Diesel85

i have a 1985 model, the roof struggles to open. i removed the cover and can see the motor running when the switch is activated. it gets stuck after a few inches of movement. it's difficult to push the roof open. i don't want to break anything so her i am. I've seen something about a manual operation in the owner manual, but it appears my setup is different that the manual.in addition, i don't see a manual operation tool in the tool kit. from what I have read i probably need to clean the rails. with that said, i am looking for guidance on how to proceed. thanks again!! see pics...i tried to turn screw but it is very difficult to turn

roof motor and gear

i tried turning this with a screwdriver, but it was very difficult......dont see how a manual tool would apply

NoVector

A good link on manually opening/closing and what the tool looks like. https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ual-crank.html

And this is the best link I've found for R&R of the sunroof (unfortunately no pictures...). I followed it to the letter 10 years ago and it still works like a champ: https://www.nichols.nu/tip805.htm

jschiller

This might get you started:

WALTSTAR

You have to disassemble the sunroof and grease the worm screws, motor, and slides. Mark the adjustments of all the hardware before you do so.

StratfordShark

I didn’t have a stuck sunroof but did follow the terrific ‘podguy’ write-up a few years ago and it did speed it up noticeably. As with other seized things in old cars (e.g. window motors) the problem is often old, hard grease in mechanism somewhere.

I’ve never managed to remove that screw either! It must be under very high tension from spring behind it or something, which is a slight worry if my motor ever fails completely. I’ve seen other owners using the manual crank key and it works very well if you can get access to the gear behind that screw.

Diesel85

Thanks for the replies......In order to start the process, I need to open the roof. How can I do so manually? Any videos on opening manually with the "tool"?

GregBBRD

If it opens a couple of inches, that's the perfect place to disassemble.
It's probably hitting the broken plastic rear water tray, BTW.

monkez

Once you do get it open and take it apart, invest in some long stemmed pipe cleaners. You will be stunned to see how much hardened gunk builds up in the guides for the worm screws. Also, consider cleaning out the water drains as well while you're in the there.

Good luck!!

Diesel85

Do you have any documentation/videos, other than what is already listed above, on how to do so?

monkez

IntenseBlue318 has a few videos on youtube, but not much in the way of removal. What Greg said in post #7 is most like correct: a broken water tray is likely impeding movement. I also had trouble opening the sunroof manually. It'd open one inch and then stop. Here's how I removed the sunroof (keep in mind I'm an accountant and definitely NOT an expert )

First I disconnected the sunroof transmission so the screw cables were disengaged (see podguy pdf for a pic). Be careful not to put too much stress on the rubber clutch. Its rubber and can crack.

Once the screw cables are disengaged, you're able to physically push the sunroof open. Just go slow and try not to break anything.

Once the sunroof was open half way, I found the three screws that hold the interior cover in place in between the interior cover and the external sunroof. Those screws face forward and all you have to do is loosen them. Once loose, the interior cover can be pulled down and out.

Once the interior cover was off, I followed the instructions from the pdf and fully cleaned all parts and replaced all that was missing.

Good luck!

Diesel85

Thanks for the info, Guys.....

I was able to open the roof and remove the inner panel, and the sunroof itself....I plan to post a short video of it operating for comments.....

Some have mentioned a broken water tray as being a possible culprit. Can someone post a picture of what the tray looks like? I see nothing that resembles a tray.

copperstew

928 Sunroof Water Drain Plate 92856416742

Fly911

I have had problems with all the electrical motors (wipers, sunroof, seats, windows) in my 1985 S3. The motors needed to be cleaned. For your sunroof motor, take it apart, remove rust and dirt from the stator magnets, clean the carbon brushes and make sure the little coil spring is intact, clean the gaps between the laminated iron on the rotor, lubricate, and re-assemble. If your sunroof mechanism is otherwise OK, this should do the trick.

Diesel85

Thanks, Copperstew!!!! Good news is I see it on my roof panel. Better news, it's intact!!!

Speedtoys

Grease is the problem over time (and Porsche doesnt ask for it), it attracts dirt, dries out. Some dry lubricant such as graphite or Mb powder.would be useful, but no greases, ever

Things move slowwwwwww..

You will find that everything works best and -fast- clean and dry. The job of the nylon sliders is to...slide..cleanly on the surfaces...and the cable design is meant to be dry an unrestricted in the tubes.