Sunroof Relay????

Walker944 · 09-04-2003, 01:56 PM

Okay guys...My sunroof has been inoperable for a while and I finally got a little time to check into it. Since I get no motor sound at all, my first step was to check the fuse. Sure enough, it was blown...replaced it.

I then happened to notice that the inside fuse box schematic shows a position (relay #G18 I believe) for a sunroof relay. However, I don't have a relay in that position. Makes me wonder whether mine got ripped off, or what. I called the local Porsche dealership, and the parts guy told me he doesn't show a sunroof relay for an '86 951.

What's up? Do any of you 944 Turbo owners have an actual relay in position #G18 in the fuse box? If you have one, could you please provide the part number?

Thanks,
--mw

bscotti · 09-11-2003, 09:15 AM

The relay that's in the G18 position in my '89 is p/n 944 615 11 300

Britwrench · 09-11-2003, 02:18 PM

Porsche fuse box labels on 85/2-86 944 models don't correspond to the actual relay positions. The sunroof relay, part number
944 615 117 02 is in pos G2, on post 9/86 944 the sunroof is in pos G5. The sunroof also has two more relays at the motor to control the open and close functions. Good luck...

Rock · 09-11-2003, 05:30 PM

The relays are in the back dude, They are under the trunk carpet. I found that out yesterday when i tried fixing my tail lights. It is one of the two relays on the driver side of the car. Unbutton the carpet and then look up, about the position where the trunk light is. There is a motor thing there and 2 relays by it.

Britwrench · 09-11-2003, 09:42 PM

Yep, those relays operate the motor, they do not control the sunroof, that is done by the one in the fuse box. Check out the wiring diagram to witness the most overcomplicated way ever invented to raise a sunroof 2", sorry, 50mm.

skibum · 09-12-2003, 07:06 PM

I just replaced my lifting mechanism from the motor to the top (early type) and now the latches do not release so I can remove the top. Everything else works ok. I am thinking a relay is bad. So it would be one by the fuses? Anyone know which one on an early 85?

Britwrench · 09-12-2003, 07:55 PM

Not likely to be the relay. The microswitches control the open-close-unlock systems. If the top lifts and shuts properly it likely that the microswitches need adjustment. The older system (up to '86) isn't
that reliable and as most of the parts are no-longer-available, Porsche make a kit to convert to the later mechanism.
There is a complete diagnosis chart in the manual and probably on the web too.....

ronin · 09-12-2003, 10:15 PM

hey Mark. just for reference, do you mean the owner's or the factory manual?

Britwrench · 09-12-2003, 10:30 PM

It's in the factory manual. I think there are some technical bulletins for both types of sunroof, including one on installing the update kit.

ronin · 09-13-2003, 12:30 PM

thanks. the microswitch that releases the arms for roof removal is out of kilter on my car. hope to have it adjusted soon

skibum · 09-13-2003, 04:51 PM

I only have the Haynes book. Where are the microswitches?

Britwrench · 09-14-2003, 03:59 PM

The microswitches are on the motor assembly, which is in the left side of the luggage compartment.
There is also a microswitch on the header rail above the interior mirror, if the roof doesn't operate at all or only closes, that is the #1 suspect.

skibum · 09-14-2003, 04:38 PM

Thanks all. I love my sunroof but feel guilty because of all the hours Porsche must have put into designing it! I thought Rube Goldberg was dead.

ronin · 09-15-2003, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Britwrench
.......if the roof doesn't operate at all or only closes, that is the #1 suspect.

exactly. this is also the microswitch most likely the culprit for not letting the arms retract to release the sunroof, isn't it?

skibum · 09-17-2003, 09:30 AM

Well, my roof goes up and down and locks fine. I tried moving the micro switches at the motor both directions and it did not seem to matter. The arms still will not release the roof so I can take it out. ronin, have you had any luck?

Sam Lin · 09-17-2003, 02:46 PM

Seems like a dumb question, but is the key in ign1 (NOT in the ON position)? The arms can only be retracted by pushing the button to RAISE (yes, the direction reverses for removal) the roof when the key is turned from ON back to Acc power. If your slip clutch isn't adjusted right, prepare for some noises...

Sam

skibum · 09-17-2003, 03:18 PM

The key is in but not turned on. No noise at all when I push the switch.

Britwrench · 09-17-2003, 05:46 PM

You have to turn the key to the first (accessory) position for the sunroof to unlock. The method is in the owner's manual that came with the car.

skibum · 09-18-2003, 07:53 AM

Brit, mine is early 1985 and you just put the key in with out turning it. In the accessory position it will lift the roof.

There is a three prong female socket that comes out near the s/r motor that goes no where. It is white and about the size of a dime. I have always thought that it was for the rear wiper which I do not have. Anyone know what it is for? It is in the same harness as the interior side light. I don't remember unpluging it when I put the new cable in the motor.

Triben · Triben's Garage

Background: my sunroof was working fine after I redid the switch but now it's stuck in raised position.

I am following the Clarks garage procedure to check my sunroof system (Sunroof Component Testing)

and when checking the relay socket in the central electric panel I see that terminal R has the 12V but A has only 5V (should have 12V)

I'm thinking that maybe the connections to bring power to the relay may be corroded, but before I start taking everything apart I'm wondering if someone here has more experience with my issue and troubleshooting?

Thanks!