Sunroof struggles to open - Seeking help with disassembly & maintenance
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Sunroof struggles to open - Seeking help with disassembly & maintenance
i have a 1985 model, the roof struggles to open. i removed the cover and can see the motor running when the switch is activated. it gets stuck after a few inches of movement. it's difficult to push the roof open. i don't want to break anything so her i am. I've seen something about a manual operation in the owner manual, but it appears my setup is different that the manual.in addition, i don't see a manual operation tool in the tool kit. from what I have read i probably need to clean the rails. with that said, i am looking for guidance on how to proceed. thanks again!! see pics...i tried to turn screw but it is very difficult to turn
roof motor and gear
i tried turning this with a screwdriver, but it was very difficult......dont see how a manual tool would apply
roof motor and gear
i tried turning this with a screwdriver, but it was very difficult......dont see how a manual tool would apply
Last edited by Diesel85; 01-09-2023 at 01:11 AM.
#2
Rennlist Member
A good link on manually opening/closing and what the tool looks like. https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ual-crank.html
And this is the best link I've found for R&R of the sunroof (unfortunately no pictures...). I followed it to the letter 10 years ago and it still works like a champ: https://www.nichols.nu/tip805.htm
And this is the best link I've found for R&R of the sunroof (unfortunately no pictures...). I followed it to the letter 10 years ago and it still works like a champ: https://www.nichols.nu/tip805.htm
#5
Drifting
I didn’t have a stuck sunroof but did follow the terrific ‘podguy’ write-up a few years ago and it did speed it up noticeably. As with other seized things in old cars (e.g. window motors) the problem is often old, hard grease in mechanism somewhere.
I’ve never managed to remove that screw either! It must be under very high tension from spring behind it or something, which is a slight worry if my motor ever fails completely. I’ve seen other owners using the manual crank key and it works very well if you can get access to the gear behind that screw.
I’ve never managed to remove that screw either! It must be under very high tension from spring behind it or something, which is a slight worry if my motor ever fails completely. I’ve seen other owners using the manual crank key and it works very well if you can get access to the gear behind that screw.
#6
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies......In order to start the process, I need to open the roof. How can I do so manually? Any videos on opening manually with the "tool"?
#7
Former Vendor
It's probably hitting the broken plastic rear water tray, BTW.
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monkez (01-10-2023)
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#8
Rennlist Member
Once you do get it open and take it apart, invest in some long stemmed pipe cleaners. You will be stunned to see how much hardened gunk builds up in the guides for the worm screws. Also, consider cleaning out the water drains as well while you're in the there.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
#9
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
#10
Rennlist Member
IntenseBlue318 has a few videos on youtube, but not much in the way of removal. What Greg said in post #7 is most like correct: a broken water tray is likely impeding movement. I also had trouble opening the sunroof manually. It'd open one inch and then stop. Here's how I removed the sunroof (keep in mind I'm an accountant and definitely NOT an expert )
First I disconnected the sunroof transmission so the screw cables were disengaged (see podguy pdf for a pic). Be careful not to put too much stress on the rubber clutch. Its rubber and can crack.
Once the screw cables are disengaged, you're able to physically push the sunroof open. Just go slow and try not to break anything.
Once the sunroof was open half way, I found the three screws that hold the interior cover in place in between the interior cover and the external sunroof. Those screws face forward and all you have to do is loosen them. Once loose, the interior cover can be pulled down and out.
Once the interior cover was off, I followed the instructions from the pdf and fully cleaned all parts and replaced all that was missing.
Good luck!
First I disconnected the sunroof transmission so the screw cables were disengaged (see podguy pdf for a pic). Be careful not to put too much stress on the rubber clutch. Its rubber and can crack.
Once the screw cables are disengaged, you're able to physically push the sunroof open. Just go slow and try not to break anything.
Once the sunroof was open half way, I found the three screws that hold the interior cover in place in between the interior cover and the external sunroof. Those screws face forward and all you have to do is loosen them. Once loose, the interior cover can be pulled down and out.
Once the interior cover was off, I followed the instructions from the pdf and fully cleaned all parts and replaced all that was missing.
Good luck!
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the info, Guys.....
I was able to open the roof and remove the inner panel, and the sunroof itself....I plan to post a short video of it operating for comments.....
Some have mentioned a broken water tray as being a possible culprit. Can someone post a picture of what the tray looks like? I see nothing that resembles a tray.
I was able to open the roof and remove the inner panel, and the sunroof itself....I plan to post a short video of it operating for comments.....
Some have mentioned a broken water tray as being a possible culprit. Can someone post a picture of what the tray looks like? I see nothing that resembles a tray.
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monkez (01-12-2023)
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monkez (01-13-2023)
#13
Rennlist Member
I have had problems with all the electrical motors (wipers, sunroof, seats, windows) in my 1985 S3. The motors needed to be cleaned. For your sunroof motor, take it apart, remove rust and dirt from the stator magnets, clean the carbon brushes and make sure the little coil spring is intact, clean the gaps between the laminated iron on the rotor, lubricate, and re-assemble. If your sunroof mechanism is otherwise OK, this should do the trick.
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monkez (01-13-2023)
#15
Rennlist Member
Grease is the problem over time (and Porsche doesnt ask for it), it attracts dirt, dries out. Some dry lubricant such as graphite or Mb powder.would be useful, but no greases, ever
Things move slowwwwwww..
You will find that everything works best and -fast- clean and dry. The job of the nylon sliders is to...slide..cleanly on the surfaces...and the cable design is meant to be dry an unrestricted in the tubes.
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monkez (01-17-2023)