03' Sunroof jam

[skiwindjunkie]

My sunroof opens but when closing it goes halfway and kicks back. The only way to help it shut is to pull down on the roof when its closing. Dealer #1 said that I was missing a part, the left rail. They ordered it and I went back for install. They came out and said, they found the original rail in the track & had popped off. So I did not need the part. They snapped the original one in and tried. The rail snaps off upon closing and jams. They said that something is lodged in the roof and need to take off the headliner to investigate. (4hrs x$70) I said, yea right. Why didn't the first tech see my old rail in the roof, but the second tech did? DUH? I took it to Dealer #2. They said that I need new rails and cables. The cables are jamming at a cost of $2K. Runner is 4 years old with 61K and already I'm pissed. So help. I plan on calling my Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty to see if it is covered to have the rails & cables replaced. The warranty says it will cover mechanical failure and has no exlusions listed about sunroof. It does say that sunroof guides & channels are not covered in the gold plan, but nothing to the effect in the Platinum...pray. If they do cover it, then the headliner needs to come off...RIGHT? So should I address the TSB of headliner noise while they are in there? If it is not covered under warranty, should I risk just paying to take off the headliner to see if something is causing the rail to jam, or have it cleaned & lubed? If they get in there and that is the case, then it cost way less. I am not feeling that the short term route will solve the problem. Dealer #2 is more reliable and has stated that they have done a couple of rail/cable replacements, so they have seen the problem already. I have all my service done at dealers & also have three invoices showing that the sunroof had a special lube put in it to keep it greased. Any experience with the problems or any suggestions would be very helpful. Bottom line is the battle with the Toyota warranty.

 

[sharp4runr]

If the sunroof is covered in your platinum warranty, let the dealership work on it. I think it is a $50 deductible, then Toyota covers the rest. There is a TSB for a rattle noise, and if your truck was experiencing this problem then by all means have it fixed at the same time. TSBs don't affect all vehicles so Toyota will only repair it if the customer complains, it's not a recall where it is a mandatory repair.

If it is not covered under Toyota warranty, find a reputable sunroof shop to do the work. Years ago I need my sunroof fixed on my 93 Celica. Talked to Toyota tech and he kindly suggested an upholstery shop that also works on sunroofs. Toyota tech says they subcontract out the work anyways so I'd be paying more if I took it to the dealership. Instead I took it to the upholstery shop and they fixed me up for less than $500 (Toyota had quoted me $800.

 

[karusewicz]

This exact problem happened to my 04 4runner LTD. What I did was took the headliner off myself took a look at the track and everything seemed to be fine. So I took out the sunroof motor and ordered a new one, installed it and it has been 2 months now and everything seems to be OK. It was like the motor didn't have enough power to close the sunroof and the track looked ok so it cost me $250.00 for the motor but all seems to be fine

 

[loner]

I recommend you guys read this thread in its entirety if you have not done so already:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22448


The sunroof TSB can be found here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=237372

 

[skiwindjunkie]

GOOD NEWS! Its all covered.

Yes, Toyota Plat Plan covers my sunroof repair. (If I had the gold, it would of not) New cables & rails. Also they said that the dealer should check the motor as most of them have low voltage & should be replaced if so...yes that is covered too. They acknowledged the TSB and were really friendly. I was prepared for battle! They also stated that my diagnosis invoice will be re-funded! The repair takes one full day. Can this get better?...I like to use a dealer an hour away from my VT home and low and behold they also cover a car rental up to 5 days of repair service needed. So I won't have to buy beers for a "buddy ride". I have a $0 deductable. The one time in my life that I bought an extended warranty I could use and boy was it worth it. Repairs $2K+. Sometimes things just go your way! Thanks for all your help. I will have them address the headliner rattle while they are in there

 

[sharp4runr]

Kewl glad it's working out for you. I'm glad I bought a plat extended warranty too, just for reasons like this. I haven't had to utilize yet, but knowing it's there just in case makes me feel better. With the cost of this truck, repairing it easily gets quite expensive and I figure using the extended warranty one time will easily pay for itself. Keep us posted on how the repairs go.

Also let us know which dealer is taking care of you. Another VT owner may run into this thread and find the info useful.

 

[skiwindjunkie]

Thanks!
I like the Toyota Dealer in White River Junction, VT. They are the best around. The one in Rutland, VT although very nice are really only good for an oil change. Will keep you posted on the final outcome.

 

[leftyrb]

2005 Ltd Sunroof

I noticed a rattle in my sunroof of my 2005 Ltd a few months ago and took it to the dealer today. The vehicle has 35,000 km on it. The dealer phoned to say the roof would not retract all the way (it did last time I used it), and that they would have to order parts, which would take one day to do the repair.

I am glad it is under warranty, but methinks a basic version of the 4Runner may be practical in the future, as they recently replaced the sensor for the rear air suspension, both fairly big ticket items. I have 13 months left on the comprehensive warranty.

Rick