legacycentral bbs

Okay I've moved on to the nexr problem the car has: the sun/moon roof problem. I noticed the roof did not respond to the controls. The motor didn't make any noise, or even hint at recieving power. So I took out the moonroof controls/center light switch. I tested the power to the lights and my test light tested positive for power. When I tested the cord that ran to the control switch for the moonroof the test light didn't light up. So I'm assuming this is an electrical issue and not a motor issue (could be wrong though?)

Anyways, I took out the headliner and manually opened the roof and it opened quite easily. My question now is: where do I go from here? What can I test? What should I be looking for? Should I pull the motor just in case? How can I test it? Are there any connections that can come loose? ANY info would be GREATLY appreciate. Thanks!!!!!

From what I remember, there are relay contacts in the motor assembly that wear out.

Try this -- while holding the open or close button (whichever you're trying to do), give the headliner a smack right above the middle of the back seat. If that makes it work, you've localized the problem.

On two of my old Legacies I had this problem. I just lived with it because it always worked after smacking it. And the extra character it gave the car was fun sometimes; when the roof wouldn't work, I'd ask whoever was sitting in the middle of the back seat to punch the ceiling, and as soon as they did the roof would start to move. They'd have this look on their faces that said, "What is this sorcery???"

Good times.

vrg3 wrote:when the roof wouldn't work, I'd ask whoever was sitting in the middle of the back seat to punch the ceiling, and as soon as they did the roof would start to move. They'd have this look on their faces that said, "What is this sorcery???"

Good times.

Hahaha

Nice

Hmm, good to know, mine hasn't worked for a year or so, thanks!

Update I guess.
So I got a new switch and when I plugged it in, I heard a "clicking Noise". I'm assuming this is the relay that is making the clicking noise. The Sunroof did not close and then the clicking noise was gone after about 3-4 presses of the button. I'm assuming that the relay is bad since it was not clicking with every press of the button. However, does that mean that the motor in the sunroof is also bad since it didn't shut with the few "good presses" of the button?

i would check the wires going from the switches to the motor. As well as the switch area where the map lights. Is your motor making any noise?

As of now, no. The motor has never made any noise.

I have a spare sunroof motor that I would be willing to sell for the right price. I bought it from another member as a working motor but haven't tested it myself (or even unboxed it!). PM me an offer if you would like it. It's just sitting in my garage and I don't think I'll ever need it. (watch as I sell it and my sunroof motor breaks in a week. )

I may hit you up on that if I determine my motor is bad. I'm going to try and somehow jump the sun roof to see if it will open. I'm thinking it's either the motor or the relay. I'm REALLY hoping it's the motor because I have tried to find the relay before and I can't find it since it WAY up the dash.

Sure, just let me know if you end up needing it. I thought the relay was above the headliner behind the motor?

From what my Haynes tells me, it's up there near the blower motor relay under the dash of the driver side. But shoot, I'll check there too because that would be a HUGE relief if it was there.

the relay is near the fuel, ignition and blower motor relay. if you can crawl underneath you might be able to get to it.

Welp I pulled out the relay and tested it. The relay is good and the switch still receives no power. So what would make the switch receive no power if the relay is still good?

Well unfortunately there is no wiring diagrahm(?) in the haynes but if no power is getting to the front of the switch then either there is an open in the power wire or the fuse is blown.
If you don't have power to the switch your relay could be good but it wont work because you cant close the switch energizing the coil that close the contacts that sends power to the motor.
For the most part should run like this.

Power-fuse/circut breaker-switch-relay coil-ground
Power-fuse/circuit breaker-relay contact-motor-ground.

Fuse 30(clock, room light) and 28(lighting switch) in the engine bay check those.

Thought I'd up this as I'm still struggling with this issue. I got the switch to work and the relay near the sunroof motor makes a "clicking noise" so I know that power is getting to the motor. Is it now fair to assume that the motor is bad and needs to be replaced?

I would see if there is power going to the motor when the switch is pressed. If you have 12v coming out the backside then there is no ground. If nothing then and it isnt working then yea its busted.