moonroof won't close w126 126 300sd *HELP* - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ajrn · #1 05-07-2009, 01:40 PM

HELP!!

It's raining, and of course, it won't close..

I heard the motor running, thought it was the power antenna.. (Left RQ)

I noticed the dash switch for the moonroof wasn't "right" so I centered it (off) then bumped it "open.." (ugh)

Won't close, opened a little more, though (crap)

NOW I hear the motor whir, but nothing else happens..

Did I mention it's raining???

And I had a flat tire this morning??

And my cell phone died..

***IT's been THAT kind of day...***

Thanks in advance, I can't swim, and NEED to drive today..

Anthony

pawoSD · #2 05-07-2009, 01:48 PM

Ducttape some plastic over the opening? Sealing all the seams? Thats what I would do.....

Sounds like your motor/clutch went bad, or the roof is off track, or the cable may have broken.

toomany MBZ · #3 05-07-2009, 02:04 PM

Check in your tool bag that came with the car, if you still have it, of course.
In it will/used to be, a tool that looks like the one in the pic, the larger end, 21mm fits on the red nut in the trunk to manually override the electrical switch. The holes in it are to fit the screwdriver through to use as "T" handle.

EDIT: You'll have to pull the side cover in the trunk.

ajrn · #4 05-07-2009, 02:12 PM

I'll look for that!

Thanks..

21 mm???? I've got a deep socket, since I don't have the MB tool..

Anthony

pawoSD · #5 05-07-2009, 02:31 PM

The deep socket would work too. If it doesn't move the roof then your cable is broken and I would not force it.

WD8CDH · #6 05-07-2009, 03:25 PM

If the plastic nut is missing, there might be a stub with two flats that you could turn with vicegrips or a little (?6mm? ) wrench

toomany MBZ · #7 05-07-2009, 04:32 PM

I'll suggest a regular depth 21mm socket, as a deep socket won't fit through the slot opening and still get on that nut.
The first pic shows a 22mm regular depth socket, see how a deep won't fit.
The next pic is if what happened when I "finagled" that socket off.

Johnt49 · #8 05-08-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WD8CDH

If the plastic nut is missing, there might be a stub with two flats that you could turn with vicegrips or a little (?6mm? ) wrench

If the red plastic cap is missing the nut you're looking at is the clutch drag adjustment. Turning it will not close the roof, but will adjust the drag on the clutch. Be careful not to make it too tight. The clutch needs to slip once the roof is fully open or closed or the mechanism will be damaged.

Johnt49 · #9 05-08-2009, 11:27 AM

If you don't have a 21mm socket a spark plug socket will work. You should be able to close it that way. If it opened for you the cable should still be good. The motor running for any length of time probably put excessive wear on the clutch mechanism.You might be able to adjust it to get it to work again. If you remove the red plastic cap by prying it off you'll see a nut underneath. Turning it clockwise will tighten the clutch. MB recommends no more than 60 degrees adjustment. The clutch must be adjusted so it will slip once the roof is fully open or closed or the mechanism will be damaged.

leathermang · #10 05-08-2009, 12:51 PM

I am going to remember this thread to show to people who argue that my dislike of moonroofs AND electric windows is not justified...

This does present an opportunity for others who have moon or sun roofs to put an emergency kit into their car... a piece of plastic could be kept in the trunk which could be duct taped as mentioned above for quick relief.... some research should be done on the duct tape because they are not all of the same quality or stickum ability. And the surface would need to be clean and dry when initially applying it... so some other cover and a way to clean it fast would need to be handy...

ajrn · #11 05-14-2009, 08:13 AM

Oh-- I still like the moonroof, but power ANYTHING fails over time.. I'm impressed it doesn't LEAK in a 25 year old car..

BTW-- I did use my 21mm deep, and it cranked closed nicely, without considerable effort..

I know I've seen threads on repair and maintenance of these beasts, but I'm not finding them today.. I guess it doesn't matter, as it's currently dumping rain AGAIN..

Should anyone know of any (on this board, or the "other" MB boards) let me know.. Sooner or later, that puppy is getting fixed.. My 12 year old likes to gaze out at the stars, on late night drives home.. (I don't blame her)

Sam82MB240D · #12 05-14-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnt49

If you don't have a 21mm socket a spark plug socket will work. You should be able to close it that way. If it opened for you the cable should still be good. The motor running for any length of time probably put excessive wear on the clutch mechanism.You might be able to adjust it to get it to work again. If you remove the red plastic cap by prying it off you'll see a nut underneath. Turning it clockwise will tighten the clutch. MB recommends no more than 60 degrees adjustment. The clutch must be adjusted so it will slip once the roof is fully open or closed or the mechanism will be damaged.

My sunroof didn't work when I got my car. It was just a missing fuse. Then it starting slipping kind of like what you mentioned and this was all I had to adjust-just tighten that nut under the plastic nut but don't go too tight!

babymog · #13 05-14-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I am going to remember this thread to show to people who argue that my dislike of moonroofs AND electric windows is not justified... <>

Remember to show it to people afraid of sunroofs quitting, so that they will understand how simple it is to open/close manually using the tools and glovebox-manual supplied with the car.