3rd gen T4R moonroof disable mod.

[5vzT4R]

Well if you are like me and don't care to have a sunroof (moonroof) and are paranoid of it possibly being "stuck" open, please continue reading and enjoy my first "write up".

I have searched and personally looked and checked for a "fuse" for the moonroof and I could not find a specific fuse for it to pull out. So I did a quick search on how to access the motor and I still did not find anything other then its above the map lights. Here I will show you exactly how to gain access to the motor itself fast and easily.

Proceed this mod at your own risk, I am not liable for any damages or anything!!!

Tools needed, a "flat head" screw driver, a Phillips screw driver and some electrical tape.

Look closely for two "notches" between the clear lens and plastic frame. Gently pry apart with your "flat head" screw driver.

Once you have removed the clear lens, take your phillips screw driver and remove this screw.

Next, gently pull down and out (towards rear of T4R) the whole map light piece.

Here is the plug that you will need to disconnect by pressing down on the tab, and pull the two plugs apart.

Next, I taped off both plug ends, you may not (need) to do this, but I did because I don't like "open" connectors. Then to get the plug out of the way, I taped it to the wire harness for the map lights.

Last step, gently push down on the tab that holds the motor side plug to the bracket, and continue to tape off this plug also. When done simply push the plug back onto the bracket until the tab "clicks" back into place.

Reinstall everything in reverse order and you are DONE!
:bigok:

 

[BrianSD_42]

Why did you disable it?

Mine isn't working well and I plan to swap the motor soon but I don't see the reason for pulling the plug.

I am adding your post to the end of the thread .... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html


:zoom:

 

[5vzT4R]

Because it makes me feel better knowing that it cannot be opened, and there for cannot become stuck open. If I ever decide I want my sunroof to operate again, I can simply plug it back in.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

I went about three steps beyond your mod. Mines called the "what the f### is wrong with this stupid motherf#### that's it I'm ripping it out"-mod. I tried fixing mine thinking it was the motor, it wasn't. So out came the whole headliner to get to the drive cable tracks which had become totally seized with old grease to the point that a torch and penetrating oil wouldn't budge it, then the cables broke. So now its safety wired shut AND siliconed around the top.

 

[5vzT4R]

I think I read your thread. Haha that sucks. That's what sacres me about these stupid things..

 

[Millerad1651]

I'm filing this under my "never do this" mods. I love my sunroof! It's the first vehicle I've had with one, and I specifically looked for a runner with one.
I can't wait for spring to start so I can open her up, and I hate when it starts to get too cold to keep it open.
The sunroof open, all windows down and my back window down on a nice day...man, you can't beat it!

 

[5vzT4R]

I'm filing this under my "never do this" mods. I love my sunroof! It's the first vehicle I've had with one, and I specifically looked for a runner with one.
I can't wait for spring to start so I can open her up, and I hate when it starts to get too cold to keep it open.
The sunroof open, all windows down and my back window down on a nice day...man, you can't beat it!

Haha this is my first vehicle with a sunroof also. I don't mind it, but after hearing how often they mess up and how expensive it can get very quickly, I rather keep it closed to avoid a potential problem.

 

[TheDurk]

There are two keys to sunroof longevity:

-lube every six months
-avoid crud in the tracks by ALWAYS closing it while parked. Stuff falling off trees is the killer and you are only safe while moving.

I couldn't live without mine in warm weather.

 

[hearno]

The only thing I would add is that if you don't plan on opening it for an extended period of time is to clean the track and well out as best you can and maybe apply some silicone or rubber conditioner to the gasket to help keep it pliable.

 

[thebrandon]

Interesting. So for those of us who know how to just not push the button when we don't want this to open, what are we supposed to use to keep it "lubricated" and in tip top shape?

 

[TheDurk]

Interesting. So for those of us who know how to just not push the button when we don't want this to open, what are we supposed to use to keep it "lubricated" and in tip top shape?

I use white lithium grease--the spray stuff--on the tracks and cables. For the gaskets, I would use Jack's Magic Lube, which is a Teflon lube special for rubber and silicone gaskets, like on swimming pool equipment, spider gaskets, etc. --but I have this around anyway to use on the pool. It comes in handy on the truck, too. It works great on swaybar bushings to keep them quiet. The sunroof on my 1985 BMW 723i worked great until the car died at 19 years of age, and those loved to cause problems.

 

[zgensler31]

There are two keys to sunroof longevity:

-lube every six months
-avoid crud in the tracks by ALWAYS closing it while parked. Stuff falling off trees is the killer and you are only safe while moving.

I couldn't live without mine in warm weather.

Do you happen to have or know of a tutorial to clean and lube the sunroof. Id like to do this but im not sure what to use and where to put it....

Guess I should have kept reading the thread. My bad.

 

[5vzT4R]

Interesting. So for those of us who know how to just not push the button when we don't want this to open, what are we supposed to use to keep it "lubricated" and in tip top shape?

Well if I was the only one who drove/rode in the truck it would be that simple and I wouldn't bother disconnecting it like I did.

 

[a_young240]

The sunroof open, all windows down and my back window down on a nice day...man, you can't beat it!

I would have to +1 this. :high5:

 

[Singtoe]

Well if I was the only one who drove/rode in the truck it would be that simple and I wouldn't bother disconnecting it like I did.

That is pretty ridiculous. Did you disconnect the gate and door windows too. You wouldn't want them to break while there're down.

 

[5vzT4R]

That is pretty ridiculous. Did you disconnect the gate and door windows too. You wouldn't want them to break while there're down.

Yep. Disconnected the WHOLE VEHICLE!! Pretty cool huh!?

If you don't like the help that I "tried" to contribute to this forum (which is what my previous forums were for) then how about you simply dont say anything at all? I never said everyone needs to do this. But I saw a few post of people wanting to disconnect theirs by pulling a fuse, so for those very select few people who want to disconnect OR just gain access to this part for any reason, they can see my post on how to do it.

 

[coues7]

Awesome info. Glad folks figure this stuff out

 

[blairracd]

is this the motor, or just the power to the motor? I am confused.

 

[hour]

I'm a fan of this. I wouldn't do it (don't use mine, but also don't have button pushers along for the ride), but your execution was flawless

 

[adam99sr5]

Even though it is not the most tasteful mod. I got to give you credit for how clearly you portrayed the said task. I think you should make more write ups even if there already is one. Your directions were crystal with good pictures. Good job. Keep em coming. I'm not going to disable mine no way but gotta give credit where credits do nicely done.