My sunroof only pops up on one side. The other side is stuck. It does the same thing using the power and manually cranking the sunroof. This leads me to the inevitable conclusion that something is physically/mechanically/tangibly broken.

I am more confused because I am unsure how to work on the sunroof if (1) I cannot see the problem if it is closed, and (2) I cannot get the sunroof off without first moving it up and back.

Yes, I have tried shoving the one side (driver's) up while attempting to get the sunroof up and back, but it does not work.

I also tried to spray some lubricant in there in case something was just old and stuck like most other parts on the car, but that does not work.

Anyone having any intimate knowledge about the sunroof mechanics or suggestions as far as solutions or methods to fix this problem would be much appreciated.

As always, thank you for your help.

Zach Naert

 

Writeup here

 

Same thing happened to my 87 NA a couple of years ago. Apparently the sunroof is cable operated from the electric drive unit.
One of your cables has broken.
I had my mechanic fix it, who said it was a bit of a bear to get everything positionned and aligned properly....and the cable was expensive.

 

Any of those replies are possibilities.
However, in my situation the passenger side lifter/slider was broken and was causing the sunroof panel to not raise or slide back.

I removed the complete sunroof "cassette", removed the whole sliding assembly, rails, cables, etc... and replaced the slider with a junkyard piece.

I lubed the hell out of everything that moved, aligned everything, and it has worked great since.

 

Did you remove or loosen the A-pillar plastics? Did you break anything?

 

Those pieces have to be removed, yes.
All of the trim, including the headliner and b-pillar panels, has to come off to remove the sunroof assembly.

 

What clokker said is right.
If you end up getting a new slider("lifter" per the FSM, Body section 14- page 55) from the junkyard. Grab an assortment of clips and other little plastic pieces that break and stuff them in your pockets.

Once you have the sunroof assembly out, you basically disassembly both the left and right sliding assemblies and replace the broken pieces.
I had trouble getting the left and right sides to retract/raise at the same time.
What I did was completely remove both cables completely from the sheathing and motor, and wind them in by hand until the left and right lifters moved together.

 

I need to replace my sunroof assembly. I'd like a working sunroof.

However, broken interior pieces (A-pillar plastics will be impossible to replace) are far worse than not being able to open my sunroof. It's shut tight right now, so no AC leaks or rain pouring.

So... did you break yours?

 

I really like my sunroof and one of my A pillar pieces is already broken, so I guess I am going to take the **** apart.

Thank you for directing me to the write up.