StratfordShark

I'm in process of refitting sunroof after cleaning the mechanism up, so I'd like to use the manual crank on the cables while I check that the roof is at correct height and everything's working correctly.

I've never used that manual crank before, but when I went to take off slotted transmission screw I couldn't move it!

The transmission is unbolted from car right now so I could only apply as much torque as I could counter hold in my hand - I was only opening cover to have a look before remounting the transmission - but I'm worried that even when it's bolted up I could damage one of the mounts if I put a lot of torque on it when it's bolted back in.

For now I've left the screw in a little pool of PBlaster, but if anyone has any other ideas for removing it I'm keen to hear them. I'm amazed the screw is torqued up so much as it's only a cover for the gear mechanism. The brass surround is shiny so it's hard to believe that it's corroded either.

Thanks

FREAKINHEAT

I didn't know that was a cap. I thought that was supposed to be used as a turning point. I have no clue though as I don't have my other car near as a basis. The PO chewed up the inner gear insert so I'm glad I changed mine out even though my sunroof doesn't work. Got my eyes on this post.

Why didn't they have just a manual crank like in VW's? lol

Ladybug83

Pretty sure the screw is a manual crank. Careful with it though. My first one snapped the screw head right off when I tried to turn it. A used replacement from 928intl turned by hand moving the sunroof like it's supposed to.

StratfordShark

According to the manual, slotted screw comes off using blade of the crank tool, then you can screw the threaded shaft on other end of tool into gear which you can then turn manually. The screw won't budge!

Ladybug83

That probably explains why mine broke.

Tom in Austin

Always wondered about that too. So the slotted screw is just a covering and it unscrews and comes out? I tried turning mine; it barely budget and after about a half turn I backed off and left it.

Once you do get it out, is there any point in putting it back in?

OTR18WHEELER

let me try to explain, the slotted screw needs to be in place for the mechanism to work with the switch. the drive portion of the motor works like a clutch, the slotted screw applies the force.
you cannot open the roof manualy with the screw.
the crank tool works like a spanner wrench, it has two tabs that fit into the drive gear (under the slotted screw)
I dont have any pics, but maybe someone does.
If the screw is difficult to back out, it may have been over torqued.

ltoolio

So that screw is required to make the switch work? Am I understanding that correctly?

OTR18WHEELER

yes, the screw has a wide head by design, with the screw in place, the underside of the screw head compresses the tab portion of the drive, which compresses the plates inside.
the crank handle screws in, and the tabs interlock with the drive gear, alowing manual operation.
It's like a slip plate inside, the slotted screw applies compression to the plates.

Renix

+1

I fluffed around for hours once trying to figure out why my sunroof wouldn't work.
Turned out to be the slotted screw wasn't tight enough.

StratfordShark

My slotted screw is certainly tight enough! Maybe needs to be bolted in place for me to apply more torque. But I'd hate to rip off one of the mount buffers..

The Deputy

My slotted screw was extremely tight too and felt as though it was going to break...so, l just gave up on it for the day. I don't have the crank handle and emailed the PO and asked about it. If he sends it to me, I may tackle the issue of the sun roof not working properly.

Of course...l could go out and mess around with it now...since l'm just monkeyfarting around on the internet anyway. It seems as though the motor is locked up, it gets power for both directions, closed and open, so maybe I'll pull out the motor and go from there.

Brian.