So I have been replacing the carpet in my 2nd Gen and running cable to relocate the battery...and used the manual turn "key" to open my sun roof to get some air through the car, now the damn thing won't close back with the "key". I can not use the actual switch in the car because there is no battery yet.
Anyone have any ideas, thanks in advance!!?!!

 

are you sure? I just did this and closing it requires quite a bit of force...

 

Look up on the headliner and you see a Medallion like piece (circular cap) by the Sunroof rear.

Pop that cap off and you access the sunroof motor,which you can turn manually with the appropriate size allen wrench.
That is sort of the "fail safe" if the sunroof motor gives up,OR you can't close it for some reason!!!

 

It moves a little bit...then it's like it's stuck or something is blocking it....I checked the tracks to make sure it was free of debris and still same issue....I'm really not wanting to take the headliner off.

 

+1, always works for me.

 

Get a mirror and a flashlight and madge sure there is no debris blocking the track or the cable. I forced my roof closed (...or ppen, don't recall) and it broke the cable which necessitated a while new sunroof. Even if the track is sticky (read: in need of cleaning) you should have little trouble closing it w/the allen key tool.

 

you DO NOT have to take the headliner off!.(just that small 2 inch circle piece!).just use the allen key and turn the motor so it start to open or close.
If you can get a Buddy,or GF to assist you(if it seems really stuak).You can get them to crank the allen wrench,and you manouver the roof.

 

off topic, but i just took apart my sunroof to find a cable broken. Rusted in the track.

ordered a new cable from mazda for $40 and was able to save it.

 

why not use some jumpers and a battery to temporally feed power to the car. Maybe that does it. if not then you have a problem. also, does the key have to be in the ignition and in the "on" position?

 

read his original post everyone. he has ALREADY popped the cap off and IS using an allen key to open and close. he is saying its now jammed.

try getting a friend to help the sunroof while you try turn the "key". if not pull your roof liner and have a look to see if something is jammed or the cable is broken. try lube the tracks. good luck bro.

 

That's correct, I already used the allen key.....but if all else fails I will take the headliner down.
Thanks folks for your input.

 

Just know that if it comes to removing the headliner. Its not really that big of a deal, especially on an s4. Most of the interior parts that block it are just snapped into place and the ones that aren't just require a screwdriver. The aggravating part is then undoing the like 12 bolts that hold the 300lb sunroof assembly on without dropping it on your head, and then bracing it with your foot to get it back up there.

 

So with out removing the headliner I found my problem....it was a tiny stick piece from a leaf that was in the track.

 

Hahaha "a tiny stick piece from a leaf" - it's amazing how easily defeated the sunroof can be.