2016 flex plate keeps breaking

[Bc48878]

I have a 2016 explorer XLT 2.3 fwd. I purchased this with 130k on it. The dealer replaced the torque converter at purchase. In less than 1 year we are now at 156k and the flex plate has been replaced 4 times as it keeps busting out the center. All parts have been purchased from Ford. The alignment pins are all in tact. No mods have been done. It was shifting hard between 3/4th gears. Dealer had the transmission re programmed and that helped. The flex plate is now busted again for a 5th time. With less than 1k on the last repair. Nobody can explain why this is happening. The dealership and transmission shop is saying the problem Is the transmission needs replaced. Has anyone else had this issue ? What was the fix?

 

[wollimann]

Nobody can explain why this is happening.

Sorry, cannot explain why, the flexplate issue was normaly related to erlier Explorer models.
If this is your flexplate

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/other-engine-parts/automatic-transmission-flexplate-flywheel-23l-%28at%29-p-jr3z6375a

this one looks similar, unfortunately not for Explorers.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10218899-0001.pdf

They discribe some reason for cracking flexplates, mybe it relates to yours.
I do not think that this issue came from the transmission.
(As i changed my tranny 5R55E the first time i used a new flexplate but the old bolts
without thread locker. The bolts loosen after a while and the flexplate broke.)

But if your flexplate broke five times, there must be some other issues with the starter/torque converter/crankshaft
(if the repair shop do the specs).
Hope you will find out the issue without desperation.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Could be a crankshaft end play or transmission pump issue.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Bc48878.

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Peter