I was searching about the sunroof but did not find any info on any warning signs or issues that are precursers to a failure in the 1995-1997 bodies.

How common are failures for our cars?

 

I can only say that mine failed 100%. It is no more. It is bereft of life.

 

If it is like most sunroofs in all cars, it is generally one of three things:

1) Some electrical issue with a relay, switch, connector or the wiring itself.
2) Lubrication with the tracks or physically coming off the tracks or breaking of linkage/cabling.
3) Drive motor.

All are fixable of course, but each has its own challenges in troubleshooting and ultimate repair.

Warning signs are slow or dragging operation, and of course any odd noises. Most sunroof rails/cables can benefit from lubrication, but not sure how that is accomplished on the X300 generation. Maybe someone here can offer a tip in that direction.

I've found the lubrication opportunity applies to power windows on most cars too. After decades of use the lubrication on the tracks loses its efficacy and they start to drag. This slows the window operation and ultimately can break/jam the drive system and also cause premature electric motor failure sometimes.

Whenever I have a door apart, I try to use that opportunity to grease window tracks.


Al

 

Thanks,

I too take the opportunity to maintain things whenever possible.


I guess my question was more directed at whether-or-not they just broke upon opening (with no warning) or whether we know we are rolling the dice with each operation.

If there are warning signs, I just wondered what they might be.

As you can see from my signature, I drive LH Chrysler cars and they are near failure free roofs, and if they fail, it is usually upon closing.

 

I would also wonder if there is any recommended maintenance to help keep them healthy?

I know one should check and clean out the drain lines periodically.

I suspect one should lubricate some part of the mechanism periodically?? If so, what?

And even if you don't use it much, I'd recommend running it through all of its positions a few times a year at least so things don't seize up.

 

I have posted several hundred TSBs and some are related to the X300 sliding roof.
You need to find and read them in the large file area.

13-11 Water Ingress – Sliding Roof
13-20 Sliding Roof Diagnosis and Setup
13-30 Sliding Roof Mechanism
13-34 Sliding Roof Control Module
13-39 Sliding Roof – Diagnosis & Repair
13-42 Uneven Operation of Windows

Other members have uploaded more info so you can find all you need with a search.

bob gauff

 

My sunroof lubrication went dry and my sunroof stopped working, I tried to move it back down one day but the clip some how managed to break. Has anyone ever sealed a sunroof shut? I just don't want to deal with it anymore, I rarely used it too.