Sunroof repair

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ManUpOrShutUp

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I very, very rarely use my sunroof, but tonight I did so and was swiftly punished for the decision. The sunroof opened, but I could hear something crack as it did so. It then got stuck open very shortly before we had a torrential downpour. Fun times. Anyway ...

The motor is still functioning and after some manual tugging while simultaneously hitting the button I was able to get the sunroof into a closed, but fully tilted position. I found a broken piece of plastic in the track on the passenger side and visual inspection shows something is clearly not sitting properly on that side. I believe it is one of the trough guides, but will be able to get a better look in the daylight when it isn't raining. Anyway, according to the service manual the sunroof needs to be closed to remove/replace these components. However, it only seems to indicate dropping the headliner if the motor needs to be replaced. So can I indeed replace the trough guide components using this kit without dropping the headliner? And can I do with the sunroof closed but tilted? I can't seem to get it fully closed and fear it opening all the way back up if a I try.
 

Munkiebunz3

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Did you see the video that was on the website? It's basically an hour & looks like a complete tutorial. Watch the video to see if you can spot the part that broke on yours then see what really needs to be removed to have full access to the assembly. If you don't mind working in tight spaces then a slight drop of the headliner might be okay. Just be warned that flexing the HL too much will leave a nasty crease that will never go away.

I'm going to guess that your issue is addressed at the 24:30 mark.

 
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I hadn't seen that, but downloading the video now.
 
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Well, I took the glass off and was able to get the guides back into the fully closed position. The passenger side had numerous broken pieces of plastic floating in the track. Anyway, once it was back in the closed position I reattached the glass and all looks good. There's no way I'm dropping the headliner by choice nor am I willing to pay $500 for the job, so provided I have it all aligned properly the job is done.
 
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I kinda just want to remove my sunroof and weld it shut or have a turret.

I've never had one fail in all the years I've been driving, but about 1.5 years before I sold my last SUV the sunroof started to leak. I decided I wouldn't get one on the new truck, but I couldn't find a Limited without one so I gave in. If I ever have one again I'll probably never open it after this fiasco.
 

TobyU

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I think lack of opening them causes more probs than using them.
You should lube the gasket/seal with silicone or something once a year at minimum and open and close them and tilt up several times a year at minimum.
You can also spray some lube (maybe lithium spray grease or chain lube) on the side slider parts.
If they leak it usually just needs the drain tube cleaned with weed eater line or soft to med compressed air. I have even flushed water down them with small tube too.
 
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I think lack of opening them causes more probs than using them.
You should lube the gasket/seal with silicone or something once a year at minimum and open and close them and tilt up several times a year at minimum.
You can also spray some lube (maybe lithium spray grease or chain lube) on the side slider parts.

Yeah, I was thinking about all of this after the fact. :p I was also thinking about fortuitous it was that I decided to use it just hours before a torrential downpour. I had to go all redneck MacGyver and rig up a cover out of a plastic tote lid, tarp and some sport sandals to make a peak in the "roof" so the water wouldn't pool. Fun, fun times.
 

Sccritterkiller

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Just did mine a couple weeks ago...took about 10 hrs, had to remove DVD player and all seat belts..there is a re initialization process for the sunroof motor once reinstalled. Parts were only 120 bucks..Sucks but way better than 2500 quoted by the stealership.20190803_165133.jpg 20190803_165147.jpg 20190803_171303.jpg Good Luck!
 
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