Sunroof Motor Question

[joewilkjr]

Just to start, a quick thanks to all the experts here. Utilizing the search function, I've been able to fix most of my problems without bothering the group with repeat questions.

Your guidance has been more valuable than my Bentley Manual on every single project I've attempted on my own.


Quick question:

My Sunroof motor retracts and extends without the sunroof being attached (removed for seals replacement) It will not operate the roof with the sheet metal attached.

Is this just the motor itself getting old and weak?

Thanks for all your help.

Joe Wilk
1980 SC
200k and going strong.

[ruby911]

Joe - I experienced th same thing on my ex-Carrera (1984). It seemed the weight of the roof itself was really straining the motor. I removed the roof and cleaned all of the slides and cables really well and reassemebled. Problem was solved.

Good luck - Farrell

[schwaggen]

A general cleaning is the first place to start- the cables, tubes and rails can get gunked up over time.

Another thing to look at is the plastic liners in the "jaws" of the forward guides - they can either be worn to the point where they "grab" the rails - or in my case I had new ones and they got kind of sticky when the rails were warmed in the sun - a tiny bit of lithium grease in them solved the problem. (All advice says no lube in the sunroof stuff, but in my case, that's what I had to do.)

And finally, check the "cars" of the rear guides. Put the cables in the tubes, drop the motor out of the drive so they can slide freely, and push/pull on the cars- does the cable slide smoothly in and out? There should be a LITTLE resistance (by the curve in the tubes) but you shouldn't have to muscle it. Doing this you will pretty quickly see if it's the guides or the cables causing friction.

[joewilkjr]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll be a speed demon at removing that sunroof sheet metal before all this is done.

Thanks again for your help.

Joe
1980 SC
200k