Sunroof repair/operation question

[TopsailBeach]

The motor for my sunroof turns fine--both opening and closing. The motor stops turning at a point when the switch is activated to open--it doesn't stop when activated to close. Currently the sunroof is closed. I've read the posts telling me to separate the headliner from the sunroof with a putty knife.

Then what?

Do both of the cables pull then push the sunroof into place, or does one pull and the other push? I'm hopeful that one has simply come loose and I can epoxy it back in place. Anyone have experience they can share?

Thanks--

[Erakad]

There's a chapter on removing the sunroof in the 101 Projects book, probably also in the tech section of the BBS. The sunroof should be open a bit first then after separating the headliner from the sunroof, you slide it back into the roof so you can access the screws that hold the sunroof on. Once detached the sunroof can be lifted out. Once again, better to read the whole procedure first.

I had a cable separate from the dolly that pulls the sunroof. However, whenever I opened or closed the sunroof, it wouldn't pull evenly, then jam. I fixed it (and it's still fixed 3 years later) by using JB Weld to attach the cable back into the dolly. There have been others that have posted here that said they didn't have as much luck and opted instead for new cables.

Somehow, I don't think yours is a cable separation problem vice a jam, motor, or other catastrophic event. I would press with sunroof removal and do some exploratory surgery.

[fernebergian]

Erekad

I think I have the same problem - one side of the roof panel moves a bit but the other stays put.

I need to get the roof back a few inches to pull down/slide back the sunroof headlining.

Can you please say how you did that?

[Paulporsche]

I don't understand your description. Are you saying the motor is always running, and only stops when you push it to open the roof? Are you saying the motor stops partway through the opening movement? The motor doesn't stop during the closing movement by itself. You have to stop pushing the button.

[RoninLB]

the cables are driven by the motor. Remove motor and cables are free to move. When cables are free the roof has no attachment.

[ZOA NOM]

One side of your cable system has broken. Remove the sunroof, and repair the cable end by re-crimping the end onto it, or upgrade to the new model cables.

[fernebergian]

Zoanas - that will be the problem. One side is getting pulled back, the other is not.

I will try: removing the drive, opening the roof manually and re-connecting the cable.

Thanks, everyone.

[Erakad]

Fern -- wasn't really fancy, the cable had pulled out of the dolly that pulls the sunroof. I took the dolly off, and made sure the hole where the cable inserts was clear, twisted the end of the cable so no loose ends were protruding. Next, made sure it would all fit back together, then put JB Weld in the hole, then sort of screwed the dolly on the cable. Finally, with the remaining JB Weld I liberally reinforced the outside areas where the cable and dolly connect.

As I said, nothing fancy but I avoided having to thread in new cables and it's held for 3 years!

[fernebergian]

Sounds OK! So I just need a fine day, some patience and JB Weld.

(Fine day? This is England - summer happened last week. I mainly open the sunroof when I am wearing a tall hat to the Royal Ascot races)

[ZOA NOM]

No need to remove the motor, just pull the sunroof out and fix the cable in place.

[fernebergian]

Thanks.

I have taken a butchers and see I only have to release the cable drive (two screws).

This frees things up so I can crack open the roof manually and slide back the headlining panel before removing the sunroof.

'Glorious Goodwood' starts this month - more time down at the track - and I can't go hatless. Awfully bad form.