2001 QX4 sunroof won't open but will tilt

[pday]

My 2001 QX4 sunroof started acting funny about a year or so ago where it would open a little then stop until finally it would not open at all. However the tilt function works perfectly. Since one works and the other doesn't it can't be a motor or fuse problem. When I try to open, it doesn't click or anything, just dead so i don't believe there is any mechanical issue. The only thing I can figure is that the sensor that senses that the tilt is in the closed position is not working and it that it is sensing that the tilt is open and therefore not opening. Does anyone know how to fix this? I tried searching for a solution but did not see one. Thanks in advance.
-Phil

edit: I was playing with it today and it started to work. Got it open. Was stuck in the open position. I kept flicking the switch and it finally closed. Now I'm thinking I have a bad switch. This thing is confusing me. Any ideas?

[Towncivilian]

You can try to recalibrate the sunroof following the steps in this post. Good luck!

[quadx4]

Think that'll work on a 99 QX4? She will always tilt, and do a full close.. But will never fully open or tilt down without a fight.. No noises, will close when it has been sitting in the Florida sun for a while and gets nice and hot inside. It's such a pain in the a** to not have a fully functional sunroof down here.

[Towncivilian]

I believe the procedure is the same. I wish I had a sunroof too, this heat is getting awful!

[Chuck Tribolet]

I just updated the recalibration instructions that towncivilian posted a link to. I found a simpler way that doesn't destroy the radio presets. I also added a picture showing the holes.

Quadx4: I don't think you have the same problem. Mine has never been temperature-dependent, and when it happens, the tilt switch works but the slide switch is completely inoperative. I think you have a binding problem.

But give it a shot.

Chuck

[quadx4]

Thanks for the update with pictures.. I saw those but wasn't sure. I'm gonna try those out tomorrow but yeah its killing me. Slide switch will always close and will always tilt up. It's the latter that gets me. If aligning these holes doesn't work, how would you recommend me talking this binding problem?

[Chuck Tribolet]

A little lubricant applied to whatever slides. I think I'd use the spray lithium grease, but put some old towels on the paint and a drop cloth on seats to catch the overspray.

[kubreez]

Hi! Thanks for the instructions. My sunroof window is fully closed and I cannot hear a motor at all. I only see one hole. Any suggestions on steps to take to get the window to the point of following these instructions?

[JPK Omaha]

My 03 QX4 sunroof had the same symptoms. I hardly ever use it, maybe 2x a year. First, my brackets with the holes do not look the same as shown in the photo. Bottom line while I was messing with it, it magically started to work normally. I did not pull the fuse, it must have reset itself.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Hi! Thanks for the instructions. My sunroof window is fully closed and I cannot hear a motor at all. I only see one hole. Any suggestions on steps to take to get the window to the point of following these instructions?

It sounds like you have a different problem.

What year?

[pday]

I looked at the recalibration method but I am confused as to what it means to line up the holes? when I put the sunroof in a fully closed position, the holes barley line up but not perfectly. I pulled out the fuse and put it back in but I still cannot get the sunroof to open. The only thing that works is the tilt mechanism without fail. But the retractable roof switch will not work. I am at a loss as what to do.
-Phil

[pday]

Woohoo! I fixed it. It was the easiest fix. Okay, the problem was that the sliding function would not operate but the tilt function would. However, I could get the sunroof open if I flicked the switch a bunch of times and it would intermittently open. Originally I thought it was binding but if it was it wouldn't open at all. So the most obvious answer was that it was the switch and it makes sense. Being in Florida, the roof gets pounded by the sun and all of the electrical components in the roof are getting overheated. I found a used switch on ebay, replaced it and it works perfectly. The entire console piece pops out easily after removing one little screw. Unplug three plugs and the console is out. Then it is just a matter of either replacing the entire console or just the bad switch. Sunroof opens up good as new.