sunroof
 

The sunroof on my 82 300D recently stopped working. It didn't stop all at once... Before it stopped completely, pressing the sunroof button wouldn't always work, or it would work after several tries. Once under way, the roof would open and close normally. It did this for a few weeks then stopped in the closed position.

Using a voltage meter, we traced the problem to the connection between the battery and the fuse. The copper fuse connections didn't register any current on the meter... We also checked the switch on the dash, which seemed fine.

So before I begin searching, does anyone have any advice on where to look and what to look for?

Also, what's the general rule for maintaining sunroofs? I've read about some special rail grease that only mb dealers sell...

One more question: I noticed that my fusebox cover is cracked and broken near the bottom. Does it need to be replaced?

Thanks, Carl

Intermittent sunroof problems can usually be traced to a bad connection at the motor, a dirty/corroded switch, or a bad sunroof gear.

on my 190D, the two failures have been due to corrosion at the switch.

on my 300D, the problem was a sunroof gear that deteriorated.

Note,

Sunroofs require annual cleaning & greasing-MB grease naturally. If you are breaking gears, you should make sure the sunroof rails are clean and greased. Fix the broken part *and* the reason for failure.


Michael

I found a grease at Radio Shack for lubricating the sun roof. I think I found the brand name in a post on this list.

sunroof
 

I just did a major overhaul on my sunroof. It was struggling to open and close. We took it out (another thanks thomaspin for the great instructions and **************.com for the grease) did a thourough checking of the water drains, general cleaning and removal of crud, and re-greasing. I had removed the sunroof cable and degreased / regreased that as well.

Shortly thereafter after a few days of heavy use (dang that is a big opening), the sunroof cable "kicked-back?" at the motor right before it inters the tube that guides it up the c-pillar. I removed the motor and put everything back together but the sunroof cable kicked-back again the next day. It looked like the clips were weakened and the cable had torqued so that it was not perfectly straight.

The solution was a new sunroof cable (a little pricey at $100) and $2 worth of new "circlips" that hold the entry and exit tubes on either side of the motor (kinda hard to get the part number of the clips separate from the motor). I reinforced the new circlips with two zip ties on each end to ensure there was little play and reassembled everything.

So my maintenance project got a lot more expensive and involved, but the good news is the sunroof is operating thus fine, just in time for cool fall nights in Texas...

'84 300D. I realize this thread is 8 years old, maybe you remember the correct procedure. I am removing my sunroof motor to replace the gear. I have removed the two guide tube clips but I cannot get the guide tubes to disconnect from the motor. What's the secret?

Thanks.