Sunroof advice needed !!
 

Hi, I am running out of ideas and I need some brain help. I've been working on the sunroof of my 87 300SDL. I replaced the arms because they were broken. Put all back together, it worked for a short while (open, close, tilt) and suddendly it stopped working. Not even a click when I push the Switch. I thought the motor went out but I removed the sunroof cable completely, tested the motor and it works fine (forward and backwards). Intalled the wire back, tried again and does not work. Not even a click. I am frustrated and out of ideas. Any thoughts our there? Thanks.

Switch?

Yes, switch or a relay would be my first thoughts.

Are you able to move the roof manually?

I checked the switch and it works fine. It operates the motor (without the cable) in both directions. I visually checked the rotation of the nut in the Manual OPEN/CLOSE mechanism and it rotates both clockwise and counter when operating the switch in both directions.

I can also OPEN & CLOSE manually with the cable installed without much effort, just by turning it with pliers.

This makes me think of a relay that could trip and cut the motor off if the sunroof cable becomes hard to push. I noticed when I insert the cable into the tube is that it slides very smoothly along the straight section, then when the tube turns to the side (at the end of the roof) and then down towards the motor, I have to push the cable in harder. My thought is that it is because it reached the gears and I have to push harder to make the wire go through the gears. BUT, although I can operate it manually without a problem it could still be too heavy for the motor. I know where the fuse is and it is OK but I could not locate a relay for the sunroof in the manual. If you know where it is, please let me know. Thanks!

This thread might provide some help. Electrical stuff, isn't my forte. But, this might provide some insight as to how it works. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/69288-w123-sunroof-closes-wont-open.html

Thanks for the link Crazy4Diesel. Unfortunately I did all that, except for cleaning the tube real well . Since it was working fine before, I assume it is clean, but it won't not hurt if I do it. If you find something else, please send it this way.
Thanks again!

PROBLEM SOLVED - It was something very stupid I neglected to do. I was not tightening the clutch before operating the switch, therefore there was no engagement of the cable. Thanks for the help.

Congrats, I kinda figured when you went through all the steps again, it'd all come together for you. Glad for you, you solved it.

Glad to hear it.