Sunroof won't go up, only down - SORTED

[zcacogp]

I had the same symptoms with my sunroof and it was the microswitch in the roof. You say you checked it ... how? (One diagnostic would be to push the microswitch in with a pencil or small screwdriver while pressing the "Roof Up" button; does it solve the problem?) Oli.

 

[Eiger]

I have a strange situation with my sunroof. It worked perfectly but after removing it one sunny afternoon, it stopped working. I discovered that if I put it up manually it closes fine, but it will not go up! The motor just whirs.

I've checked the microswitch in the roof and obviously the mechanism works because it retracts correctly. I've tried adjusting the depth of the "adjusting screw" but to no avail.

I'd really like my sunroof back! Any ideas?

 

[barks944]

Mine failed completely and wouldn't work even when pressed outside the car. My solution is to remove said switch and short out the two wires and put everything back together. As far as I can tell the switch isn't necessary for the operation of the sunroof it just stops you from opening it when the roof isn't there!

 

[Helen Goff]

have you checked the little plastic cogs still have a complete set of teeth.

 

[Eiger]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp I had the same symptoms with my sunroof and it was the microswitch in the roof. You say you checked it ... how? (One diagnostic would be to push the microswitch in with a pencil or small screwdriver while pressing the "Roof Up" button; does it solve the problem?) Oli.

Oli I checked this mircoswitch by manually raising the roof (with the roof out) then holding down the microswitch by hand then ignition on and "closing" the roof. So the retracting mechanism is working with the microswitch depressed even by hand. Barks I'll see if I can remove the switch and short it as you suggest. If there's one thing I don't get is electrics... Helen - I thought that because it raises manually and closes by pushing the button that the cogs may be ok. Failing Barks suggestion, I'll take a look at those just to eliminate them. What I can't understand is why the motor whirs away but doesn't lift the roof, but it will retract it...

 

[pauljmcnulty]

What I can't understand is why the motor whirs away but doesn't lift the roof, but it will retract it...

One of the limit switches on the motor might be loose, fooling it into thinking it's fully lifted when it's not? I don't get electrics either, but it's more likely than the cogs if it's working one way.

 

[944s2]

IIRC when this happened to mine the rod enclosing the cable had popped out of sunroof motor so that when motor was pushing cable to open it the cable was"popping out" between motor and rod

 

[zcacogp]

If the motor is working then it won't be a switch issue. From the symptoms you describe then it could be that the clutch in the boot is slipping, and just needs tightening a little. Have you consulted the diagnostics guide on clarks garage? Oli.

 

[Eiger]

I have read and re-read Clark's guide, but I must admit I'm not sure how the tightening procedure works. I'm no good with electrics and Clark's suggest some electrical procedure. I've tried again adjusting the screw to different depths but still just whirring....

 

[omigod]

Not wishing to steal the OP's thread or anything.... but since the winter layup when I try to open my sunroof the rear relay clicks but that is all - any clues??

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: Eiger I have read and re-read Clark's guide, but I must admit I'm not sure how the tightening procedure works. I'm no good with electrics and Clark's suggest some electrical procedure. I've tried again adjusting the screw to different depths but still just whirring....

Bit more detail required ... and we'll try to help you! [] Oli.

 

[Eiger]

what kind of detail are you needing Oli?

 

[zcacogp]

What sort of whirring do you get? And when? Does the roof open at all? Or close at all? If it is a matter of the clutch slipping then you need to do the (13mm, IIRC) nut in the centre of it up a little. But be careful not to over-tighten it otherwise you will strip the gearwheels when you next retract the support arms. Oli.

 

[Northern924]

i'm having the same problem but for me its because the plastic locking nut thingy between the cable and motor is bust, have to hold the cable by hand then it will go up, goes down quite happily

 

[Eiger]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp What sort of whirring do you get? And when? Does the roof open at all? Or close at all?

Whirring like the motors just spinning - which now it's not doing anymore...since I tightened the lock nut - it was doing it when I should have been opening the roof. The roof closes correctly if I manually put it up by turning the bolt/screw in the motor

ORIGINAL: zcacogp If it is a matter of the clutch slipping then you need to do the (13mm, IIRC) nut in the centre of it up a little. But be careful not to over-tighten it otherwise you will strip the gearwheels when you next retract the support arms. Oli.

do you mean the lock nut on the adjusting screw?

 

[Eiger]

Thankfully I managed to fix the issue with my sunroof today! After reading all posts and web pages again & again, that I could find regarding the sunroof, I came to the conclusion that I'd spend the morning with my son's help fine tuing the "adjusting screw and locknut" to eliminate it from the equation. I had my son sit in the cabin, finger on the button. I backed off the adjusting screw until the motor just whirred. I then started to thread in the adjusting screw little bit by little bit until it engaged - this was less than a quarter turn at a time. Turn screw, push button, turn screw push button etc etc etc until the motor pushed the roof up. Then I turned the locknut - the first few times it the motor went back to whirring. I tightened it up and back it off until the sunroof was working as before. So as it turns out that adjusting screw & locknut need minute adjustments to set the slip clutch correctly. Result!

 

[zcacogp]

Eiger, Glad to hear you got to the bottom of it. You're spot on - adjusting the slip of the clutch is the way to make it work. It's worth making the clutch only just tight enough to work. If it's too tight then any obstruction will cause damage to the toothed gearwheels. And, if you look at the design, when the arms are retracted from the panel itself, they will come to a stop against the edge of the sunroof aperture - forcing the clutch to slip. Oli.