LexRexBlue

When I try to open the moonroof there is a grinding noise. It also makes it when you select tilt. Is there a cheap or easy fix?

Fern

Does it sound like sand in the tracks?

If so you can probably clean out any existing dirt/sandy debris and relubricate the track. Open up the sunroof and look along track from above.

I would re-lube with a bit of white lithium grease... This is of course presuming the grinding is from debris...

witmaRX

it could be coz of tree sap also, it happened in mine. got it cleaned and greased, fine now.

LexRexBlue

Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like sand or dirt in the tracks. I actually tried to clean the tracks. It sounds like the motor. The car is due to go into service soon, but I hope it isn't the motor as the dependable car will be 8 years old in December.

parula

Is there a routine maintenance procedure for the sunroof?
Sounds like some cleaning and grease application might help keep it operating normally.

LexRexBlue

The car was back at the dealer today. Unfortunately it is the motor which would cost $800 to replace. That's a lot of $ for a car that will be 8 years old in December. I may be at the point of considering replacing this car soon. It isn't the primary vehicle.

parula

If that's all you put into her for 8 years that ain't bad imo.

LexRexBlue

The car gets maintained regularly at the dealer. However, there have been glitches along the way. They have been wonderful about covering almost everything. I believe I paid for brakes. However, they covered a new transmission and a lot of little things. I have no complaints, but considering the roof was a $1000 option, another $800 is a lot to pay to have it back. The primary driver won't return until June. So we'll see what we do by then. Until then we'll go without using the moonroom. I'll miss it.

bob2200

Be thankful it didn't get stuck in the open position

Lil4X

I hadn't thought about it, but my old '95 Civic EX came with a hand crank for the moonroof. If the motor failed, you popped out a plastic plug, inserted the crank, and hauled the panel back into the closed position. I guess Lexus decided their moonroof would never fail. . .

LexRexBlue

A hand crank would be un Lexus-like but useful. The old Acura Legend didn't come with a crank, but the moonroof motor never failed. However, it did leak when it became very old.

Carver

You might check with your local Webasto dealer, they could most likely do it a lot less expensively than the Lexus dealer.

LexRexBlue

Thanks. I'll investigate it.