Some Buick Enclave owners may notice an odd noise emanating from under the hood of their crossover. The noise could sound like their engine starter is free-spinning or grinding. The noise may be accompanied by issues with the automatic engine stop/start feature, as well. Now, a possible cause for this issue has been identified, and with it, a fix to be implemented by a GM technician.
According to a recent report from GM TechLink, this issue may be present in some units of the 2019 through 2020 Buick Enclave. Affected models are equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine.
According to the report, the issue may be related to a damaged automatic transmission flex plate. If the automatic transmission flex plate has missing or damaged flex plate teeth, the engine starter may not engage as intended, and there may be an open 350A starter mega fuse as well.
In order to address this issue, GM technicians are instructed to remove the starter and inspect the automatic transmission flex plate through the starter mounting hole. Technicians will look for any damaged or missing flex plate teeth while rotating the crankshaft. Missing or damaged teeth on the flex plate will indicate that the flex plate needs to be replaced.
Additionally, the starter pinion will need to be inspected for any damaged teeth, as starter pinion damage can be caused by broken or damaged flex plate teeth. However, in the event that the pinion teeth are not damaged, the starter will not need to be replaced.
The 2019 through 2020 Buick Enclave offered a single engine option, specifically the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine. Output was rated at 310 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. Output was routed through the GM nine-speed automatic transmission, while under the skin, the Buick Enclave rides on the GM C1 platform. Production took place at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
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Comments
Is the replacement cost covered under GM warranty?
It is very expensive to replace the flex plate, those should never fail, that’s a quality issue.
Is this due to due wear and tear from the (excessive) use of the stop start “feature”?
I defeat the start stop on my wife’s Equinox if drives me nuts.
Making the twin turbo 3.6L VSport/XTS engine available in RWD or AWD would be a desirable option and bring in buyers who desire a degree of performance.
Will the failed components be replaced with components of an improved quality or will they simply be replaced by another piece of the same design & quality likely to fail within a few years.