Sunroof question

[TopsailBeach]

The sunroof on my 911 is closed and will not open. The motor runs when the switch is engaged, but nothing happens. I'm guessing a cable is shot or a gear is stripped.

Any good dianostic experiences someone can share before I open it up?

[Carl83911]

Most likely problem is your cable or cables. If you decide to change them do both at the same time.

[Carl83911]

first check the gear assembly at the rear. make sure that the screws didn't get lose before you purchase cables. that might be all that's wrong.

But usually, the cables when aged from use, usually breaks at the fron where the roof is connected to them. You can inspect that by disconnecting the cables from the motor. That will allow you to slide the roof back manually and unsnap the cover to slide it back. Once done you'll see how it's connected to the roof.

[jorian]

Do a search. Mine was also shot and I fixed using the Bentley manual and many posts on the BBS.

[Paulporsche]

The little gear inside the transmission gets rounded off and doesn't engage properly. There is also the clutch, that small cylindrical thing that runs between the transmission and motor. Check that too.

[island911]

Originally posted by Paulporsche
. ..There is also the clutch, . . .. Check that too.

what he said

[TopsailBeach]

Thanks.

Great suggestions--I hate to order parts just in case and then not need them. Hate it worse when I get into something and can't use the car until the parts arrive!

[FrayAdjacent911]

I'd love a manual sunroof myself.... I recently got my 911T, and the sunroof doesn't open. I think it's the switch, tho. When I try to push the switch either way, it doesn't rock well, and I get no response. There wasn't a fuse in the fuse box, so I put the correct fuse in, and still nothing, and the fuse is still good.

I suppose I could try to pull the switch out and disconnect the wires from it, then short them to see if the roof responds...

[bigchillcar]

you can open it manually..access is via the zippered section of the headliner.
ryan

[FrayAdjacent911]

So say I unzip it.... then what? heheheh

[bigchillcar]

matt, once unzipped..i think there's a little thing in there ya have to 'play with'..turn it a few times and 'the sky will open up' for ya..
ryan

[FrayAdjacent911]

Ryan, cool, thanks! I haven't unzipped the cover yet. I started to, but I think the zipper is going to fall apart... it's 35 years old! I'll probably end up replacing the headliner during the restore anyway.

[bigchillcar]

matt,
do a search for manual open sunroof or thereabouts..should have all the details, but there is a lever of some sort that is available to manually open or close it, but of course it's intended for emergency, not regular use..in case the motor or cables break and you have rain coming, etc. it probably takes a little time turning it for it to do the job i'd imagine. good luck!
ryan

[FrayAdjacent911]

That's what I figured... I probably wouldn't mess with it until I try the switch. Since I get no response to it at all, no motor noise or anything, I think the switch is shot.

[bigchillcar]

when you open it up, check with a meter whether or not the switch is sending power to the motor..i'd be more inclined to predict a motor quitting before the switch itself.
ryan

[FrayAdjacent911]

I'll check it.... but the switch has a bad feel to it. It's very stiff and has no 'click' either way.

[bigchillcar]

matt,
these switches won't make a click sound when they make contact..they simply energize the motor for open or closed.
ryan