Car Fix DIY Videos

http://clublexus.com/how-tos is the leading Lexus IS, RX, ES, and GS resource for technical DIY guides. Replace a faulty or stuck sunroof motor and start to enjoy this feature in your Lexus once again. For the full step-by-step article, please visit http://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/a/lexus-how-to-replace-sunroof-moonroof-motor-367177

The sunroof is a great feature in your Lexus, so when the motor starts to burn out it can be a huge disappointment. A motor that is most likely on its way out will start making odd squeaking noises. Replacing it before the motor dies will prevent the sunroof from getting stuck on open. Trying to force it shut while the motor is burnt out can cause damage to other components in the sunroof assembly. Save yourself the hassle by learning how to replace the sunroof motor.

This moderately difficult job takes one to two hours and costs from $60 to $150. You’ll pay a professional anywhere from $200 to $400 to get the job done.

The materials include 14 millimeter and 10 millimeter sockets, a flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver.

Step One – Locate sunroof gear

Before you begin, it’s good to know where the motor is located. You’ll find it under the front headliner beneath the rear view mirror mount, which means that many different parts will need to be removed.

Step Two – Disconnect negative battery cable

Begin by opening the hood and disconnecting the negative battery cable. This will protect against blown fuses and burnt wires.

Step Three – Remove headliner and various parts

Create a clean space to place all the removed trim pieces on, like a towel or blanket, so they don’t get lost or scratched.

● Remove the front pillar trim. This will simply pop off with a gentle tug from the top. If you’re having trouble, you can use your flat head to carefully pry it free.
● Using your Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws on the sun visor mount.
● Using the same Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screw in the clips that lock the sun visor into place.
● Pop off the cover over the rear-view mirror. Gently use a flat head screwdriver to pry the rear-view mount cover off.
● Once the mirror cover is off, remove the screws holding the mirror in place with the Phillips head screwdriver. Then, remove the mirror.
● Pop off the cover on the roof control, using a flathead screwdriver if necessary.
● Remove the light reflector and remove the two screws.
● Remove the Homelink cover and remove the two screws underneath.
● Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the controls.
● For the seat belts, you can pry up the cover on one side. Then, using the 14mm socket, remove the bolt.
● With the bolt out, you can pry loose that trim piece. Let it slide down and lean inward to give clearance for the headliner later.
● Pry up the covers on the grab handles and remove the 10mm bolts below.
● Remove the trim around the sunroof. You should be able to pull down the headliner somewhat to be able to do this easier.
● You can now release the headliner by pulling it down from the back by the rear window to un-clip it. You can either let it hang down or completely remove it if you wish.

Step Four – Replace motor

To remove the motor, use your 10mm socket and remove the three bolts. Disconnect the wiring harness and set the old motor aside.
Make sure all the gears are lined up correctly, so the motor will function properly. Secure the new motor by tightening the bolts.
With the new motor in place, reconnect the sunroof controls and the negative battery cable.

Then, test it out. If it works properly, continue re-installing everything else following the reverse order. If not, double-check that the wiring harness is plugged in tight and the gears are lined up correctly.