Sunroof not working
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
Sunroof not working
Hey guys,
Never posted here before but I'm hoping I can get some help on my wife's 98 SL2. The sunroof will not open, it will only pop up about 1/2" and will not go backward at all. The motor sounds fine but appears to bind when it hits a certain spot each time. I removed the glass and only one side of the mechanism is even attempting to move.
From searching a little bit, sounds like the problem is within the module (link below for more detail). Has anyone removed this and tried to fix it, or found a solution other than just buying a new one? The sunroof is not worth the expense of a new module, if they are even available.
The problem part I think is number 3 here, it won't link directly to the part, but under 98 SL Sedan/Roof/Sunroof/Module: http://www.saturnparts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html
Any thoughts or advice?
Never posted here before but I'm hoping I can get some help on my wife's 98 SL2. The sunroof will not open, it will only pop up about 1/2" and will not go backward at all. The motor sounds fine but appears to bind when it hits a certain spot each time. I removed the glass and only one side of the mechanism is even attempting to move.
From searching a little bit, sounds like the problem is within the module (link below for more detail). Has anyone removed this and tried to fix it, or found a solution other than just buying a new one? The sunroof is not worth the expense of a new module, if they are even available.
The problem part I think is number 3 here, it won't link directly to the part, but under 98 SL Sedan/Roof/Sunroof/Module: http://www.saturnparts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html
Any thoughts or advice?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 275
From: Annapolis Md.
Usually it's pieces of broken track and guides that jam up the operation of the sunroof. Eventually the module will fail because of the debris that jams up the tracks (broken plastic guides and linkage pieces). I buy and sell these cars and when one comes in with a sunroof, I remove the fuse. When someone buys one I explain what I've done and the problems with these sunroofs. Replace the fuse and operate at your own risk.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,912
From: Peoria AZ
Earlier in this forum, some one removed the module and managed to open it and repair the curcuit board which had developed cold solder joints. So it was a matter of re- heating the connections and then re-assembled things. There was pictures included with the thread. It is at least worth trying.
Other than that I am with Hoseppi, it is a high maintainence item with a lot of plastic bits and pieces in it and almost no parts available for it now although I am sure that maybe you can find them. I have spent a whole lot more money on mine that I want to admidt to over the years. I have seen them screwed closed so that they do not leak water. A problem that increases with the number of plastic bits and pieces that break.
My problem? I like the thing so I agrevate myself by keeping it functional.
Other than that I am with Hoseppi, it is a high maintainence item with a lot of plastic bits and pieces in it and almost no parts available for it now although I am sure that maybe you can find them. I have spent a whole lot more money on mine that I want to admidt to over the years. I have seen them screwed closed so that they do not leak water. A problem that increases with the number of plastic bits and pieces that break.
My problem? I like the thing so I agrevate myself by keeping it functional.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
From: NYC suburbs
repair source sunroof
If you do a google search for sunroof repair, there are several companies that will sell you the commonly broken pieces in the sunroof.
Best of all the new parts are CAST ALUMINUM AND NOT PLASTIC.
By the way if you are handy I would say most people can repair the sunroof.
Patience will be required, however.
Just for laughs I asked the dealer for a quote on the entire sunroof mechanism , ha ha , 900 bucks!!
Best of all the new parts are CAST ALUMINUM AND NOT PLASTIC.
By the way if you are handy I would say most people can repair the sunroof.
Patience will be required, however.
Just for laughs I asked the dealer for a quote on the entire sunroof mechanism , ha ha , 900 bucks!!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
From: NYC suburbs
I had excellent results with my repair. It was somewhat labor intensive as the headliner is removed (and everything else that blocks its removal.)
As I stated earlier, with patience , most anyone can make this repair. Start to finish I would say It took me less than 8 hours. Total cost involved was less than 150 dollars. Figure a little more if you dont have a torx to remove the seat belt anchors
As I stated earlier, with patience , most anyone can make this repair. Start to finish I would say It took me less than 8 hours. Total cost involved was less than 150 dollars. Figure a little more if you dont have a torx to remove the seat belt anchors
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,912
From: Peoria AZ
Hey Hey hey! Congratulations.
This does bring up probably the only thing about my Saturn that has been a repeatedly frustrating feature.
All the plastic that was used to assemble the thing.
I have removed head liners for repair from other cars. Yes sir, labor intensive but doable.
Living in the Southwest in the intensive heat does not do the plastic bits and pieces any good and due to circumstances the Saturn has been parked outdoors for the last 10 years or better. The heat has turned on the bits an pieces brittle and as these parts are SNAPPED into place rather than screwed into place the break when trying to remove them.
And of course replacement parts are no longer available and junk yard parts suffer from the same malady for the most part thus there are certain repair procedures I have backed away from.
I have one more switch panel for the dome light and sunroof controls and I am not sure I can actually install it if I have to.
Matching colors although a pain is doable. SEM makes interior color matched “Dyes” that work well if all the steps in using them are followed correctly.
This does bring up probably the only thing about my Saturn that has been a repeatedly frustrating feature.
All the plastic that was used to assemble the thing.
I have removed head liners for repair from other cars. Yes sir, labor intensive but doable.
Living in the Southwest in the intensive heat does not do the plastic bits and pieces any good and due to circumstances the Saturn has been parked outdoors for the last 10 years or better. The heat has turned on the bits an pieces brittle and as these parts are SNAPPED into place rather than screwed into place the break when trying to remove them.
And of course replacement parts are no longer available and junk yard parts suffer from the same malady for the most part thus there are certain repair procedures I have backed away from.
I have one more switch panel for the dome light and sunroof controls and I am not sure I can actually install it if I have to.
Matching colors although a pain is doable. SEM makes interior color matched “Dyes” that work well if all the steps in using them are followed correctly.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
