Drive Plate
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bolt (8 off) |
| 2 | Drive plate |
| 3 | Reluctor ring |
| 4 | Crankshaft |
| 5 | Alignment dowel - Drive plate |
The drive plate is used for automatic transmissions only. The drive plate is located at the rear of the crankshaft. A dowel in the crankshaft ensures that the drive plate is indexed correctly.
The drive plate has three functions:
- To transfer drive from the crankshaft to the transmission
- To transfer drive from the starter motor to the crankshaft
- To provide the engine management system with crankshaft speed and position via a reluctor ring and a Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
The drive plate is a fabrication, which comprises a formed steel starter ring gear which is attached to the drive plate and reluctor ring. The two components are held together as one assembly by a form of clinching known as Tog-L-Loc®.
Eight sealant patched bolts secure the drive plate or dual mass flywheel to the crankshaft. The bolts can only be used once and must be replaced if removed. Before replacement bolts are used, the holes must be dry and free from oil.
Four holes in the drive plate provide for the attachment of the automatic transmission torque converter to transfer drive from the crankshaft to the automatic transmission.
The reluctor ring has 58 teeth with 2 teeth missing to provide a gap. The CKP sensor is located in the lower timing chain cover and measures rotational speed and position as the reluctor ring rotates.
The reluctor ring has a service tool slot used during engine service procedures. The drive plate incorporates a steel starter ring gear which enables the starter motor to start the engine.