Possible TSB (Flexplate welded on backwords) Specific 2017 production Vin#'s

I've written about my starter issue without anyone having similar issues. According to Toyota they have identified a list of Vin numbers for the 2017 Tacoma where the Flexplate was welded on backwards. WOW!!!!!!

My starter was changed because of a grinding sound occurring after depressing the push-start button. The button would be depressed again to stop grinding and the starting sequence. The button was depressed again, and most times the truck would start as normal. It was an intermitten problem, which took them a month to replicate.

The starter was replaced and the same issue still existed. I contacted Toyota and they have documented this occurring on other Tacoma's. The Toyota Service Rep says the flexplate was welded on backwards during production. Wow again!

I haven't seen anyone post anything similar, the Toyota Rep says it's an issue isolated to certain Vin numbers. If you've experienced this please post.

Additionally, does anyone know if this will be a TSB with letters sent out to those specific identified Vin #'s??

Thanks for all of your information on this forum! Please post a reply if you think you're experiencing something similar. (android auto-correct is awful)

 

TSBs don't get letters sent out to owners, only recalls do.

 

Roger, thank you!! Do you think this will be a recall?

 

Was your truck a Mexico build or a Texas build? First digit in the VIN should tell you "5" = Texas and "3" = Mexico

 

Not sure. I'll get back with you on this one.

 

The sticker on the drivers door frame will give the location also.

 

It's a 3, Mexico build.

 

The Texas and Mexico plants are only where the final assembly for the truck takes place. This fuckup happened in Alabama where all the V6s are made (assuming OP has a V6).

 

Roger that! V6

 

My apologies, but I am not 100% clear where this flexplate is installed. Is it on the frame or the engine. I was assuming the frame and that it is interfering with the starter? But then, the frames themselves wouldn't be dependent on the final assembly location either, right?

 

It's bolted to the crank and mates the torque converter to the motor.

 

The Flexplate goes with an Automatic transmission in place of the Flywheel on a Manual.

 

Gracias! That clears it all up.

 

So another win for the manuals.

 

That ^^^

 

Toyota rep got it finished in one day. I'm back on the road. If anyone is experiencing a similar issue take it in and have them fix that drv plate assembly. Can any Toyota mechanics explain what is on this invoice? Thanks!!

 

When you press the start button the electric starter motor has a small gear on it that engages with a big gear (flexplate/flywheel) that's attached to your engine. This spins your engine and that's what starts it.

Just like it says they dropped your transmission to look at the flexplate, the gear teeth were chewed up and it was deformed, they replaced the flexplate and reused your old starter. The mechanic got paid for 5.1 hours of work. I'd be pretty confident they fixed your problem for good.

I'm a little unclear if that means for your long-term starter durability since it was probably chewed up as well and they threw your old one right back in. But starters are cheap and easy.

 

Look closer. They replaced the starter too. It's that part number 28100-31160 there on the list.

 

Something this cleared up was a constant tick while idling. I don't know if the defective flex-plate was the cause of the ticking, but it certainly is gone now.

 

Are you sure it's not the the injectors making that tick noise. Sounds like Diesel engine clatter.