1997 Toyota Corolla Moon/Sun Roof won't close properly

1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
13,800 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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RUTLAND ARTIST
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The motor on my moonroof started to operate slower last week and now very sluggishly and the sliding roof won't quite close. Help - can this be fixed manually for now and how, and if it needs a new motor, how do I get at the motor, please ?
May 22, 2010 at 3:39 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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While motor could be bad, could also be the regulator (mechanisim) that mechanically moves window.

Try some silicone spray on track and mechanisim, to start. Otherwise the unit will have to be removed, and this is not a small job.
May 23, 2010 at 8:27 AM
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RUTLAND ARTIST
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Thanks mmprince4000. I don't have silicon spray, but would WD40 do the job? Can only see a little of the tracks anyway at the sides of the roof. As the car is 13 years old now I don't want to spend a fortune on a new unit, but if I can just get it fully closed I will be happy !
May 23, 2010 at 11:20 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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WD40 is OK. Note that WD stands for "Water Displacer", so its main job is to protect metal from rust, but is does have some lubricating properties.
May 24, 2010 at 8:01 AM
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RUTLAND ARTIST
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Thanks again mmprince4000 - very hot here today, and whilst driving, the roof finally managed to close itself, so I'm leaving it that way !
May 24, 2010 at 8:16 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Great news.

Replacing the motor or regulator will require removing the headliner, so it won't be cheap.
May 25, 2010 at 8:32 AM
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