Mike 944

Well, my car came back from paint shop a few weeks ago, and today I decided to remove my sunroof to change the felt and clean out the dirt left over. Here's the prob I just found:
When the key is in the second indent, the roof raises and lowers with no problems....but when I try removing the roof by putting the key in the first indent and pushing the switch, the gears seem to be stuck...hence leaving me unable to remove my roof. I know how to remove the roof...been doing it all summer, but how do I remove it now that I can't do it the way we usually do? Should I begin unscrewing the clip area etc...? Any ideas before I start taking apart everything??
Thanks
Mike (Frustrated)

Bob S. 1984 Silver

You might be able to release it manually. Look behind the sidewall carpeting on the drivers side behind the rear seat. You will see the motor that runs the whole shebang. There is an access that allows for manual operation. It's worth a look. I have noted themechanism but have not had the need to try the manual operation.

Good Luck

Bob S.

951Tom

In case you don't have a socket handy, the workshop manual states the spark plug tool in the tool kit is the correct size to turn the gears manually. (Correct me if I'm wrong, don't have them close by.)

Tom
'87 951
'86 Supra

Dano_944

Tom and Bob - you guys are on it. Access the motor assembly in the left rear corner behind the rear seat, use a spark plug sized socket and turn the nut manually to move the arms in either direction (roof up/ roof out). I strongly suggest you go to Pelican Parts web site for a very good article on sunroof repair. I had stripped gears twice before finally reading the article in the "Tech Articles" section, got it right, and now have a perfectly functional roof. Hint, back off the clutch torque on the slip clutch by 1.0 nm. No more stripped gears!

Mike 944

Thanks guys...
I'll check out the articles, and let you know how it turns out. Is there anything I should be watching out for? Can I strip my gears by doing this process?
Thanks again,
Mike

Tom

You didn't specify what year car you have as the sunroof mechanism changed about 85.5. If you have the later style you may want to invest in several sets of plastic gears before you start fiddling around as you will probably need them.