Why won’t my Mercedes sunroof close all the way?

This blog post will answer the question, ‘Why won’t my Mercedes sunroof close all the way?’ and, cover topics like ways to close a Mercedes sunroof manually, and diagnosis of a Mercedes sunroof not closing.

Why won’t my Mercedes sunroof close all the way?

These are the following reasons behind a Mercedes sunroof not closing all the way:

• Clogged sunroof tracks
• Broken sunroof cables
• Inoperable electric motor
• Faulty sunroof control switch

Ways to close a Mercedes sunroof manually

These are the following ways to close a Mercedes sunroof manually:

Fix involving the electric motor

• Ensure the car is parked safely and the power is turned off just enough for the lights to be able to turn on. 
• Locate the sunroof control panel, it is usually located in the middle of the two sunshades.
• We need to disassemble the control panel, so look for the screws that are holding it up
• An Allen wrench helps to pull out the screws
• Following the removal of the screws, the electric motor of the sunroof should be visible along with its supporting screws
• The Allen wrench should be able to turn them in both dextrorotatory and levorotatory directions, as per the requirements
• Ensure the Allen wrench head is of the same dimensions as that of the electric motor screw

Fix involving the sunroof control switch

• Ensure that the car is parked and the power is turned on just enough for the lights to turn on
• Locate the sunroof control panel, it is usually located in the middle of the two sunshades.
• We need to disassemble the control panel, so look for the screws that are holding it up
• We need to locate the sunroof control switch wire which should look like a cluster of different cables attached to it. 
• Pull out the switch wire and reattach the control panel halfway to prevent the other electrical components from dragging out
• Grab a double-ended wire, it can be a piece of wire from an old mobile charger or any other device.
• Bring one end of the wire in contact with an empty slot on the lower half of the control switch and the other end on another slot on the upper end of the switch.
• You will observe that the sunroof is opening. To close it, touch the wires in adjacent slots to observe the reverse operation

All the above procedures are to be followed only as a temporary fix. Underlying problems like a faulty electric motor or a control switch need to be fixed by consulting a professional immediately.

Diagnosis of a Mercedes sunroof not closing

These are some diagnoses of common issues related to a Mercedes sunroof.

Clogged sunroof tracks 

The reason behind this is inadequate or insufficient cleaning of sunroof tracks and cables. This usually occurs due to water along with dirt, dust, and gunk getting accumulated.

It is advisable to regularly clean the tracks and cables along with the sunroof edges for a smoother operation.

Faulty sunroof fuse

Firstly we need to ensure the vehicle is in a parked position and on a flat surface. Next, the fuse needs to be checked, if it is not working then it has to be replaced immediately as it is necessary for keeping the electric motor safe. It is one of the reasons why we come across an inoperable electric motor.

Faulty sunroof control switch

The sunroof control switch can be checked by detaching it from the dash. The switch also contains certain metal contacts that need to be diagnosed next.

The reason behind it is that these metal contacts get damaged or rusted with time as a result of all the dust and corrosion. We must therefore check both the metal contacts and the switch harness for signs of corrosion.

If there is no sign of corrosion on either of the two, then the control switch has an electronic fault and must be replaced with immediate effect.

Research shows the usage of an M4 Allen wrench to manually close the sunroof.

Conclusion

This blog post addressed the question, ‘Why won’t my Mercedes sunroof close all the way?’

We came across the various quick fixes to manually close a Mercedes sunroof. Furthermore, we understood the various ways to diagnose a Mercedes sunroof not closing with electrical assistance. Please feel free to comment on the content or ask any questions in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why won’t my Mercedes sunroof close all the way?

Does a moonroof open all the way?

A moonroof is a certain type of sunroof that is made up of a tinted glass panel and lets in the fresh air and natural light. Moonroofs can only tilt open a small amount to allow fresh air into the cabin, but it does not usually open as a sunroof does.

Can I stick my head out the sunroof?

Although legal in our society, it is very dangerous to stick our head out the sunroof as it can risk the chances of a head injury or even death.

Is sunroof safe in car?

The presence of a sunroof does not affect the overall strength of the car. Sunroofs comprise a strong steel frame wrapped by thin metal panels around them. The steel frame helps keep passengers safe.

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