Sunroof does not open or close

Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SAAB 9-3
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
When pressing switch, nothing happens not even a motor stuck noise, nothing. Checked the fuse and it was fine, even replaced it for assurance but nothing. Purchased an aftermarket switch, does the same thing. Could it be the aftermarket switch?
Or can it be the motor. Do you have an schematic of it so I know where the motor is?
Also, how can I test the wiring to see if it works. Have no tools just a test light.
Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 2:56 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

At this point, a test light should be enough. What I want to do is start at the fuses. There are two. Since the fuses are new already, I need you to confirm there is power to and from them in the fuse box. A test light is all you will need. Follow this link for testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If there is power, then we need to go to the motor/module itself. Power is supplied directly to the module. When you select a setting at the switch, a ground is provided through the switch to complete the circuit.

If you look at pics 1 and 2 below, I attached the entire wiring schematic for this unit. Note the fuses that need to be checked. If they test good, we need to go to the module and confirm there is power at both of the power wires between the fuse and module.

Getting to the motor/module requires the removal of the headliner, so let's move to the switch next. At the switch, there should be power to the blue, yellow, and orange wires (highlighted in pic 3). Use your test light to check for power.

I would like to test for continuity to ground via the black wire, but that will require a multimeter. You should be able to get one nearly anywhere. They are not expensive but don't get one until we determine it's needed.

Here is another link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

The last two pics are showing the related fuses for the sunroof. The fuse box is in the luggage compartment. I highlighted fuse locations.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 151 POSTS
In the pic below, the red outline shows (I think) relays. The top 3 are missing. Should they be missing and what are these relays for?
If I need to get to the motor. Do you have an schematic for it and how to remove it?
Do you think the sunroof needs to be re-programmed in the cars' computer system?
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Monday, May 31st, 2021 AT 3:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

Numbers 1 to 3 are not used. Number 4 is if you have a power seat. See pic 1 below.

As far as reprogramming, no I don't feel that is the issue.

Were you able to check for power at the switch? If you did and it's present, then we need to confirm it's getting to the window motor. That requires the removal of the headliner.

If you start at number 2 below, the removal and replacement directions for the headliner. Note: These directions are for a 4 door model. If you have a 2 door, let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, May 31st, 2021 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 151 POSTS
How do you determine if the motor is getting power?
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

When you disconnect the connector at the module/motor, check to see if there is power to the red wire. You can use the test light. The black wire should have continuity to ground. You will need a multimeter to check that.

The other wires which go to the switch are what determine and power the motor based on your request.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 151 POSTS
How do I check if the switch that I purchased has power? This way, I can start eliminating issues one by one.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:35 AM
Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 151 POSTS
To get to the motor, can I just remove the plastic frame around the moonroof window opening since the motor is right there touching the frame? Instead of removing the whole ceiling headlining.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

Absolutely, if you can access it easier, do it. As far as checking the motor for power, you need to check the red wire at the connector for it. You can use a test light to check for power.

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 4:43 PM

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