Flexplate - Improved Design

VOLUME
2

GROUP:
Engine

NUMBER:
003

MODEL:
Sephia

DATE:
September 1999

SUBJECT:
Improved Sephia A/T Flexplate





This bulletin provides information related to a change to the Sephia automatic transmission flexplate. The material thickness of the new flexplate has been increased from 2.0 mm to 3.2 mm effective 5/17/99 production (2000MY).

The purpose of the thickness change is to reduce flexplate deflection during engine cranking. Flexplate deflection can cause a corrupted crank angle sensor signal to the ECM which can result in starter stall and/or hard starting.

The new flexplate can be used as a field fix in 1998 and 1999 vehicles experiencing starter stall and hard starting problems.

* NOTICE
Before replacing flexplate, make certain that other possible sources of hard starting (i.e., battery, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, ground., etc.) have been checked.

INSTALLATION TIPS:
Due to the increased thickness of the flexplate, thread engagement of the torque converter nuts on the torque converter studs is reduced. Therefore, the following procedure must be used when installing the torque converter nuts:

^ Inspect torque converter studs and nuts for any damaged threads. Repair or replace as necessary.

^ Apply Loctite 243 (or equivalent) to torque converter studs and install nuts finger tight to insure they are not cross threaded.

^ Tighten each nut to 20-25 lb ft. DO NOT USE AIR TOOLS.

AFFECTED PRODUCTION RANGE:
1998, 1999 Sephia models equipped with automatic transmission with production dates from 9/1/97 to 5/17/99.





PART NUMBER INFORMATION:





Warranty Claim Information: