Edward

Hey all,

Went to open the sunroof and it made a nasty "clank" sound so I stopped immediately! I looked up and saw it was just barely cracked open so not wanting to leave it open, I hit the switch to close it, and it closed properly. Tried it again to see if it was a fluke ...same exact thing, and closed her back up again. So not wanting to temp fate, I opened up the zippered sunroof access, looked and felt around and nothing looks or feels loose or awry. What's up? Easy fix or am I screwed?

Edward

Livefreeandrive

Mine did that and when I opened it up, the small spring cocked wind flap that pops up when you open the roof was goofed up. The rod that it hinges on was slightly bent on one side. I straightened it with my hand and it is a lot quieter. Have a look

Edward

Hmmm...the thing is that I'm afraid of holding down the button to open it further. Mine "clacked" as soon as I opened it so not really sure I will be able to see anything. Then again, is was my perspective from inside the car. Should I try looking at it from the outside while someone hits the button? Man I just don't want this thing to break in the open position as that guarantees ill be spending a fortune to fix it. Thoughts on this, anyone?

Edward

kjr914

Edward,
I think I know that "clack".... My money is on the small plastic pieces attached on either end of the metal flap. One end is in the track and the other attached to the pin at the end of the metal flap. They are very thin looking plastic parts. The roof pushes down on them as it nears closure and lowers the metal flap so the roof slides over it. Without the plastic pieces, the the metal flap springs up early and quickly (clack). Also, it can cause the roof to not close, if the metal flap is not pushed down properly...stops early with a metal/metal contact....ugh!

Also, I've found issues with opening and closing the sunroof can be reduced by cleaning out the track and greasing it up a bit. I've used white lithium and plain old grease at various times. Not sure what is best to use. But cleaning out the dirt is helpful for smooth operation.

Edward

Gotcha Keith ...thanks for the word picture. Yeah, I know the pieve you're taling about ...I replaced one side (that little plastic "lever" that gets pushed down) years ago as I couldn't get the roof closed. But with my roof closed, it is upon opening that I get the "clack." ...you still think it's that piece? Worth it for me to have someone actuate the switch as I look from above to maybe see what's happening maybe?

Edward

Christian J

I think the cable is broken. I had the same sound and the roof would open a smidge with one side slightly more open than the other. Its a DIY to replace but you need to be patient.

frankv

Maybe try and disconnect the motor from the cables (under the zippered area near the back) and see if you can slide the sunroof back and forth by hand (it should do so easily). At least this way you have less likelihood of breaking something expensive.

Another thought is that when you open the sunroof the first thing it does is drop the rear portion so that is can slide underneath the roof. The sound of the sunroof dropping may be what you are hearing

Regards, Frank

kjr914

I could be remembering wrong, but I thought I got a clack on opening (had to hold the flap down by hand while closing,but clacked on re-opening.) With the plastic broken, flap springs upwards after the roof clears a bit, since it doesn't gradually rise along the plastic glide. YMMV....I could be (and have been) wrong....

Def get someone to operate while checking from above. I've found I can operate the switch with one hand, and with 2nd hand out the window and on the sunroof to feel what happens in action (fingers away from edges, of course!). But not as good as the friend pushing the switch method that you suggest.