Closing electric sunroof on 84 Carrera

[widgeon13]

Does someone have a link to steps for closing the sunroof when it fails to engage the gear. The switch makes noise but it (sunroof) doesn't move. It is open now and obviously needs to be closed and never opened ever again.

(I've done a search but haven't had good success) Thanks.

[gshiwota]

I just had this experience. My 88 sunroof opened all the way but didn't close. I got lucky in I "fixed" it on the side of the road as I was out and needed to park the car securely.

The motor ran and could hear it working but the roof wouldn't budge. I opened up the headliner zipper and removed the panel (3 screws) covering the sunroof motor. At this point I got really lucky as when I placed my hand on the motor and tried the switch again the sunroof closed. I suspect in my case the "clutch" that connects the motor to the cables was loose or slipping. I must have unknowingly pushed the parts together when I added pressure. I hope you may be as lucky as I.

I did this on the side of the road so I could park the car securely. I was just thankful it closed and didn't get a chance to investigate it further. Unfortunately I haven't been able to look at it again - once again, I'm just happy the roof is closed now instead of open.

[widgeon13]

Thanks very much. I didn't have time today to check it out and it is inside so not worried about security at this point. Hoping someone will have some insight how to get it closed w/o me breaking anything. I'm going to unzip the headliner tomorrow and see what I can figure out.

I had a BMW in another life and I recall there was a tool to close mechanically when the electric method failed.

[Arne2]

The tool kit came with a crank to manually close the sunroof (instructions in owner's manual) in case of motor failure, but that won't help if the problem is clutch or cable related. I think checking the motor would be a first good step, though.

[gtc]

Pulling everything apart and cleaning and regreasing the cables and tracks makes a huge difference. It takes a while but is not terribly difficult - unless you have a roll bar. Not a bad time to replace the seals, either.

[widgeon13]

Thanks, we'll give it a go tomorrow.

[john walker's workshop]

don't grease the cables. the grease collects dirt and grit.

[widgeon13]

Got it closed, never to be opened again. Got access, removed the screw where the crank fits and used BF screwdriver and turned it until it was up and secure. Not a big deal.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

Got it closed, never to be opened again. Got access, removed the screw where the crank fits and used BF screwdriver and turned it until it was up and secure. Not a big deal.

WHEN MINE did that it was a simple rubber coupling shaft took minutes to fix......now I can open and close it whenever I want

[widgeon13]

Originally Posted by dicklague

WHEN MINE did that it was a simple rubber coupling shaft took minutes to fix......now I can open and close it whenever I want

Any guidance on where that coupling is located so I can take a look at it. I couldn't see anything that was obviously broken or disconnected.

[cary]

Part #29

Until you take it out you won't be able to see if its torn.