New Sunroof..ROUND 2

[ToolmanJohn]

Well, yesterday during lunch, the brand new sunroof jammed open. This is the one they replaced parts in on the 3rd of Last month(10-3-05). Same symptoms as last time. Loud cracking gear noise when it finally opened, then would not close.

I closed it same as last time. After I got out of work, I drove over the 45mph speed limit, the deflector activated (noisily) and then I was able to get it closed with a helping hand.

Took it back today, and it didn't stick open, BUT it was wicked slow in opening and closing. At least the service manager came outside to observe it, and hopefully they will find out from a Toyota field tech what is to be done.

If the service dept had real hours, not banking hours, I wouldn't be so upset by all this. But they close at 4pm. I work till 5:30 . That means every time I have to take the truck in for a warranty problem, it costs me at least 2 hours wages. I estimate I have lost close to 12 hours so far in two years, just beacause of the problems with warranty ,radio(two trips), front rotors(3 trips), molding(two trips), sunroof(3 trips so far).

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Round 2 begins

Service manager called today, and I'm happy with what he had to say. They are going to replace the sunroof tracks and the cables per Toyota's recommendation.

I will also have a loaner vehicle waiting for me during the repair. At least it won't take 2 weeks like last time. I feel like I'm being treated like a valued customer this time around.

Hopefully this good treatment continues.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Round 2 begins

Service manager called today, and I'm happy with what he had to say. They are going to replace the sunroof tracks and the cables per Toyota's recommendation.

I will also have a loaner vehicle waiting for me during the repair. At least it won't take 2 weeks like last time. I feel like I'm being treated like a valued customer this time around.

Hopefully this good treatment continues.

Sounds similar to the kit that my dealership installed. So far, it's been working fine. Pretty much took the day to have it done, but they also provided a loaner so I could get where I needed to be.

Good luck -- sounds like they are trying to treat you right.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Fixed, maybe

Dropped off the 4runner Tuesday night 5pm. Picked up rental, same as last time.(Camry).

Not ready Wednesday, not ready Thursday. Hmmmmm.... Wondering if something bad happened while they were replacing the sunroof.(Cables and track this time, last time it was gearbox and glass.)

Anyway, it was ready today (Friday) and I picked it up. First thing I notice, they waxed and cleaned the truck. Looked very good on the outside , except for the nasty shiny tire treatment on the sidewalls. I hate that stuff. I'll have to clean it off later.

So I went inside and handed over the loaner keys. Went outside and get in the truck. WHOA!! The inside is super clean. TOO clean!! I realize that all my mats, my cargo blanket, floormats, bike cable, ect everything is missing.

I hurry back inside to get this stuff. The detailer must have removed it all to clean inside (this was something I did not request), and forgot to put it all back in. The service adviser helped me get all my stuff which was found near where the truck was detailed.

When I get into the truck finally, I decide to open the sunroof and test the function. Whoops!!! The plastic rail shield falls right off as I open the sun shade. Okay, I can clip that on myself later. Sunroof functions okay (fingers crossed)..

Missing my knit hat, small microfiber towel, Blistex, hairbrush, small folding knife. Will have to go back tomorrow and look around that area some more.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Fixed, maybe

Missing my knit hat, small microfiber towel, Blistex, hairbrush, small folding knife. Will have to go back tomorrow and look around that area some more.

Another reason to clean out as much of your stuff as possible before taking the vehicle in.

Hope they got it fixed for you. Mine is still OK after the kit that was installed a few months ago.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Found it all

All my missing stuff was in a cardboard box on the floor near the detailing station. The truck looks real good after the detailing, but they put some shiny stuff on the tires, icky. I'll have to wash it at the car wash and blast it off.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Found it all

All my missing stuff was in a cardboard box on the floor near the detailing station. The truck looks real good after the detailing, but they put some shiny stuff on the tires, icky. I'll have to wash it at the car wash and blast it off.

Glad you found it all.

A little Westley's Bleche-White will fix the shinmy stuff. I now use 303 Aerospace Protectant on the tires. Not very shiny, but helps keep them looking better than without.

 

[gsr2is300]

Well, yesterday during lunch, the brand new sunroof jammed open. This is the one they replaced parts in on the 3rd of Last month(10-3-05). Same symptoms as last time. Loud cracking gear noise when it finally opened, then would not close.

I closed it same as last time. After I got out of work, I drove over the 45mph speed limit, the deflector activated (noisily) and then I was able to get it closed with a helping hand.

Took it back today, and it didn't stick open, BUT it was wicked slow in opening and closing. At least the service manager came outside to observe it, and hopefully they will find out from a Toyota field tech what is to be done.

If the service dept had real hours, not banking hours, I wouldn't be so upset by all this. But they close at 4pm. I work till 5:30 . That means every time I have to take the truck in for a warranty problem, it costs me at least 2 hours wages. I estimate I have lost close to 12 hours so far in two years, just beacause of the problems with warranty ,radio(two trips), front rotors(3 trips), molding(two trips), sunroof(3 trips so far).

Add me to the list for the sunroof problems. Mine stuck open and they had to replace the rails and cables.

Check all the body panels in the interior of your 4Runner. My dealership did not properly fasten them when reinstalling the headliner. I have to take my 4Runner back to have them fix everything. This will be the 4th trip to get the sunroof fixed. I am losing patience with my dealership.

 

[MarshallMills]

Sunroof Broken and Out of Warranty!

Did any of you, or have you heard of anyone having this problem with the vehicle out of warranty? I have an 03' that is now out of warranty. The same thing just happened to my sunroof on 3-26-06 and I can't get it closed. The dealer estimated it will be over $1,000 in parts and labor. Any advice? I'm thinking of looking online for the parts cheap somehow. Please let me know if you have any advice.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Re: Sunroof Broken and Out of Warranty!

Did any of you, or have you heard of anyone having this problem with the vehicle out of warranty? I have an 03' that is now out of warranty. The same thing just happened to my sunroof on 3-26-06 and I can't get it closed. The dealer estimated it will be over $1,000 in parts and labor. Any advice? I'm thinking of looking online for the parts cheap somehow. Please let me know if you have any advice.

That sucks. Getting to the moonroof itself is a huge undertaking. It involves removing all the interior panels in the truck that touch the headliner including gaskets. Lots of clips and bolts and screws. You would need a weekend to do it. Also it's highly recommeneded that the seats are also removed.

I am at 34,000 miles and I am debating whether or not I will get the extended warranty for 7 years/100k , because of the cost or stupid stuff like the sunroof, but also because of the continued climb of gas prices..... It may be worth it. But since I don't go off-road, and probably never will, I am considering a Rav-4 with the 200+ hp V6. With AWD that might be a better vehicle for me.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Re: Sunroof Broken and Out of Warranty!

I am at 34,000 miles and I am debating whether or not I will get the extended warranty for 7 years/100k , because of the cost or stupid stuff like the sunroof, but also because of the continued climb of gas prices..... It may be worth it. But since I don't go off-road, and probably never will, I am considering a Rav-4 with the 200+ hp V6. With AWD that might be a better vehicle for me.

I got the Platinum warranty just because of the sunroof. One sunroof failure and the warranty pays for itself.

 

[MarshallMills]

Go with the warranty

Well if you decide to stay with the 4Runner, I highly recomend the extended warranty. I'm going to have to pay around $1K for my sunroof because I'm out of warranty. I was quoted $900 for a 5 year extension plan on my V8 03' limited. But I'm quite a bit over and don't want to ge in trouble.

 

[sharp4runr]

Re: Re: Re: Sunroof Broken and Out of Warranty!

I got the Platinum warranty just because of the sunroof. One sunroof failure and the warranty pays for itself.

Yup I had the same thinking in mind though not the sunroof specifically. These trucks are jam packed with electronics that one failure may indeed pay for the warranty and the $50 deductible.

 

[wonijack]

I am at 34,000 miles and I am debating whether or not I will get the extended warranty for 7 years/100k , because of the cost or stupid stuff like the sunroof, but also because of the continued climb of gas prices..... It may be worth it. But since I don't go off-road, and probably never will, I am considering a Rav-4 with the 200+ hp V6. With AWD that might be a better vehicle for me.

I would definitley get the extended warranty. This was my reply to another thread.

Problem Fixed
This was the Dealers take on it

"CUST REPORTS THE SUNROOF WILL NOT CLOSE.
SUNROOF WAS OPENED AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. FOUND REAR CORNER STUCK IN TRACK
REMOVED SUNROOF REMOVED GLASS
FREED UP CABLE BUT COUND FIND NO REASON FOR CABLE ASSM TO STICK IN TRACK. PART ORDERED
REPLACED SUNROOF HOUSEING AND CABLE ASSM"

1-63205-35030 CABLE SUB-ASSY, T $1163.28
1-63203-35041 HOUSING SUB-ASSY, $579.11
3-90467-12080 CLIP---not sure of pricing-think like 50 cents
2-90467-11111 CLIP---not sure of pricing-think like 50 cents

It was under warranty. I put prices out to the side and that is minus the labor and the markup on the parts..so thank goodness for warranty. Definitley investing in an extended warranty when my 36K is up. For anyone with an 03-05 is probably a decent investment. This would have paid for itself and then some.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Sunroof Broken and Out of Warranty!

Yup I had the same thinking in mind though not the sunroof specifically. These trucks are jam packed with electronics that one failure may indeed pay for the warranty and the $50 deductible.

I got the zero deductible -- price difference was miniscule.

 

[400cruiser]

To all of those people talking up the value of the extended warranty and the comfort it might provide around the notorious sunroof failures, I say read the fine print!

My 2003 SR5 V8 is barely out of factory warranty, but when the sunroof jammed in the open position, I expected my extended warranty to cover it. WRONG. The motors associated with the sunroof are covered, but the tracks and cables are not. If I want it fixed, I pay the full shot.

For now, I'm driving around with the roof closed, and looking for alternatives.

 

[the_bear]

400cruiser,

Which warranty do you have? I have the Platinum warranty, which spells out the exclusions in the booklet and I could not find where it would let the dealer get off on not replacing the cables and guide rods. The exclusions on the Platinum warranty are almost all wear related items and the actual body structure as far as I could find.

-Eric

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Platinum Warranty

My Platinum Vehicle Sevice Agreement (7yr/100k mile) covers the whole thing. No exclusions for sunroof, just for normal wear items(wipers, wheels , tires, brake pads, ect ect).

It specifically DOES COVER Sunroof cables, Sunroof Motor,Sunroof Control Computer and Relay,Sliding roof guide Rail

The list of stuff it covers is HUGE. Takes about 20 minutes to read it all. Even my CD player is covered.

It also has $100 a day traavel protection, $50 a day substitute transportation reimbursement, no paperwork(dealer paid directly), no deductible, transferable, unlimited towing reimbursement to nearest dealership, it goes on... Well worth the $825 + tax.

See if Shaun (business manager at a Toyota dealership in PA) still offers the warranty. Use the search function.

Piece of mind for such a long period of time is certainly worth this price.

 

[RichP]

Had my sunroof not close on my 2005 SR5 also.

Brought it to the dealer and they ordered motor and cables...I'm waiting for the parts to arrive.

I have about 2000 miles left till I am out of warranty so I am definitley thinking of getting the Platinum Extended warranty.


Will update when its fixed.

 

[400cruiser]

The extended warranty I have comes from Toyota Canada. I think the following guidance should apply to many though... Read the fine print. It sounds like the US Platinum warranty DOES cover the affected sunroof components. I can't comment on the options below Platinum.
I expect the other options may read like the ECP warranty I have (the only option I had). It has a section of covered components. They include 'sunroof computer' and sunroof motors but do not cover sunroof tracks, cables, etc.

For those who have already had their sunroof fixed under factory warranty, I'm not getting any indication that Toyota has fixed what appears to be an engineering defect. I've seen nothing to indicate that replacement tracks and cables have the design flaw addressed. That means having the right clause in your extended warranty is going to be critical for the next time your sunroof fails, and when that runs out, ?????