I sat for a minute and tried to crank it and it wouldn’t crank

I have some initial questions because, I am not sure I follow with how the starter turns but will not engage the flywheel. Can you get a recording of what it does? That may help.

If the starter spins but does not engage the fly wheel that can only be the starter so that is why I am not fully understanding what is happening. Let's get a recording of the issue and then if you can check for codes as well, we can go from there. Thanks

Hi,

It sounds like you have a couple different things happening. Please confirm this for me. First, when the engine was revving really high, did it seem like the transmission was slipping and you were not accelerating? Also, you mention that the starter engages but doesn't turn the engine. I have to be honest, if that is the case, remove the starter and inspect the flywheel. Under normal conditions, I would say the bendix is bad on the starter, but since the engine was revving, It sounds like the flywheel unbolted from the engine.

Let me know if how I understood this is correct. If it is, we need to remove the starter to check if the flywheel is loose. If it is, the torque converter won't turn and that would explain why the transmission wasn't engaged allowing the engine to rev really high. If I had to guess at this point, something came apart between the engine and transmission. Further inspection will need done.

Here are the directions from alldata to check the starter motor gear and flywheel, The attached pic correlates with the directions.

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2016 Ford Truck Edge FWD L4-2.0L Turbo
Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Flex Plate Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection
STARTER MOTOR DRIVE GEAR AND FLYWHEEL RING GEAR INSPECTION
303-06A Starting System - 2.0L EcoBoost (184kW/250PS) - MI4 2016 Edge
General Procedures
Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection
Inspection

Remove the starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor (303-06A Starting System - 2.0L EcoBoost (184kW/250PS) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
Check the wear patterns on the starter motor drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, then install the starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor (303-06A Starting System - 2.0L EcoBoost (184kW/250PS) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
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If the starter motor drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully engaging and the starter motor drive gear is scored or damaged, then install a new starter motor.
Refer to: Starter Motor (303-06A Starting System - 2.0L EcoBoost (184kW/250PS) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
If the teeth on the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are scored or damaged, then install a new flywheel or flexplate.
Refer to: Flexplate (303-01A Engine - 2.0L EcoBoost (184kW/250PS) - MI4, Removal and Installation).

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Pic 2 shows the flywheel/flex-plate and how it bolts to the engine. There are 6 bolts. It isn't common for a problem there, but I have seen them break.

Let me know.

Joe

Interesting. If you get a chance, let me know what happens.

Joe

Hi,

Wow, the second one in six months? That isn't good. I certainly see where it is broken. Is there any warranty from the place that installed it?

Also, the VVT wouldn't cause any issues with the flywheel. What is happening?

Let me know.

Take care,

joe