A couple of years ago, I had problems with my sunroof (on a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire GT) not closing all the way when it was just a little bit cold out. I replaced the sunroof's motor with a used one and the problem was solved. However, recently, my sunroof got stuck open again...however, this time one side is going further back than the other...it seems like the one side would move and the other one wouldn't because it was slightly stuck. How can I realign the two again (if that is indeed the problem?)
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03:28 PM
PFF
System Bot
James Bond 007 Member
Posts: 8872 From: California.U.S.A. Registered: Dec 2002
Had the exact same problem with my '97 Grand Am. Remove the motor then push/pull the sunroof square (preferable closed so you know for sure it's squared up). Once you reinstall the motor, the teeth on the motor will engage the cables ([one on each side] that move the sunroof). Bolt up the motor and test it. Bet it's fine again. The cold causes the cables (or at least one) to bind just a bit causing the teeth to slip.
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07:38 PM
Nov 13th, 2009
burdell1 Member
Posts: 340 From: Apple Valley, MN Registered: Apr 99
Thanks for the help....Monkeyman....is there a way to realign it without taking out the motor? I'm just afraid i might screw it up more or something....
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11:01 AM
Nov 15th, 2009
Monkeyman Member
Posts: 15833 From: N. Wilkesboro, NC, USA Registered: Nov 1999
Assuming it's set up the same way as my GA, you can't screw it up by taking out the motor. Mine had 3 or 4 screws/bolts holding the motor in place. Once those are removed, the motor is loose. (Make sure it doesn't fall.) Unplug the wiring harness (simple plug) and lay it on the floor. Then, from outside the car, gently (and I mean GENTLY) manuver (sp) the sunroof back in to place. Once the motor gears aren't stuck on the cable gears, it should move fairly easily. All you really need to do is get the sunroof panel square but if you don't close it up to be sure, you could easily be off by a tooth. The hardest part was removing and reinstalling the headliner. Not technically difficult but very time consuming.
Once again, you can't realign it without removing the motor. Once you remove the headliner, you'll see how easy it is. I ended up replacing the entire assy as I couldn't find just the glass (which I broke trying to realign it without removing the motor first) and not counting the R & R of the headliner, it took me all of 45 minutes. If you break the glass (which is easy to do if you try pushing on a corner with the motor still in place), you can probably find a replacement assy at a boneyard for less than $100 (mine cost about $75, I think). It's actually easier to replace the entire assy than it is to replace the glass only. If you accidentally break the glass or you have any other questions, feel free to PM me and I'll walk you through it. FWIW, try not to cover the hole with anything resembling duct tape. I covered the hole in mine with trash bags and duct tape and the tape ended up removing most of the paint on my roof when I tried to remove the tape.