Flex plate bolts - safety

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Dec 5, 2018 | 04:20 PM

Norman Barker

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 1

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Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Flex plate bolts - safety

Hi,

I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee which I usually work on myself but it has been tapping a lot so I am going to look at the flex plate bolts.

Are there any safety concerns in turning the engine over by the flex plate with a screwdriver (apart from knuckles). e.g. could I accidentally start the engine?

Should I

1. Disconnect the battery?
2. Remove the spark plugs

prior to doing this, I would rather not.

Dec 5, 2018 | 05:01 PM

00t444e

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 3,636

Likes: 469

From: Southern OH

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0

You can't accidentally start the engine, unless you have they key on, even then you would have to spin it much quicker than you can with a screwdriver. They make a tool to turn the flexplate/flywheel with but I always use a prybar or screwdriver.

Dec 8, 2018 | 06:43 AM

dave1123

Old fart with a wrench

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 14,398

Likes: 741

From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY

Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo

Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Engine: 4.0L

I second the above.

Dec 8, 2018 | 06:49 PM

wingless

Senior Member

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 818

Likes: 35

Year: 1994

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 5.2L Magnum V8 220hp 285ft-lbs

Note that the inspection described only permits access to inspect the bolts retaining the flex plate to the torque converter.

It is possible for the bolts retaining the flex plate to the crank shaft to loosen. That inspection / repair requires transmission removal.

That problem happened on my ZJ after my assembly following engine / transmission installation. The FSM neglected to specify that thread locker is required on those fasteners.