How to Maintain your Sunroof Tips
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 май 2014
- Video tutorial on how various maintenance which needs to be covered when owning a sunroof in your vehicle. This tutorial also discusses issues as to why your sunroof could be leaking and what repairs can be done in order to fix the issue. This is a generic tutorial that applies to all vehicles equipped with a sunroof regardless if it's a glass or metal insert. The main reasons why a sunroof can be leaking is from improper sunroof alignment, worn out sunroof gaskets, or sunroof drains are plugged. This particular tutorial was done on a 1997 BMW 540i.
Website: 4diyers.com
Facebook: / 4diyers
Google Plus: plus.google.com/+4DIYers
Twitter: / 4diyers
Instagram: / 4diyers
Tumblr: / 4diyers
Pintrest: / 4diyers
Tools/Supplies Needed:
-varies depending on repairs
-clean lint free cloth
-degreaser
-white lithium grease
-soapy water and a clean lint free cloth
-light gauge long length of wire
-air compressor with blow gun tip
Procedure:
-first ensure the sunroof is properly aligned
-most sunroofs will have a mechanical adjustment which will be specific to your vehicle
-some models are also equipped with an alignment synchronizing system which helps center the motor and linkage
-clean existing grease or grim in existing rails using a clean cloth and brakes cleaner or another form of degreaser
-apply white lithium grease to sunroof rails/tracks, use a cloth to keep the spray shielded
-apply lubricant to other moving parts of the sunroof mechanism
-clean the rubber sunroof gaskets to ensure a long life span
-a dealer specific/recommended dressing can be applied to the sunroof gaskets to ensure they do not dry out
-if the gaskets are faulty, then a replacement can be purchased from the dealer, online, or local automotive parts supplier
-clean around the sunroof opening to ensure existing dust does not contaminate newly applies lubricant
-once finished, test the sunroof to ensure it is functioning correction
-sunroofs can also have mechanical parts fail which will need to be replaced
Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!
© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author. 
Авто/Мото
came here to learn how to lubricate my Lexus ES330 sunroof, ended up learning in depth about E39 sunroof, which is my second car :D
thanks man, i just got valvoline lithium grease today and ill clean them both
Awesome to hear, happy I was able to help!
Given the popularity of auto sunroofs, your video should go viral. Dealerships would be doing better customer service to educate customers who desire these vehicles. Carrying dirty objects on roof rack is a risk to keeping drains clear. The consequences of leakage can result in severe electrical damage to car costing $20K or more. Great video.
Weed wacker line worked great for me to flush the drains out. And a bottle or tumbler of water. Wait to see the lines drain and your all good. Be careful using metal wire or anything that can poke and break the rubber tubes that are used for the drain channels. Heard about nightmares with air tools too , blowing the drain lines off inside the roof.
And there is a sort of specific sunroof grease used. It tends to NOTattract a lot of dirt. It can be found relatively easy. The Lithium grease tends to attract bugs ,dirt ,rock ,etc.I use Lithium in the door jams personally .
Great tips, thank you for sharing! I actually released a video specifically for plugged drains. I did use compressed air, but ran it off a regulator instead so there wasn't an excessive amount of pressure. Really the only safe way with compressed air. I've heard of people chewing up the inside of the drains with metal wire which made it easy for clogs after.
So what is specific about the sunroof grease? It has to be based on something, if it is not lithium, what is it?
Thanks for posting this video. My Chrysler 200 is the first car I've owned with a sunroof and having worked for a few dealerships in the past, I know sunroofs can be expensive to repair, so some preventive maintenance tips can go a long way.
+dalemccartney Thank you!
I used a hand "bicycle" pump to clear my drains. I had to use the "straw" from a spray bottle to reach down into the drain and then held the hand pump (mine had a nozzle to screw in the end). Works great. No having to get the compressor and hose and all.
+cnftnf Excellent tip, thank you for sharing!
I'm having that, cheers.
very good video. i just got a pontiac viibe and i noticed drops of water coming from the front ceiling light . i removed the light and ran my fingers and everything was dry. i will try what you recommended tomorrow and go check the drainage holes and clean them up if dirty. thank you for the video i like the way you explained everything.
Very good. Full of information and tips. Thanks.
Thanks, great help, just what I needed.
grts from Belgium
Excellent to hear and thank you!
Excellent ! Very useful cleaned and lubricated now works like new .
Very detailed! Just purchased a 2012 Subaru Legacy and it's having issues opening and closing. I'll try lubing the tracks first, hopefully your video helps me. Thank you much.
Thank you and glad to help out!
dana tassler did it work for you
Excellent. Thank-you!
my sunroof leak 03 Mit Eclipse seems to only happen with heavy rain
and appears to come straight past windshield and soaks the floor boards only?????
I will try cleaning drains hope that works
Use weed whacker string trimmer line to clean drain hose. Also I use liquid graphite for lubrication on all hinges and lock tumblers, most parts stores dont carry it but amazon has it in spray and oil can form.
Excellent tips, thank you for sharing!
great info bro. thanks!
No problem, don't forget to subscribe!
This was very informative, and you did a great job describing multiple points and getting into some details. +1 Thanks!
very good useful video,, thanks
Thank you!
that was a another very good video .a lady want me to fix her volvo sunroof and i had no ideal how this video gave me all i needed .i can tell by the way you use big complicated words you are very inteligent so walk proud brother
Good video 🖒
Thank you!
Very informative, thank you it was just what I needed to know and it was easy to follow.
Good stuff. Thanks a lot. As I was looking over my own I seen I had a fuse stuck in the way of the track. I was thinking somebody sat on my roof jaja, quick to blame my cuddy. Lol
Odd spot for a fuse to end up but happy to hear it's fixed!
I've got a 2008 Toyota 4Runner with a sunroof, and from having some herbs in the past all the way back to my Trans Am T-tops a little bit of Vaseline will help keep all the seals pliable increase the life of the rubber trim/ moldings..
Argofukyrslf 72 j**j*ju
I have chrysler c300 2013 , the panoramic sunroof is making clicking or rattle sound when i drive in bad road , when i push the sunroof from inside it makes same sound, any sulotion please?
I have x5 e53 sunroof has a problem, the cabin is safe and if you can, to help me?
thank you so useful
Glad to help out and don't forget to subscribe!
Hi.I have a 2004 Isuzu Rodao and the sun roof won't close all the way.Can you please tell me what I can do, Thank you.
Can you use a at205 for the rubber?
Gummipledge is great for conditioning and protecting the rubber seals on the sunroof as well as all rubber seals in the door jambs, best product of its kind for German vehicles.
Shane Sexton Excellent tip, thank you for sharing!
Did you mean Gummi pfledge stift?
good video
Thank you!
how do you get to the back drains on 2014 Buick Lacross
Pretty easy really! Autoglym make a vinyl and rubber spray which may be useful too ?
Yes that can be used to condition the seals.
My advice: If you can get a car with all the bells and whistles you want, ditch the sunroof. You don't need one. I've had at least 8 cars with sunroofs, and I never used any of them, but still had to maintain their care.
You totally need one lol. I love sunroofs and very much miss them when I don't have one. Driving at night with the sunroof open during the summer is the best feeling. Or cruising down country roads and checking out the stars. That is of course when they're functioning correctly.
Unfortunately most of the time when you get a car that's fully loaded a sunroof is standard I personally still love them though.
my screw came out of sunroof on a2004 caddillac srx
hi
in Saudi Arabia the rains are blessings so i didnt experience leakage in my 2013 Sonata but the panoramic sunroof got too much dist inside since i didnt clean it for the last three years.
Ill definately use lithium grease to lubricate but how do i clean the dust
Some light degreaser would be fine, something that won't damage any plastic components. Don't forget to subscribe!
I've been using sunroof for over 30 years, and never did it leak. I drive Toyota Camry but IMO, if your sunroof leaks, it's 99% probably not installed correctly and maintained!
How can I fix a wind leaking??
my 2007 mazda sunroof how do i clean out the rails well whats the best maintenance for when the glass goes way back how do i clean that
The sunroof rails are exposed as soon as you open the sunroof. Don't forget to subscribe!
You said to use only lithium to lubricate...other videos say to use only silicone...is it possible that EITHER of these is acceptable?
He gives bad advice on using lithium. It will destroy and decay the plastic and rubber seals faster.
How to realign sunroof for ram 2500, 2018!? The front side is higher than the back side. Wind sounds on the highway because of the off alignment. Thank you in advance!
First try the electronic reset procedure, if that fails then adjust it manually. Here is a thread on the issue www.ramforum.com/threads/sunroof-issues.66205/
I have a bmw e90, every now and again the roof when closing closes 75% of the way then goes back to full open
if I hold down the wind deflector it will close.
any ideas before I go looking at replacing the deflector?
Youbones The sunroof track could have some debris which is making it harder for the roof to close. Best to start with cleaning and then lubricating. If that doesn't work, then try resetting the sunroof, I believe the procedure should be in your owner's manual.
Thank you 👍🍺🍺
No problem!
i added the white lithium that is in the tube to all the rails after i cleaned them, but i am still having issues with it closing. it goes very slow and then when it gets to the front, almost stops, i have to help it with my hand. opens just fine. ideas?
+l8rg8rs1 Then it is most likely an issue relating to the mechanism or sunroof motor specifically. There might be an inspection cover to access the motor which would need to be removed, and then lubricate the motor drive.
7 years later but still. Mostly likely you didn't clean the sunroof rails well enough. What causes stickiness, slowness and jerkiness while closing is actually the presence of old sticky gummed up grease. You really really want it to be perfectly clean, mechanically clean first with a towel and then give it a second pass with some sort of degreaser, isopropyl alcohol, etc. Then lubricate, less is more with lubricant.
My sunroof on 2005 Ford Escape is stuck open. It was getting stuck intermittently so I'm assuming the motor went. The motor isn't too expensive. How involved is it to replace the motor? How much should it cost to have it done professionally? How many labor hours should it take?
Joe Nocella Sometimes if there is a lack of lubricant, the motor will think something is jammed in the sunroof and then stops. Other times it can just be the motor failing. It should be a fairly easy job and I can't see it taking longer than an hour. But then again it will depend on the mechanic and where you're located as to what they charge.
4DIYers I was able to close it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I'm hoping it is not the motor. I will open it, clean it up, and apply lithium grease. Thanks for the response.
my pt cruiser sun roof just recently stop working it will go up but the. gets stuck up and won't open at all any suggestions
+James Anderson Are you able to hear a motor working when trying to open it??? If so, then there is most likely a damaged component in the mechanism. If not then something maybe stuck and needs lubricating.
Hi, my car has a panoramic sunroof and its making creaking noise. I think its the seal. How can I resolve this? Can I lubricate the seal and solve the issue as show in video? thanks
+Zi Chen It may need adjusting or a realignment. All sunroofs can be mechanically adjusted, but there is also an alignment procedure that some sunroofs have where you can select a certain sequence on the control functions and it will reset itself. BMW is one of the manufacturers that has this. Other times the seal could be simply dry and in that case you can apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the rubber seal.
Thanks for the advice, I noticed that the creaking happens more when the weather is cold, would that lead more toward seal drying issue? thanks
Usually with the cold weather some items may contract, therefore causing smaller gaps or shifting an object which would increase rubbing or binding. Another issue could be that the rubber isn't necessary drying, but simply hardening up, therefore it doesn't move as much when something is pushed against it.
I have a h2 hummer I can't find where the drain tube ends at the bottom of my truck any help
Joseph Montgomery Appears to exit behind the fender liners www.clubhummeroffroad.com/forums/showthread.php/2459-Finally-a-fix-for-clogged-sunroof-drain-tubes
my 2005 accord's sunroof wont slide open. it does open as a vent. When i hit the button to open it it makes a sound like it is trying to go but does not move at all. what should i do?
Nick Griffin There could be an issue with either the cable which pulls it open or the motor. Unfortunately it will require some disassembly to determine the issue.
how about about popping or clicking noise when i hit bumps or raft roads, do you know what causes the problems of the sunroof?
What type of vehicle??? Don't forget to subscribe!
15 audi Q5
It appears to be a very common problem with the Q5 models unfortunately, panoramic roof right? My recommendation would be thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the rails and mechanism first. If that fails, the sunroof may need re-aligning, there might be an electronic procedure which is found on some vehicles but not all. Considering it's a 2015 model, I would think there is still a valid warranty so the dealer will be able to cover any labour or failed component costs.
4DIYers yes the panoramic sunroof, actually it's my 2nd time I went to the dealer after a day the noise came back , they did everything aligning etc. I think they need to replace the panoramic
Before going in for a replacement as they will need to remove a good portion of the interior, I would try another dealership if you're a little worried about the disassembly. I've had experiences with dealerships before where one is better at diagnosing faults under warranties than compared to others.
I have a moon roof on my Cadillac & when ever I'm driving it I can here wind noise.coming from it what can I do
uriel9742 If it is sitting too low or too high, that would be causing wind noise and therefore it would need to be adjusted accordingly so it sits flush to the roof.
How to realign sunroof for ram 2500, 2018!? The front side is higher than the back side. Wind sounds on the highway because of the off alignment. Thank you in advance!
I have a 2019 Limited, they had to replace the gasket this week, so far, no noise
leaving in canada i dont think we have that kind of stuff. any idea in canada ?
The lithium grease spray? They sell it at Can' Tire, Princess Auto, PartSource, WalMart, etc. etc. etc. in Canada
2:18 You're "little tube" goes inside?
I thought this was a family channel.
3:25 Rail lubrication?
What in the world.
Somehow air is making it's way into my sunroof at speeds above 65, then there's a rattling sound inside the front of the sunroof. It's a 2012 Mercedes C300. Any ideas?
Many new sunroof mechanisms are made of plastic, so it's possible there's a component that's broken. Also make sure the sunroof is closing properly. It may need to be reset or require an adjustment.
I am confused whether to use silicon spray or lithium grease spray..which one is rubber and plastic safe? Thanks.
+Robbin Jiimmy Lithium grease is best.
+4DIYers Thanks alot bro.
Hi, I got Honda civic 2001 and my car has water leaking through the sunroof. Could you please show how to change rubber on sunroof and how to change water pipes. I cleaned pipes, but right side pipe looks damaged and i couldn't find video how can i correctly replace the pipe. Tnx.
Unfortunately I don't have access to a Honda Civic. Normally they're held on with a hose barb and can simply be pulled off. As for replacement, either visit the dealer or an auto parts store for a factory replacement. Instead of using an oem solution, some vehicles can be fitted with a regular rubber hose if you have the correct size. For more information I would suggest signing up to a Honda car Forum and I'm sure some members will have specific replacement photos for your vehicle.
Thank you very much. It's very helpful.
I own a Skoda Octavia 2015 model.. my sunroof has been rattling.. i have an appointment with the dealership to fix the issue..
Can someone please tell me more about sunroof rattle? Can this be fixed? Because the rattle is making me go crazy!
Please Help.. need a solution
Ravpreet Singh yes same issue
Ahmed Hasan have you been able to fix it?
Ravpreet Singh not yet maybe next week end i will try to clean it up and perform the reser
Ok.. how will you fix it? A visit to service centre or personal remedy.!?
If you have any info.. please help.!
You may want to replace the rubber sunroof gasket/seal that goes around the glass.
gracias tienen videos traducidos al español se los agradezco
No problem, happy I could help!
my roof only leaks at car wash....any ideas why that is
+Candice Ford Is the seal around the sunroof in good condition? The sunroof drains can also be plugged.
I'm asking how can I find the gasket for my 1997 960 sunroof on the car
Being something so specific, the dealer is probably your best option.
where are your location?I have a 2004 Lincoln Navigator the water comes in on the driver side and passenger side sometimes it leaks water thru my DVD player.I hate seeing when it rains.lol Couple of years ago my sunroof broke when I was on the hwy the wind blowing so hard.The sunroof slides by fine,it just no more lift up.Please help me out.Do you know of any good body shops in Greensboro NC if you not station here?Do you think it can be cover under my insurance I have full coverage? Imma also call my insurance company myself.Thanks
I am located in Canada so for insurance policies or any good shops, unfortunately I can't help you there. As for the sunroof leaking, it can be a seal issue or a plugged drain. The seals can wear out or become damage and would be in need of a replacement. A plugged drain can be repaired by yourself and I do have a tutorial on that here ruclips.net/video/L7S0E4xYdqU/видео.html
Wish I'd seen this when you posted, I'm in Wake Forest and you could have come to me. Hope it got fixed. Likely your guides for the sunroof were broken.
i have honda cr-v 2000 electric sunroof,it will open ok ,but it wont close, i need to manually crank it close
+ian crofts Does it close if you assist it with your hand???
my car is having a crack noise and doesn't close and when it dose close it opens back again. is it broken.
+Kimberly Valdez There could be a broken component or it might just have strain on the rails when closing. It is best to clean the rails and then lubricate then. When it closes and opens back up, it sounds like it's having an overload issue as if something was stuck, that's why it opens back up.
left floor board soaked, right bone dry??? the seal or drain or both?
+Patricia Hall Quite possibly a roof drain issue. Some will plug up, others will have the hose deteriorate. Test the drain with a bottle of water.
How About your windshield is it foggy it can possibly be a heater core but usually they leak on the passenger side floorboard
i got a buick regal gs it has a sunroof but when i go to open it it opens but it seems not to close smoothly i then have to play with the button to get it close help me what is the problem
+Roberto Torres Most likely a cleaning/lubrication issue.
4DIYers i so hope it is but im scared to open it....it opens but the way it closes it looks like the button has a short or something
+Roberto Torres If you are experiencing a switch issue, then it can be removed and test either by passing voltage across the switch or a continuity test. But if it's a lubrication issue, then the sunroof will need to be opened to gain access to the rails. Some sunroofs do have a failsafe manual close method and it should be outlined in your owner's manual. Don't forget to subscribe too :)
4DIYers can i remove the switch without taking anything apart?
LITHIUM GREASE is also WATERPROOF = BONUS!!!
Would it be okay to lubricate with silicone spray?
splashcat Yes you can, also silicone grease does tend to creep onto adjacent surfaces.
Has anyone got a crack on the plastic that surrounds the panoramic roof. Mine cracked and i don’t know what to do I’m scared it will leak inside.
Do you mean the seal? What type of vehicle is this on? It may or may not leak depending on the design. As a temporary fix, you could apply a small amount of sealant over the crack just to be safe, then get a replacement piece.
4DIYers its a 2015 vw golf mk7 . Please help
Do you have any tips on how to fix a leak when your sunroof Bowden cable breaks? Thank you in advance.
+Curtis Houze You might be able to find out there the drains end and go from that direction. Other than that, the sunroof would be the next easiest way unless you want to get into pulling interior pieces back which can be incredibly work intensive.
Yes! Duct tape it and don't use it. I have a Toyota highlander limited edition, i went through a faily new car wash and the brush went up and over with great force. Ever since then I've had leaks. Be careful of car washers!🤬
how about using wd40 silicone lubricant?
It doesn't have a high surface retention for some of the components.
Imo a silicone spray will work just fine for this application.
How about wd40?
No, WD40 doesn't have the surface tension like grease.
c an I use wd40 to get it to open
You most likely won't be able to lubricate the rails when the sunroof is closed. Don't forget to subscribe!
What if i use silicon spray instead of the white lithium?
Lithium is a better lubricant for the sunroof's mechanism.
Im just afraid because of the plastic parts
Lithium is safe for plastics.
4DIYers thanks but is is safe on rubber too?
If you are referring to the rubber seal around the opening, then I would use a food grade silicone spray so it doesn't eat up the rubber or dry it out.
You need a new gasket...
No I don't.
ALL WRONG! THAT IS AN AFTERMARKET SUNROOF. THE EXTRA EXTERIOR TRIM RING IS A DEAD GIVEAWAY. NONE OF THIS IS NECESSARY ON A FACTORY ORIGINAL SUNROOF
This is a factory sunroof, never seen a smooth top E39 in Canada. I also decoded the vin when I bought this car, it's factory. Every sunroof has drains and requires maintenance.
@@4DIYers ok I agree with all sunroofs have drains. The Factory design was slightly better requiring far less maintenance. This is clearly an aftermarket sunroof. THE FACTORY STAMPED THE ROOF FOR A SUNROOF. They did not send it out to a local trim shop for some kid in a back room to manually cut a hole in your roof and add an extra black trim ring so it can hold whatever size roof they wanted to add! Let me guess, sagging headliner, lots of rust and a switch that says ASC or Webasto on it? And the switch is in an odd place? Definitely aftermarket. The factory sunroof would have come as a luxury package and not necessarily found in the VIN
You are clearly not familiar with BMWs whatsoever. It's actually quite rare to find a BMW without a sunroof, this is how they come on BMWs. I've owned a few of BMWs and have been around the scene for quite some time, all their sunroof designs are very similar. That extra black trim ring is a seal for water and wind noise. All sunroofs require maintenance if you want them to last. Which is most likely why I see many failed, no maintenance equals a shorter life.
@@4DIYers what year make and model is that BMW exactly. Thanks
The one shown in the video is a 1997 540i.
my screw came out of sunroof on a2004 caddillac srx
my screw came out of sunroof on a2004 caddillac srx
my screw came out of sunroof on a2004 caddillac srx
+Cordie Palton Well you will need to find out where the screw was from. It may have just been loose and worked it's way out or you could have a broken component.
it came from i think the hince that let the sunroof open and close
+Cordie Palton Reinstall the screw and apply some thread locker if needed to help keep it in place. Don't let it go for too long as it might damage something else.