HazBeen
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Please note: This Special Service Message information is being posted in the General Discussion forum to avoid duplicate posts, because the affected vehicles' model years span across the 4th Gen - 2018-2024 and the 5th Gen - 2025 to present forums.
Special Service Message 53878 - 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator, 2021-2025 F-150 Non-Lightning/Non-PowerBoost - Rattle/Scraping Noise At Startup
Some 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator and 2021-2025 F-150 non-Lightning/non-PowerBoost vehicles may exhibit a rattle/scraping noise from the bellhousing area on start-up. This may be due to the torque converter studs contacting the engine to transmission spacer plate (separator plate). To correct this condition, inspect the engine to transmission spacer plate and torque converter studs for wear/damage. If wear/damage is found, replacement of the torque converter is not necessary. Replace only the engine to transmission spacer plate. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-01 > Engine to Transmission Spacer Plate for full spacer plate removal and installation. When reinstalling the starter motor, make sure the starter is flush with the engine to transmission spacer plate prior to tightening the studbolts. Failure to do so may result in damaging the newly installed engine to transmission spacer plate.
The Expedition Workshop Manual provides these illustrations showing the engine-to-transmission spacer plate...


Special Service Message 53878 - 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator, 2021-2025 F-150 Non-Lightning/Non-PowerBoost - Rattle/Scraping Noise At Startup
Some 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator and 2021-2025 F-150 non-Lightning/non-PowerBoost vehicles may exhibit a rattle/scraping noise from the bellhousing area on start-up. This may be due to the torque converter studs contacting the engine to transmission spacer plate (separator plate). To correct this condition, inspect the engine to transmission spacer plate and torque converter studs for wear/damage. If wear/damage is found, replacement of the torque converter is not necessary. Replace only the engine to transmission spacer plate. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-01 > Engine to Transmission Spacer Plate for full spacer plate removal and installation. When reinstalling the starter motor, make sure the starter is flush with the engine to transmission spacer plate prior to tightening the studbolts. Failure to do so may result in damaging the newly installed engine to transmission spacer plate.
The Expedition Workshop Manual provides these illustrations showing the engine-to-transmission spacer plate...

