fjstl

What solution is used to clean the sunroof mechanism on a 98 LS 400. I searched the site but I'm unable to find the answer to this question. It seems that my roof won't remain closed after pressing the close switch and when it appears to be closed, it opens immediately. I can press the switch until it closes and then it will remain shut. I want to try cleaning it before bringing it elsewhere. After cleaning, what do you use to lubricate it? A friend of mine had a similar problem with a different make of car and his mechanic cleaned and lubed it and it was fixed.

smokincigs

Did you ever get this to work right? Mine started to do it yesterday.

fjstl

no, the problem still exists. I just close it by pressing the close button a number of times.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Interesting issue, never came across one before.


If there was something in the path of the glass, im guessing it would retract no matter what, so it could be an issue with the motor. I will test out my car to see whether the roof defaults to retracting despite holding the button down or not (windows will open back up no matter what if they sense something). This could help us identify the cause of issue.

mista808

this happened to my girlfriends car, but its an audi... same problem though.... i just openned the sun roof fully, cleaned both side rails, then sprayed WD40 to lube the rails, dont use any type of grease or white lithium grease cuz grease will attract dirt and clog the rails even worse....

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

WD40 attracts dirt. most petroleum based lubricant do.

use a silicone based spray if anything.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Exactly, i've used silicone spray on my moonroofs for years with great success. WD40 strips the grease since it works as a degreaser

fjstl

before using the silicone, what product was used to clean the side rails?

Dereke

i used an engine degreaser and a rag to clean my rails out then motorcycle chain lube(silicone based) in the tracks. works great.

fjstl

thanks and I'll give a try.

Horsepwr

My 98 LS400 is doing the same exact thing . So all you guys are saying to do is just clean the tracks / rails ? The motor sounds perfectly fine ,so like you all are saying ,it just must need a good cleaning .Ill try that .Thanks

smokincigs

Mine is also a 1998. Pattern??

Horsepwr

Id say !! Hopefully it is as easy as what has been mentioned in this forum .

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Wait a minute, i remember something about moonroof motor ECU re-calibration. These symptoms can be seen on side windows as well losing the auto-close feature. This often happens after a battery has been unplugged, replaced, etc...

If i remember correctly, you had to hold down the button and let it cycle (you have to be in park)... i cant remember exactly right now, but i'll search around for it.

For now, try holding any one button of the four of the moonroof controls and see if it will cycle through.

fjstl

I haven't cleaned or applied the silicone yet but I do recall my problem beginning after a new battery was installed. I didn't notice the problem immediately because I wasn't using the sunroof much. I'll wait to see what you find out. thanks.