sun roof problem

[acroguy]

well took my 84 911 out for a drive today and opened the sun roof but when i hit the switch to close it nothing happened.I turned the car off and hit the switch and can hear the motor trying to run.I didn't have the crank to close it but loosened the screw where the crank would go and was able to pull it closed but when i would hit the switch in either direction it would move it to the open position but not try to close it.Does this sound like a cable issue or a switch issue?.Thanks for any replies so i can know where to start first.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by acroguy

well took my 84 911 out for a drive today and opened the sun roof but when i hit the switch to close it nothing happened.I turned the car off and hit the switch and can hear the motor trying to run.I didn't have the crank to close it but loosened the screw where the crank would go and was able to pull it closed but when i would hit the switch in either direction it would move it to the open position but not try to close it.Does this sound like a cable issue or a switch issue?.Thanks for any replies so i can know where to start first.

Two things make me think it's the switch or some other electrical issue. First, you were able to close the roof by hand which sounds like there is no cable binding or obstruction to the physical movement of the roof. Second, when you tried to operate the sunroof again, the motor only operated in the "open" direction.

You might try the following: zip open the headliner at the rear and expose the motor/transmission. Unplug the electrical connection to the motor. Using a test light, test each wire from the car to see if you get power in the proper switch position. You know the motor opens the sunroof, so begin by putting the switch in the OPEN position and test to see which wire has power (I'm not certain if it's the blue or yellow.) Once you know, test the other wire with the switch in the CLOSE position. If no power, the switch is the likely problem.

You could also remove the motor and test to see if it runs in both directions by using the switch. If it does, the the problem is mechanical and something is causing enough resistance to prevent the motor from closing the roof.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Sorry to hear about your issue. The most common problems I tend to see with the sunroof involve the cables breaking or the roof leaking. I do know that we have a sunroof repair tech article. Maybe check it out and see if it may help you with your issue. It also gives you great detailed images so you can see what it'll look like once you get into it. Good luck!

Sunroof Tech Article - Porsche 911 Sunroof Repair - Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

[gtc]

Old built up grease in the cable tubes and sunroof tracks can also gum up with age. This resistance can lead to slow movement or jumped teeth on the gears (causing a crooked sunroof). Not a bad idea to take it all apart, clean well, and reassemble with some dry lube.

[acroguy]

Thanks for the replies.I'm thinking it is in the switch also.I have a small 12v security system type battery and was going to hook directly to the motor switching leads to see if it operates in both directions.Hoping just a switch issue
Jay

[ClickClickBoom]

Cables pull out of the sunroof attach points. Little bit of JB Weld and some visegrips to renew the crimp fixes the problem. Lots of detailed write ups on this very subject. My '84 did the very same thing. Took about an hour to fix.

[cmcfaul]

There is also a short hose (looks like garden hose) that connects the motor to the transmission. It can break causing the exact conditions you describe. Unzip the headliner and have a look. Easy fix if that's the problem.

The sunroof cables are more complicated and a right of passage to anyone DIY er with an old 911.

Chris

[Hendog]

Although Luccia posted a link to a good article, this IMHO is the best source of info on the 911 sunroof. Sunroof cable repair and new seals 87 911

[acroguy]

Thanks for all the replies guys .I've been at cruising the coast in Biloxi,Ms the past week so i haven't had a chance to look into it yet but once i solve the problem i'll post what the problem was.
Thanks
Jay