General Mk 1 sunroof sticking

[andrew1620]

I've got a 96 2L EL. Has anyone else had problems with the elec sunroof not closing properly?
I can't see how to reveal the workings, it seems as if the complete roof lining inside needs to be dropped?

 

[gball]

Hi
It depends on what is the matter with it. My roof completely failed to open, I discovered that the cables had worn. Listen to this carefully it is not a mistake, Fiat only supply the complete roof cassette, they do not supply the cables on their own! The last time I asked it was £1800 plus vat plus fitting, and your right, to remove the roof the headlining has to come off.
I decided to leave it alone, I did find a place in Sutton-in-Ashfield that would make up the cables if I could get them out.
But I had a bit of luck, I bought a complete new roof in the box for £100 ! off ebay. It was very time consuming to replace though, but for £100 I wasn't complaining.
I have just bought the complete FIAT workshop manuals (ring binder version) from ebay and you can remove the glass by removing the stops etc. This way the cables can be replaced.
The roof does tend to stick if not used for a while
The only 'workings' you can get to are under the panel where the rocker switch is, all the rest are on the outside, so don't take the lining out expecting to find anything.
More information as to what exactly is happening would help.

Cheers

 

[andrew1620]

Just got back from hols and spotted your reply, many thanks.
You got mega lucky there new roof + manuals! My roof will open but won't close to completely. It stops with the sound as if a rack and pinion system is worn and jumping so I'm assuming that the cables have this type of mechanism possibly plastic and that the last push home of the glass panel is just too much for it.
Sounds like what you are saying about removing the glass then inspecting the cables is favourite, although if they are worn it sounds like I might have a job to get new ones.
Pity as it's so nice to be able to use the roof in nice weather and at the moment its taped shut with the fuse removed!

Andrew

 

[gball]

Just got back from hols and spotted your reply, many thanks.
You got mega lucky there new roof + manuals! My roof will open but won't close to completely. It stops with the sound as if a rack and pinion system is worn and jumping so I'm assuming that the cables have this type of mechanism possibly plastic and that the last push home of the glass panel is just too much for it.
Sounds like what you are saying about removing the glass then inspecting the cables is favourite, although if they are worn it sounds like I might have a job to get new ones.
Pity as it's so nice to be able to use the roof in nice weather and at the moment its taped shut with the fuse removed!

Andrew

Hi
Fiat in their wisdom made the gears on the motor harder than the teeth on the cables! so guess which wears out first? As I said you can remove the cables and try to replace them.
I will try to scan the pages in from the manual showing how to remove the cables.

Gordon

 

[Thebus]

what was the fuse number? the exact same thing has just happened to me, came home from work and the roof was open, guessing it got a bit wet and shorted out.

 

[derekos82]

I have a problem where my sunroof will lift up only and not slide back

after it lifts up I just get this buzzing and it won't open out anymore

Lifts up and down no problem, which at least is something I suppose

any thoughts?

 

[Thebus]

not sure, must be an older model, but it sounds like something isnt working properly!

 

[derekos82]

constructive answer there alright. I think I had already determined that. Cheers

 

[digger58]

The knowledge on this forum never fails to amaze me! anybody got a head gasket for a red car?

 

[Thebus]

the unfortunate thing is that i dont know of anywhere that do haynes manuals or anything similar! only had my car 6 months, so alot of what i do on mine is guess work!

 

[derekos82]

britbooks on ebay do it
i just picked one up for £2.50 incl P&P