Problem with power moonroof

[fatire_mtb]

2004 G35 Coupe. 5AT.

A gremlin has somehow made it's way in to my power moonroof. From the closed position - Normal operation was one forward touch to the button to have the roof crack open in the back. Then one touch in the rear direction to the button and it would close. Then one more touch in the rear direction and it would open all the way.

Along came a gremlin.

From the closed position - Now when I make one forward touch to the button it cracks open in the back, but when I follow it up with a hit to the button in the rear direction it does not close. The roof then cycles past the closed position and continues to open, but only opens about halfway. Then from that position if I hit the button in the forward position to close the window it cycles past the closed position and goes back to the down in front open in back cracked open position. To make it even stranger if I hit the button either forward or backward and catch the window in just the right (closed) position and hit the button again the window stops in the position of the second button hit.

Any ideas? I'm at a loss on where to start.

[G_whizz]

ZOMG my head hurts trying to follow what you are saying!!

I'm going to take a break, come back and read it again. Hopefully the clouds will part by then.

[Sentientbydesign]

I seem to remember something similar on the Maximas. It sounds like your moonroof motor is out of sync.

I think you can fix it by disassembling it and running the motor to the closed position, but this can be a pain IIRC.

[fatire_mtb]

Now that you mention the motor being out of sync that is exactly what it sounds like. Thanks for the heads up. I'll let you know how it turns out once it is fixed.

[SteveTheTech]

I read this four times and still don't get exactly what he's getting at.

I get the gist of what's being said here though. It sounds like the distance sensor is either out of time or starting to fail. Typically when these motors fail the Auto function goes and requires several pushes of the button to close the window.

If you take the map light/sunglass holder out (while the window is closed) you will be able to access the sunroof motor. I would recommend unplugging the motor and waiting ~1 minute or so to clear the memory learning. When you plug it back attempt to work it as normal (before installing the overhead console). If operation resumes to normal, or if it only moves a small bit at a time, then open it all the way and close it all the way and as soon as it fully closes press and hold the close position switch for ~5-10 seconds.

Since the switch still controls the window operation I think it is safe to say that that the power supply and ground are still good and switch operation is verified.

If this doesn't work I would wager a guess that your sunroof motor has failed and will require replacement.

Have you had any headliner or body work done recently?

Has the sunroof been causing you problems?

Are you still under warranty?

[Kristyn222]

Even though this posting sounds crazy, it is a PERFECT description of what is happening and I am so relieved to see it posted. I am having the exact same thing happen to my sunroof and am looking for a DYI resolution. The post regarding the motor reset sounds like a winner. Did this work for you? If not, what did you end up doing?

[SteveTheTech]

Welcome Kristyn,

Sometimes the position memory gets lost if the battery voltage drips too low.

Try the fully open fully close and HOLD reset method.