Sun Roof Question

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vanak60

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My sun roof motor works when I push the button, but the sun roof does not move, could that have anything to do with the cables? if so, how difficult is it to replace them? (I have already removed my headliner)

Thanks,

Alex
 
The cables are only accessible from the top after the sun roof is open. They should be easy to replace. However, it is more likely that your motor gear drive has stripped teeth or a spun shaft. Have you pulled the motor to look?

You may be able to find our borrow a manual crank to get the sun roof open.
 
Finally learned how to post pictures,sorry it took so long to post.The cable ends have a tendency to break off or wear down.Only cure is to buy new from dealer(less than $100 per side)There is a difference between manual and electric roof cable lengths and right and left side.You will have to remove sunroof panel(see repair Blue Book) and metal trim pieces that hide cables inside roof opening.You'll also need to access gear/motor at rear of roof by unzipping zipper.Cables run in channels in the metal trim pieces you can easily see in roof opening then thru lip in car roof sheet metal then at back of roof they go thru stupid little tubes before they bend around to mesh with gear/motor.I had my headliner out and it was still a PITA to get the floppy cables to go thru tubes.Make sure you clean up channels in trim pieces and lube cables well with lithium grease.Good luck.

[Broken External Image]:http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg67/PaulinPa53/IMAG0690.jpg
 
Lithium or molybdenum grease, or WR40 ?

My car is at the painter´s shop. They have the sliding panel out and suggest WD 40 for lubrication because grease attracts dirt, and the result can be stuck cables. They claim this on experience.
On this board I read about lithium or molybdenum grease...
I have another week to decide as the roof is being painted.
 
PaulinPa said:
The cable ends have a tendency to break off or wear down.Only cure is to buy new from dealer(less than $100 per side).
Click to expand...

Fortunately, there is another cure. And it even costs less and produces a more durable fix!

You can get used cables off a Volvo - I think from a mid-80's Volvo - that uses a Golde sunroof with a similar design. The Volvo cable ends are all metal - none of that brittle white plastic used on the e9's. The Volve cables are a little longer than the e9 cables, but can easily be cut.

Sorry I don't have the exact Volvo year and model - a search of this forum may turn up more information.
 
Last edited:
phenolic pads ??

Thanks to the board, I am amassing information regarding servicing of the sunroof, incl. installing new felt seals.
There is reference to the phenolic pads being replaced.
What/where are they? to start with?
 
pmansson said:
The car in question is a `74 with electric operation. Are the cable ends of a better quality here....?
Click to expand...

I did the cable upgrade on a manual sunroof 1970 2800 CS, so I can't honestly say that the Volvo cables would interchange on an electric sunroof e9.

For the mechanical sunroof cables, the ends looked identical except that the Volvo parts were pot metal where the e9 parts were made from white plastic that becomes brittle with age. As far as my memory goes, mine looked like the ones in Paulinpa's photos (but are those elec. or mech.?) Someone on this forum must know whether the cables for electric and mechanical sunroofs are the same - of course a parts book could answer that too.
 
pmansson said:
My car is at the painter´s shop. They have the sliding panel out and suggest WD 40 for lubrication because grease attracts dirt, and the result can be stuck cables. They claim this on experience.
On this board I read about lithium or molybdenum grease...
I have another week to decide as the roof is being painted.
Click to expand...
WD40 is NOT a lubricant. There must be better choices.
 
Choice of grease

I agree on the WD40.
I often use a German Kreichöl, which translates to "creep oil". I like that.
Then I have a can of teflon spray.
Lots to choose from !

What about the emergency tool for opening an electrically operated sunroof.
Was that part of the toolkit for cars such equipped, or delivered loose with the emergency tool for the door and rear 1/4 window motors...?

Thanks,
PM
 
Hi PM

Do you ask about the sunroof emergency tool which is pictured on page 23 in the original owner's manual (1/73)?

Cheers
 
I think, that one was not part of the tool kit. I have an electric sunroof in three of my four E9s and all of them has a complete tool kit but no L-shaped devise (except the three L-shaped octagon-keys). In the owner's manual it only says that this tool is "mitgeliefert handbedienungsgriff" (delivered/included manual winder). The same thing for the plastic devise for the rear electric power windows.

Cheers
 
Jesus (He works on more Coupes than I, works with Coupe King) tells me that the Volvo cable don't work on the e9 with an electric sunroof motor in the back of the car (behind the headliner zipper). He says the Volvo 240 has the motors in the front, etc. I said, that can't you just switch the cable from right to left to make the Volvo parts work? He said no. I really would like to use the used Volvo parts if I can make them, work as I don't trust the BMWs plastic design. New cable would probably work for a while, but still....

Thanks, Tom
 
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