rotating engine crankshaft, access torque converter bolts. Using paint pen or marker, mark the relationship between torque converter and flexplate for reassembly reference. This maintains rotational balance. Rotate crankshaft with breaker bar on crankshaft pulley bolt to access all torque converter bolts.
7. 7

   Remove torque converter bolts
   Hold flexplate stationary using flywheel holding tool or large pry bar wedged against ring gear teeth (ensure tool contacts strong structural member). Remove all torque converter to flexplate bolts, rotating crankshaft as needed to access each bolt. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   ⚠Verify you are removing torque converter bolts, not flexplate to crankshaft bolts. Removing wrong bolts can cause flexplate to fall.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove transmission from engine
   Remove all transmission to engine mounting bolts. Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Ensure torque converter stays with transmission and does not fall out. If converter starts to slide forward, secure with wire or strap. Once clear of dowel pins, lower transmission and remove from under vehicle.
   ⚠Keep torque converter pushed fully into transmission bell housing during removal. If it slides out, transmission front pump may be damaged during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove flexplate from crankshaft
   Using flywheel holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation, remove all flexplate to crankshaft bolts in a cross pattern. Note the orientation of flexplate relative to crankshaft (some have offset bolt holes). Remove flexplate and inspect for cracks, especially around bolt holes and near ring gear. Inspect rear main seal for leaks and replace if necessary.
   ℹ️Flexplate bolt holes may not be evenly spaced. Mark orientation before removal or note alignment marks on flexplate.
   Torque spec

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

    Inspect and prepare mating surfaces
    Inspect crankshaft flange for damage, cracks, or excessive runout. Clean crankshaft flange and bolt holes thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect new flexplate for shipping damage. Verify flexplate ring gear teeth are not damaged. Check that bolt holes align properly with crankshaft. If replacing rear main seal, do so now before flexplate installation.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Position new flexplate onto crankshaft flange in correct orientation (match marks or note offset bolt pattern). Install all flexplate bolts finger-tight initially. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads per service manual specification. Using flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation, torque flexplate bolts in proper sequence as specified in Toyota service manual. Follow cross-pattern sequence to ensure even clamping pressure.
    ⚠Flexplate bolt tightening sequence is critical. Consult service manual for exact pattern. Improper sequence can warp flexplate or damage crankshaft flange.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall transmission
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission (should feel 2-3 distinct clicks when pushed in, with approximately 1 inch of space between converter and bell housing face). Apply small amount of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot. Raise transmission into position using transmission jack. Align transmission with engine dowel pins and carefully push transmission onto engine. Install all transmission to engine bolts and torque in proper sequence.
    ⚠️Verify torque converter is fully engaged in transmission pump before bolting transmission to engine. Partially seated converter will cause pump failure when bolts are tightened.
    Torque spec

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

    Install torque converter bolts and remaining components
    Align torque converter with flexplate using alignment marks made during disassembly. Rotate crankshaft to access bolt holes. Install torque converter bolts and torque in proper sequence per service manual. Reinstall transmission mounts and crossmember. Install left side mount. Torque all mount bolts to specification. Remove transmission jack once all mounts are secure.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall subframe and axle assemblies
    Install new circlips on axle shaft ends. Insert axle shafts into transmission until circlips engage (should hear/feel click). Raise front subframe into position and install mounting bolts. Reconnect lower control arms and sway bar end links. Torque all fasteners to specification. Reconnect steering components if disconnected.
15. 15

    Reconnect electrical and cooling systems
    Reinstall starter motor and torque mounting bolts. Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors including sensors, solenoids, and ground cables. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and torque fittings properly. Reinstall shift cable and adjust as needed. Install transmission dipstick tube. Reinstall air intake assembly and battery tray/battery. Reconnect battery terminals.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Fill transmission with correct quantity of Toyota WS ATF through dipstick tube
2. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
3. Reinstall engine under covers and splash shields
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands
5. Reinstall hood if removed, aligning with marks made during removal

Verification

• With engine off and parking brake engaged, verify transmission shifts through all gear positions (P, R, N, D, L)
• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature while checking for fluid leaks around transmission bell housing and cooler lines
• Check transmission fluid level with engine running and transmission in Park on level ground. Add fluid as necessary
• Perform test drive through all gears, verifying smooth shifting and no abnormal noises or vibrations
• Listen for any unusual noises from flexplate area during acceleration and deceleration
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Inspect all work areas for fluid leaks after test drive, particularly at torque converter area
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster

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