Sunroof malfunctions -- then behaves normally again

[da BoMM]

Bizzarre deal today -- I use my sunroof a lot -- on way to work this morning it worked fine.

Going to lunch the roof would only move about an inch with every touch of the switch (you all know how auto-open and auto-close works). Eventually it quit working (seemed like a bad switch or bad motor) -- switch wouldn't work at all.

Had lunch, leaving the roof stuck in the "up" position (tail end popped up about 2.5").

Got back in the car and it worked a little better (but only moved about 4-5") so I got it to close and left it alone.

End of the day, going home, it "auto opened" as per normal. Got home and closed normally.

WTF???!!!

1) I read in another thread about electrical system shutting down in overload situations -- is that possible?
2) This was probably the hottest day of this year so far (94 here in Houston) -- did heat cause malfunction?

I hate to go in for a phantom problem -- I've had a sunroof in many vehicles in the past 20 years -- have never had a problem.

Anybody had a similar problem? Advice??

[HIPCHIP]

I've had my sun-roof act wierd a couple of time; I'd open it or close it and it would only go a few inches, but as soon as I pressed the button again, it worked fine. Only thing I could figure out was the little pop-up wind deflector was getting in the way when the wind hit it or maybe some junk got in the tracks, etc. Ckeck to make sure some junk didn't blow in and catch something causing a safety auto-stop (like on a garage door).

[grinner]

I've had no sunroof probs but my driver's rear window wouldn't roll down for like a month. Then it started workin' fine.

[da BoMM]

I've had my sun-roof act wierd a couple of time; I'd open it or close it and it would only go a few inches, but as soon as I pressed the button again, it worked fine. Only thing I could figure out was the little pop-up wind deflector was getting in the way when the wind hit it or maybe some junk got in the tracks, etc. Ckeck to make sure some junk didn't blow in and catch something causing a safety auto-stop (like on a garage door).

Interesting -- do you know if there are "safety stops" built in??

[da BoMM]

I've had no sunroof probs but my driver's rear window wouldn't roll down for like a month. Then it started workin' fine.

Have had the same on windows in other cars -- don't you love things you can't ever reproduce at the dealer. . .

[da BoMM]

Same thing happened again today -- this is "heat" related -- sunroof quit under high noon sun. I'm familiar with other devices that have temperature cutouts, but never a sunroof . . . hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. . .

[Mike2thaC]

The only wierd experience I've ever had with my moonroof was in high wind conditions. The roof was closing and stopped about half way because of the wind. I slowed down and hit the button again, and it closed fine. I'm sure there is a safety stop so little kids (stupid adults) :lol: can't get their necks caught in there.

[wmschultz]

I've had no sunroof probs but my driver's rear window wouldn't roll down for like a month. Then it started workin' fine.

While I am ashamed to admit that I can relate this information........I have
noticed the window problem after high water pressure is aimed at the vehicle
like when you use an aaaaa-----uuuu----tttttt---oooooomatic car wash...

Yes, you see, I have had to run my baby through the machine a few times
and it seems that every time after that, the window acts up.

I try to hand wash/wax when ever possible.

[moparman53]

Mine acted up a couple of times too. I had the back popped up, went to close it and it closed , but popped back up again. It also makes more noise popping up than sliding.

[da BoMM]

the GREMLIN CHRONICLES :twisted:

After 2 days of intermittent malfunctioning, I've had 2 days of troublefree operation -- go figure ... there's a little gremlin here... comes out when she wants... he he he...

[rosc25]

Started happening to me after I got a carwash. It lasted for about half a day and never happened again.

[dantodd]

I was looking through my manual and there is an auto stop on the sunroof. There is also an override. I don't remmeber it right now but it is in the manual, I think it is to run the sunroof allthe way open again and then resume closing and hold the button for 2 seconds when it hits the stop, it will then power through that and any other obstacles. This was said to be in the event of ise etc, in the sunroof rails. My guess is this isn't what was causing the original problem but if you're driving a LITTLE fast and the sunroof sees it is an obstacle it might solve your problem.

[da BoMM]

I was looking through my manual and there is an auto stop on the sunroof. There is also an override. I don't remmeber it right now but it is in the manual, I think it is to run the sunroof allthe way open again and then resume closing and hold the button for 2 seconds when it hits the stop, it will then power through that and any other obstacles. This was said to be in the event of ise etc, in the sunroof rails. My guess is this isn't what was causing the original problem but if you're driving a LITTLE fast and the sunroof sees it is an obstacle it might solve your problem.

That's good info -- I'll check the manual -- thanks!