Problem with my Sunroof, any mechanic types around?

[Kelemvor]

Howdy,

I have a 1999 Grand Am with a factory Sunroof. It's the style where the first press of the button pops the sunroof up in the back and the second press causes it to move all the way back.

On my way to work this morning, I pressed the button the first time and it only popped up about halfway from what it is supposed to. Now it won't move at all. I've tried helping it along forward, back, up, down, etc but it just won't move.

Dealer wants $80-$120 just to look at it to figur eout what's wrong.

Anyone have any ideas on what a cause might be? It seems that it wants to move, it just can't for some reason.

I guess I'll probably see if I can unscrew it and get in there and maybe find something myself before dumping the cash at the dealer. Local car place I usually go doesn't do much with sunroofs and coudln't recommend anywhere else to try.

Ah well. And it's such a beautiful day too.

 

[Ness]

Hope it doesn't rain!

I'm guessing the dealer wants that money to look at it because it is quite possibly just stuck, and the problem would be fixed just putting it back together. Otherwise the guy is an idiot to ask for a paid estimate.

 

[DnetMHZ]

perhaps a fuse blew?

 

[Ness]

Originally posted by: dnetmhz
perhaps a fuse blew?

See, I was thinking that too, I just didn't want to sound stupid if that's not a possibility :-x. It'd be worth the time to check the fuses if it will save you 80-120 dollars, too.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Duct tape.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Originally posted by: Ness

Originally posted by: dnetmhz
perhaps a fuse blew?

See, I was thinking that too, I just didn't want to sound stupid if that's not a possibility :-x. It'd be worth the time to check the fuses if it will save you 80-120 dollars, too.

I'd agree check this first. Is there any motor noise or just nothing at all when you press the button?

 

[AMCRambler]

My old 91 Accord had a slot in the ceiling for a crank to be inserted so if the motor failed you could hand crack the sunroof closed. Looked like a little button with a slit in it. If you've got one of those at least you'll be able to close the roof up. Then you can worry about fixing it when you get time.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: WhiteKnight

Originally posted by: Ness

Originally posted by: dnetmhz
perhaps a fuse blew?

See, I was thinking that too, I just didn't want to sound stupid if that's not a possibility :-x. It'd be worth the time to check the fuses if it will save you 80-120 dollars, too.

I'd agree check this first. Is there any motor noise or just nothing at all when you press the button?

I thought about the fuse but if I push the sunroof forward to try to get it closer to the closed position and then I press the button to try to make it open, it does move about 1/8 of an inch so it seems that it's getting power, it's just not actually doing anything.

But I'll dbl check that tonight and make sure.

 

[woowoo]

Ctrl,Alt, Del?
Try pulling the 12v to "Reset" it.

 

[GasX]

A similar thing happened to my contour. A plastic worm gear got heated up in the sun and deformed so the teeth wouldn't bite and a grinding noise resulted. It was an easy repair as described here. If you aren't hearing any noise, then it's an electrical issue of some sort.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Something mau be jammed in the track.

It would take time to remove the interior headlining and look at the tracks & motor.

Figure at least an hours work to remove and replace, let alone actually correct the problem.

 

[dirtboy]

I'm so glad I don't have a sunroof in my new car. I spent thousands of dollars to keep the sunroof in my old car working. Even my buddy's fairly new BMW has had problems with his sunroof. There is no easy fix to them. I took mine apart and couldn't figure it out. Sometimes they get out of alignment and need a knowledgeable hand to redo it. Unfortunately, the dealer is probably your best bet.

 

I do believe I am "MECHANIC TYPE"


Several possibilities assuming that the electric motor that drives it is still operating ;

One or both of the lifting arms has fallen off it's track

One or both of the lifting arms has cracked or broke off

The guide wire has stretched or broken

The track has separated from it's mounting

A piece of debris has fallen into the track and has jammed the assembly

Th sunroof has cocked sideways jamming the arms

The safety switch has either failed or has become inoperative because of debris in the channel

Now understand that without looking at it in person that I can only guess at the cause of your problem.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: Roger

Now understand that without looking at it in person that I can only guess at the cause of your problem.

Say it isn't so!

 

[Kelemvor]

Well what do you know. I go out after work, start up the car, and the damn thing works. Stupid ass sunroof. No idea wth happened. *sigh* GOt me all worked up for nothing.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Same sh!t happened to me, but I found out the hard way a couple of days after i purchased my car!
i drove all the way back to the dealer and it turns out the switch was broken. i still need to fix it, but i dont know how much the switch cost.