Replacing moon roof motor, '05 Forester

[Samurai_jim]

Howdy everybody! I have to replace the glass and motor on my wife's '05 Forester. I found the glass for a good price, and I've watched a few YouTube videos, and I think I can tackle it. But the motor for the moon roof needs replacing too.


I'm having trouble finding one for a decent price. Anyone know where to look, or what parts from other cars will cross reference to the Forester? And can someone point me to a thread here about replacing the motor?


Thanks!

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[Cougar4]

I suggest you try local salvage yards and Ebay to find a motor. YouTube is a good place to find help on repairs.

[Ed Currant]

I created a reply with a substantial section on panel replacement, but it went straight to moderation and there is no track record of those subsequently appearing for me. Here is a snippet.

According to online Subie parts sources, the motor for an '05 (P/N #65450SA001) appears to be common across Forester models from 2003-08. Does not appear to be used elsewhere.

In my community, there are a few folks that buy and part out wrecked Subies, posting what they have available on Kijiji. CraigsList is not very active here, but is probably a possibility for you.

Needless to say, there may be NASIOC vendors that can supply a motor. If a source appears to work with '03-'08 Foresters, chances are they might have a motor they might sell even though they might not be listing one at the moment. You won't know if you don't ask ...

[Ed Currant]

Samurai_jim, what kind of symptoms prompts the thought that the sunroof motor needs replacement: electrical or mechanical?

If electrical, have other possible causes been eliminated? Fuse, switch, harness ... ?

[Samurai_jim]

Hey there. Thanks for the replies.

First off, I assume the motor needs replacing, because my mom had the car with the roof open, and it died and would not close. She had to get her mechanic to close it for her. I've checked the fuses, but haven't checked the switches. I guess a volt meter test would yield a function/non-function result there. And the glass broke because a tree limb fell on it...

I'm open for suggestions.

[Cougar4]

I wondered about the motor operation also since that isn't something that gets used a lot. I think there is a way to manually operate the window using a special wrench.

[Ed Currant]

Originally Posted by Cougar4

I wondered about the motor operation also since that isn't something that gets used a lot.

Our's certainly didn't.

Originally Posted by Cougar4

I think there is a way to manually operate the window using a special wrench.

See "Moonroof - if the moonroof cannot be closed" (pg 9-18) of the "In Case of Emergency" section of a 2005 Forester manual.

There is a round plug in the center of the roof panel in the cabin. It is located to the rear of the moonroof, just forward of the plastic cap covering the center child seat anchor.

Removal of this plug provides access to a hex socket drive in the motor. By inserting a metric hex (Allen) wrench into the socket drive, the motor can be turned and the moonroof can be moved along its track in either direction.

A wrench was included at the time of delivery - check the glovebox and the spare tire area. Alternatively, an L or T-handled with the appropriate metric hex will suffice. (ie: Bondhus or equivalent)

[Ed Currant]

Originally Posted by Samurai_jim

Hey there. Thanks for the replies.

First off, I assume the motor needs replacing, because my mom had the car with the roof open, and it died and would not close. She had to get her mechanic to close it for her. I've checked the fuses, but haven't checked the switches. I guess a volt meter test would yield a function/non-function result there. And the glass broke because a tree limb fell on it...

I'm open for suggestions.

For this purpose, an alternative to a DMM is a simple test light: GO/NO GO.

Check your PMs. Besides the secondary resources mentioned within, there is also a circuit diagram lower down in the primary one.

Regarding replacement of your moonroof panel. If you start a new thread in the appropriate subforum, I will post suggestions there which you may find useful.

[Samurai_jim]

Thanks so much for all the replies. This is really helpful information.

So, I was able to deduce that the reason the sunroof wouldn't work, is because when the glass got cracked by a tree limb falling on it, a mechanic unplugged the overhead switch.

So, now, the window will open slightly, but it only goes back 1/4 of the way, and I assume it's a problem in the track.

Which forum do I post this in to be in the appropriate location? I'd like to get the info about replacing the glass and possibly a fix for the track.

Thanks again, so much!

[Ed Currant]

Originally Posted by Samurai_jim

So, I was able to deduce that the reason the sunroof wouldn't work, is because when the glass got cracked by a tree limb falling on it, a mechanic unplugged the overhead switch.

Hooking the harness back up to the switch has to have been DECIDEDLY easier than following the DIY procedure for motor R&R.

Originally Posted by Samurai_jim

So, now, the window will open slightly, but it only goes back 1/4 of the way, and I assume it's a problem in the track.

Was the roof/cargo rail deformed? Is the moonroof glass merely cracked or is the frame distorted?

Originally Posted by Samurai_jim

Which forum do I post this in to be in the appropriate location? I'd like to get the info about replacing the glass and possibly a fix for the track.

I suppose the protocol would be to post a question about moonroof replacement in sub-forums like either of the following:
.NASIOC Technical

- Service & Maintenance
.
NASIOC Subaru Models
- Forester Forum

.
But let's live dangerously ... I am two-for-two here on NASIOC for threads with simple questions that have gone unanswered and feel I don't have much to lose.

Here is the balance of the answer I originally attempted to post in my initial reply to your thread. It is not rocket science, but perhaps an item here or there may make the task easier for you.

** === Begin Reply === **

Regarding sunroof (moonroof) panel replacement. As you will have already seen in the videos, this is VERY straightforward.

Recommended items to assemble before beginning:

Flatblade screwdriver
10mm socket
Short 3/8 drive extension
3/8 Drive Ratchet
Torque Wrench
Weatherstrip Lubricant:
- AGS Sil-Glyde SG-4 Lubricating Compound
- AC Delco Silicone Emulsion
- Equivalent
Portable vacuum
Bucket of warm soapy water and cleaning rags

Prepare the "new" panel before starting on the vehicle Clean the glass and edge seal of the replacement sunroof panel. Apply weatherstrip lubricant liberally to the entire surface of the seal and let this "soak".
For convenience, move the front crossbar of the roof rack to provide unobstructed access. (You will need the OEM tool or equivalent to loosen the side clamps.)
Open the interior Shade Panel
Remove 4 cosmetic caps
Photograph or otherwise document how many shims are positioned at each of the four mount points
Remove retaining nuts and shims. (Ideally, keep sets together for reinstallation at same corner.)
With a helper, extract existing panel by raising up out of opening.
Clean entire edge of roof opening
Vacuum debris from top side of track (not accessible once panel is back in position.)
Apply liberal coating of weatherstrip lubricant to entire edge of roof opening
With a helper (or two), install replacement panel.
Install shims.
Install retaining nuts.
- Initially, I installed my retention nuts finger-tight,
- I drove the vehicle a brief distance before tightening more firmly.
- I drove the FXT again, then carefully cycled the sunroof open and closed.
Check for leaks by applying water with a garden hose. Carry terry towels the first time you travel through a car wash in case of emergency.
When I was certain that the panel was properly located, I torqued the nuts to a final value**.

**I do not presently know the OEM torque value for the moonroof retention nuts.


If you are unable to determine the recommended values from on-line or dealer resources, you can decide whether to use the following generic values for two different grades of M6 fasteners

Generic torque values

M6 (Gr 8.8)
11.8 N-m
104.4 lb-in
8.7 lb-ft (12.5)

M6 (Gr 10.9)
17.0 N-m
150.4 lb-in
12.5 lb-ft

[Ed Currant]

Sorry about the formatting.

My carefully-formatted first attempt once again went straight to moderation.

Using the [Post Quick Reply] feature to submit a second attempt was successful, except for the loss of formatting. As a Subie owner, you will be accustomed to dealing with adversity and no doubt manage to parse through things quite capably ...