sunroof stuck after checking for water ingress. (G55AMG)
G55 AMG. I found water leaking onto the driver's side A pillar. The alcantara/thing on the pillar was wet.
I opened the sunroof to look at the drain tube - after reading here - and it got stuck 80% of the way back. No clicking noise from the motor but it churned back very slowly until dying. I wound it back manually with a spanner - great tip! and now it doesn't move. I don't think the motor is dead as I heard it clicking once I'd wound the sunroof forward to closed position. Until today it w
orked fine but hasn't been used in a long time. Thoughts?
While I'm at it I want to do all the sunroof seals as the car had been in Dubai and I'm sure that the seals are as dry as the Ghobi desert.
Thoughts?
Sunroof seals are about £40 something from the dealer. There are two drain channels in the sunroof tray (the stationary frame part attached to the roof)- one on front left and other on front right. Probably not an issue in your case, but in many older vehicles, the little drain tubes rust away causing water ingress as you describe. However, do check that they are not blocked (there are some older posts on this subject on the forum). The tubes are attached to small hoses that drain at the rear of the front wheel arches. Gently pour some water into the corners and ensure that it drains out.
Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIAkmgg5DsI
a bit of drain cleaner might help too, I put a small amount in my screenwash to keep the water jets free as well
You may need to reset the sunroof open/close limits by holding the switch in one of the positions -don't remember which. Otherwise, the tilt and close will not operate properly. The slide rails will need a good clean and lubrication from sand and dust.
mine broke a few years back and I had it repaired with w126 parts, unfortunately its partially broken again, it will tilt but wont slide back
Touchy subject sunroofs on all w463's, whilst the sunroof was open if you had a chance to tighten the screws on the rails at the top manually with a flat head screw driver 90% the rails have moved significantly over the years or never been checked. Quite common on the old or new. At this point it will be easier to take off the headlining slide out from the rear naturally and investigate the serpentine mech above. Or manually open it again then tighten screws on both sides etc....
Just a question did you disconnect the motor before closing the sunroof manually?
Cheers
Gooch
Being an 'electronic' G, the sunroof is probably controlled through the CAN bus and the rear SAM module. Check first for any blown fuses, though.
Good analysis Sherlock. The control panel you had in mind would have done the job, but I realise the convenience of getting MB to do the fiddling about. I'm the same these days because I always get half way doing something and then don't have the tool, washer, bit needed !! Good luck.
Thanks for this. I watched the videos.
Sunroof is incredibly stiff to move (It was hard to spin back even with the wrench) so I guess the issue is gunk in the mechanism and having the seals done. Waiting for my indie to get back to me and I'll take the car to him.