My sunroof isn't working properly......

[arouth]

Hello,

Ok, I tried to open my sunroof yesterday and it would not automatically open, and I had to hold the button down the entire time or it would stop. When it tilts up or goes to the fully open position there is a very fast thumping/tapping sound (I can't think of a better way to describe it).

I opened it without thinking one day when it was still dirty from the snow earlier in the week. There wasn't anything big on there, just some dirt and grime......do you think this might have something to do with it?

Today, I basically opened and closed it a bunch of times and now it's working properly again, but I still would like to know if you guys have any ideas what is going on?

Thanks!

 

[Noloc]

Known problem. This will happen ever so often so my only advice is, get used to it. No real fix, just a patch.

 

[SciRunner]

Based off the description, I thought it is a normal function of the sunroof. I had a loaner Avalon with a sunroof before with the same function. It allows you to select how much air you want coming in to the vehicle.

 

[jharris2]

Is it possible that it just needed to be reinitialized?

 

[ironadrenaline]

have you recently disconnected the battery?

 

[arouth]

I did have a new battery installed a few months ago.

I tested it again today and it's working fine. The only thing is a slight squeeking noise when I close it.

Can you expand on the "known problem" with the sunroof?

Thanks!

 

[tkr128]

If it's not opening automatically, it needs to be reinitialized by holding the tilt up switch until it tilts up fully, and then hold on to the switch for another second or so. That resets the auto function. On the 4th-gens, the moonroof loses it's auto setting once in a while for no reason.

If it's making squeaking noises when tilting up/down, it could that the rubber seals are dirty. I know mine makes squeaking noises when the seals are dirty and I try to tilt it up. Tilt it open to clean the back part of the seal and then retract it halfway to clean the front part of the seal. Also clean the surrounding opening in the roof while it's open. That usually solves my squeaks when tilting up for a month or so or until it gets dirty again.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Just a reminder! Please be sure to lube the rails, pop up wind deflector and the two aluminum slide rods in your sunroof track. I believe many here are having problems with their sunroof operating improperly because they do NOT lube these parts every year.

I live in sunny southern California and use my moonroof often. I lube the parts with a small amount of grease placed on a Q-tip. You can use the grease from the gun used to lube your ball joints and/or drive shafts.

First open the moon roof and place some grease on a Q-tip. Next, place a small amount of grease to the plastic guide rail of the black plastic wind deflector. Then apply a thin amount to various parts of the aluminum glide rod in the trench. This is the rail that keeps the roof on track and inline. It is also the part that bends and warps causing the moon roof to stick.
Finally, after you have done both sides of the lube job as stated above; close the roof and open it in the tilt mode.

Put more grease on a Q-tip and carefully try to wedge some lube in the rear track area onto the glide rod. Also, lube the extenders on the roof which allow it to raise/tilt up about an inch or so. I've done this every spring for the past three years and have never had a problem with my moon roof opening and/ or closing. Be sure to use regular grease and NOT that white lithium based stuff that the dealer uses. It will get stiff and cause the roof to operate more slowly. Be sure to wipe that crap off before applying your grease.

P.S. Every year when spring comes around, I will wipe off as much of the old grease residue with a rag before reapplying a fresh coat of grease for the new warm/hot weather season. Be careful NOT to bend the aluminum rod. Just wipe away the large amounts and as much of the dirt as possible.

I hope the above info helps to keep many of you away from the stealership with moon roof sticking issues.

 

[spud72]

Just a reminder! Please be sure to lube the rails, pop up wind deflector and the two aluminum slide rods in your sunroof track. I believe many here are having problems with their sunroof operating improperly because they do NOT lube these parts every year.

I live in sunny southern California and use my moonroof often. I lube the parts with a small amount of grease placed on a Q-tip. You can use the grease from the gun used to lube your ball joints and/or drive shafts.

While I think that a small bit of lube every year is probably a good idea, I'm not so sure chassis grease would be my first choice as they are pretty heavy. I'd personally go with a light grease - probably white lithium based.. liked a Lubriplate 105 or something.

 

[tobenisstinky]

I found it in my '05 owners manual as "normalize the moon roof" look for moon roof in the index, not sunroof.