Body and Paint

Sunroof. Diagnosis and Testing

~17min read

The sunroof motor/module must be initialized when repairs are performed on any part of the sunroof system, or when the sunroof motor, glass, assembly or air deflector has been removed or replaced for any reason.

Symptom Charts

Symptom Chart: Operation

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Condition Possible Sources Action
Sunroof Panel Leaks
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
  • GO to Pinpoint Test B
Sunroof Panel Does Not Open or Close
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
  • GO to Pinpoint Test E
One-touch function does not operate
  • Sunroof motor not initialized
  • Roof Opening Panel Motor
  • INITIALIZE the sunroof module.
    REFER TO: Power Sunroof Initialization (Sunroof 501-17, General Procedures).
    If the condition persists after initialization, replace the motor. REFER TO: Sunroof Motor (Sunroof 501-17, Removal and Installation).
Sunroof panel does not latch flush from any position
  • Sunroof panel improperly adjusted

  • REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Alignment (501-17 Sunroof, General Procedures).

Symptom Chart: NVH

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Condition Possible Sources Action
Sunroof Panel Has Excessive Wind Noise
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
  • GO to Pinpoint Test A
Sunroof Panel Rattles
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
  • GO to Pinpoint Test C
Sunroof Panel Makes Noise During Operation
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
  • GO to Pinpoint Test D

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: Sunroof Panel Has Excessive Wind Noise

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

When the sunroof glass is fully closed, it is flush with the roof panel. The sunroof seal provides insulation from adverse weather conditions such as rain and wind, preventing them from entering the passenger compartment. A damaged, deformed or incorrectly installed seal cannot effectively seal the glass. The sunroof air deflector deflects airflow over the roof opening when the panel is in the vent or open positions. A damaged or incorrectly installed air deflector cannot effectively deflect airflow. An incorrectly installed sunroof frame may also allow air/wind to enter the passenger compartment.

Possible Sources

  • Sunroof panel misaligned
  • Poorly Fitted Sunroof Seal/Weatherstrip
  • Incorrectly Installed Sunroof Panel and Module
  • Incorrect Air Deflector Curvature

Visual Inspection

  • Sunroof Opening Panel Deflector Assembly
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Seal

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding with the pinpoint test.


PINPOINT TEST A: EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE FROM THE ROOF OPENING PANEL
A1 CHECK THE SUNROOF PANEL NOISE
  • Road test the vehicle with the sunroof panel in the closed and open positions.

Is the wind noise present only in the open position?
Yes GO to A4
No GO to A2
A2 CHECK THE SUNROOF PANEL SEAL
  • NOTE: Make sure the seal is secured to the glass and is not cut, cracked, pinched, loose or blocked in the CLOSED, VENT and OPEN positions. Inspect the sunroof panel seal.

Is the sunroof panel seal in good condition?
Yes GO to A3
No INSTALL a new sunroof panel seal. CHECK the system for proper operation.
A3 CHECK THE SUNROOF PANEL ALIGNMENT
  • Check the sunroof panel alignment.

Is the alignment correct?
Yes CHECK the sunroof panel and module installation.
REFER TO: Sunroof Motor (Sunroof 501-17, Removal and Installation).
and REFER TO: Sunroof Panel Frame (501-17 Sunroof, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for proper operation.
No ALIGN the sunroof panel.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Alignment (501-17 Sunroof, General Procedures).
CHECK the system for proper operation.
A4 CHECK THE AIR DEFLECTOR
  • Make sure the air deflector is securely attached and undamaged.

Is the air deflector in good condition?
Yes PARTIALLY CLOSE the sunroof panel until the noise is eliminated. If the noise is eliminated, INFORM the customer that changing the glass position will eliminate the wind noise. If the wind noise is not eliminated, ALIGN the sunroof panel.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Alignment (501-17 Sunroof, General Procedures).
CHECK the system for proper operation.
No INSTALL a new air deflector.
REFER TO: Air Deflector (501-17 Sunroof, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for proper operation.

Pinpoint Test B: Sunroof Panel Leaks

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

When the sunroof glass panel is fully closed, it is flush with the roof panel. The sunroof panel seal provides protection from adverse weather conditions, such as rain and wind, by preventing them from entering the passenger compartment. A damaged, deformed or incorrectly installed seal cannot effectively seal the glass. The sunroof drain trough assembly and drain hoses provide a path for water to drain through the sunroof opening. Damaged or blocked drain hoses or trough assembly will allow water to collect and possibly leak into the passenger compartment.

Possible Sources

  • Sunroof Opening Panel Alignment
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Drain Hose(s)
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Seal
  • Roof Opening Panel Frame
  • Gutter Assembly

Visual Inspection

  • Sunroof Drain Trough
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Seal

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding with the pinpoint test.


PINPOINT TEST B: ROOF OPENING PANEL LEAKS
B1 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL ALIGNMENT
  • NOTE: Make sure the sunroof opening panel seal is not cracked or loose. Inspect the sunroof opening panel seal.

Does the sunroof opening panel close correctly?
Yes GO to B2
No ALIGN the sunroof panel.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Alignment (501-17 Sunroof, General Procedures).
CHECK the system for proper operation.
B2 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL WEATHERSTRIP
  • Inspect the sunroof opening panel seal for damage and correct installation.

Is the sunroof panel seal in good condition?
Yes GO to B3
No REPLACE the sunroof opening panel seal. CHECK the system for normal operation.
B3 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL CONDITION
  • Check the water pan and guides for damage, correct attachment and operation.

Is the sunroof opening panel in good condition?
Yes GO to B4
No REPAIR or INSTALL a new sunroof opening panel rear drain trough.
REFER TO: Drain Trough (501-17 Sunroof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
B4 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL DRAIN HOSES AND ATTACHMENT POINTS
  • Check all sunroof opening panel drain hose attachment points on the frame for damage or obstructions.
  • Check all sunroof opening panel drain hose connections to the attachment points.
  • Check the sunroof opening panel drain hose routing on all sunroof opening panels, and check for cracks, cuts, pinching or obstructions.
  • Check all sunroof opening panel drain hoses for correct operation by slowly pouring water into the drain trough area (sliding panel open) and make sure the same amount of water exits the vehicle at the bottom of the front and rear pillars.

Are the sunroof opening panel drain hoses and attachment points in good condition?
Yes GO to B5
No If any sunroof opening panel drain hose is not in good condition, REPAIR or INSTALL new sunroof opening panel drain hose(s). CHECK the system for normal operation.
If any sunroof opening panel drain hose attachment point(s) is not in good condition, REPAIR or INSTALL a new sunroof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Sunroof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
B5 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL FRAME CONDITION
  • Check the sunroof opening panel frame for damage that may cause incorrect seating of the sunroof opening panel glass seal.

Is the sunroof opening panel frame in good condition?
Yes INSTALL a new sunroof opening panel glass.
REFER TO: Sunroof Glass Panel (501-17 Sunroof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
No REPAIR or INSTALL a new sunroof opening frame.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Sunroof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.

Pinpoint Test C: Sunroof Opening Panel Rattle

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

When the sunroof glass panel is fully closed, it is flush with the roof panel. The sunroof system consists of many components that require specific torque values and correct installation to avoid any NVH concerns. Over time, components may loosen or become damaged, fasteners may loosen, sound insulation material may wear, and foreign material may accumulate in the sunroof opening panel frame. One or more of these conditions may cause a concern in the sunroof system.

Possible Sources

  • Sunroof Opening Panel Glass
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Air Deflector
  • Sunroof Drain Trough
  • Roof Opening Panel Lift Mechanisms
  • Roof Opening Panel Frame

Visual Inspection

  • Sunroof Opening Panel Glass
  • Roof Opening Panel Lift Mechanisms
  • Sunroof Drain Trough
  • Sunroof Opening Panel Air Deflector
  • Roof Opening Panel Shield

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding with the pinpoint test.


PINPOINT TEST C: ROOF OPENING PANEL RATTLES
C1 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL GLASS SECURING
  • With the sunroof opening panel in the closed position, manually push the glass panel up, forward and rearward.

Is the sunroof opening panel secured?
Yes ALIGN the sunroof panel.
REFER TO: Sunroof Opening Alignment (501-17 Sunroof, General Procedures).
CHECK the system for proper operation.
No GO to C2
C2 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL AIR DEFLECTOR
  • Open the sunroof opening panel.
  • Check the sunroof opening panel air deflector for incorrect installation, obstructions and damage that may cause a rattle.

Is the sunroof opening panel air deflector in good condition?
Yes GO to C3
No REMOVE all obstructions and REPAIR the sunroof opening panel air deflector. If the sunroof opening panel air deflector cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new sunroof opening panel air deflector.
REFER TO: Air Deflector (501-17 Sunroof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
C3 CHECK SUNROOF OPENING PANEL SHIELD
  • Lower the headliner and check the sunroof opening panel shield for correct installation, obstructions and damage that may cause a rattle.

Is the sunroof opening panel shield in good condition?
Yes GO TO C4
No REMOVE any obstructions and REPAIR the roof opening panel. Shield. If the roof opening panel shield cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel shield.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Shield (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
C4 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL LIFTER ASSEMBLY
  • Check the roof opening panel lifter components for obstructions and damage that could cause rattling.

Are the roof opening panel lifter components serviceable?
Yes GO to C5
No REMOVE any obstructions and REPAIR the roof opening panel lifter assembly. If the roof opening panel lifter components cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
C5 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL GUIDE RAILS
  • Check the roof opening panel guide rails for obstructions and damage that could cause rattling.

Are the sunroof opening panel guides in good condition?
Yes GO to C6
No REMOVE any obstructions and REPAIR the roof opening panel guide rails. If the roof opening panel guide rails cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
C6 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL DRAIN TROUGH ASSEMBLY
  • Check the roof opening panel drain trough assembly for incorrect installation, obstructions and damage that could cause rattling.

Is the roof opening panel drain trough assembly correctly installed?
Yes GO TO C7
No REMOVE any obstructions and REPAIR the roof opening panel drain trough assembly. If the roof opening panel drain trough assembly cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
C7 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL FRAME INSTALLATION
  • Check that all roof opening panel fasteners are tightened to specification torque, and check for loose components or conditions that could cause rattling.

Are any conditions causing rattling present?
Yes TIGHTEN any loose fasteners or INSTALL suitable sound-deadening material to correct the condition. CHECK the system for normal operation.
No INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.

Intermittent Test D: Roof Opening Panel Noise During Operation

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

When the roof opening panel glass closes, it should do so quietly and smoothly. The roof opening panel system consists of many components that require specific torque characteristics and correct installation to avoid any NVH concerns. Over time, components may loosen or become damaged, fasteners may loosen, sound-deadening material may wear, and foreign material may accumulate in the roof opening panel frame. One or more of these conditions may cause a noise concern in the roof opening panel system.

Possible Sources

  • Roof Opening Panel Shield
  • Roof opening panel guide rails obstructed or damaged
  • Roof opening panel lifter components obstructed or damaged
  • Noisy roof opening panel motor

Visual Inspection

  • Roof Opening Obstructions
  • Roof Opening Panel Lift Mechanisms
  • Roof Opening Panel Shield

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding with the pinpoint test.


PINPOINT TEST D: ROOF OPENING PANEL MAKES NOISE DURING OPERATION
D1 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL SHIELD
  • Check that the roof opening panel shield moves correctly and is correctly positioned in the guide rails.

Is the sunroof opening panel shield in good condition?
Yes GO to D2
No REMOVE and INSTALL the REAR roof opening panel shield. If the shield cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel shield.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Shield (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation. If the shield cannot be repaired
D2 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL FRAME FOR OBSTRUCTIONS OR DAMAGE
  • Check the roof opening panel frame, including the guide rails and lifter arms, for obstructions and damage.

Is the sunroof opening panel in good condition?
Yes GO to D3
No REMOVE any obstructions. CORRECT any damage. If the damage cannot be repaired, INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
D3 CHECK THE ROOF OPENING PANEL MODULE
  • Remove the roof opening panel module and leave the electrical connector connected.
  • Move the roof opening panel to the fully open and fully closed positions.

Is the module excessively noisy?
Yes INSTALL a new roof opening panel module.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Motor (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
No RE-INSTALL the roof opening panel module.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Motor (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation. If the roof opening panel is no longer noisy, the system is operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an incorrectly installed roof opening panel module. If the roof opening panel is still noisy, INSTALL a new roof opening panel frame. REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Frame (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.

Intermittent Test E: Roof Opening Panel Does Not Open or Close


Refer to the Wiring Diagrams Cell 101 for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

The roof opening panel uses an integral motor/module to operate the roof opening panel assembly.

The sunroof module receives power from CJB fuse 35 (20A) at all times, and from fuse 8 (7.5A) when the ignition switch is in the ON or RUN position. The sunroof switch (part of the upper console switch assembly) receives power from the sunroof module, and then sends voltage signals back to the sunroof module to control the sunroof depending on the switch position.

Possible Sources

  • Fuse(s)
  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Sunroof switch panel
  • Roof Opening Panel Motor

Visual Inspection

  • Roof Opening Panel Frame
  • Roof Opening Panel Lift Mechanisms

Diagnostic Pre-checks

  • CJB Fuse (8) (7.5A)
  • CJB Fuse (35) (20A)
  • Circuit
  • Auxiliary Delay Relay

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding with the pinpoint test.


PINPOINT TEST E: ROOF OPENING PANEL DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE
E1 CHECK THE SUNROOF SWITCH
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the overhead console switch assembly C912.
  • Carry out the sunroof switch component test.
    Refer to Wiring Diagrams, Cell 149, for schematics and connector information.

Is the sunroof switch serviceable?
Yes GO to E2
No INSTALL a new sunroof switch. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E2 CHECK THE SUNROOF MODULE GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Disconnect the sunroof module C921.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C921-1 Ground

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to E3
No REPAIR the circuit. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E3 CHECK THE SUNROOF MODULE POWER SUPPLY CIRCUITS
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C921-6 Ground
    C921-3 Ground

Is each voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to E4
No MAKE SURE that CJB fuse 8 (7.5A) and CJB fuse 35 (20A) are serviceable.
If OK, REPAIR the applicable circuits. CHECK the system for normal operation.
If not OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams manual to locate the cause of the fault. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E4 CHECK THE SUNROOF SWITCH TO SUNROOF MODULE CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C912-3 Ground
    C912-2 Ground
    C912-4 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes GO to E5
No REPAIR the applicable circuits. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E5 CHECK THE SUNROOF SWITCH TO SUNROOF MODULE CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C912-1 Ground
    C912-3 Ground
    C912-2 Ground
    C912-4 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 ohms?
Yes GO to E6
No REPAIR the applicable circuits. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E6 CHECK THE SUNROOF SWITCH TO SUNROOF MODULE CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C912-1 C912-3
    C912-1 C912-2
    C912-1 C912-4
    C912-3 C912-2
    C912-3 C912-4
    C912-2 C912-4

Is the resistance greater than 10000 ohms?
Yes GO to E7
No REPAIR the applicable circuits. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E7 CHECK THE SUNROOF SWITCH TO SUNROOF MODULE CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C912-1 C921-2
    C912-3 C921-4
    C912-2 C921-10
    C912-4 C921-5
    C912-5 C921-10

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to E8
No REPAIR the applicable circuits. CHECK the system for normal operation.
E8 CHECK THE SUNROOF MODULE FOR PROPER OPERATION
  • Inspect the sunroof module connector for:
    • Corrosion (if corrosion is present, install a new connector or terminal, or clean the module contacts)
    • Damaged or pushed-out contacts (if damaged or pushed out, install new terminals/contacts as necessary)
  • Connect the sunroof module connector and the switch connector. Make sure both are fully seated.
  • Operate the system and verify that the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?
Yes INSTALL a new roof opening panel module.
REFER TO: Roof Opening Panel Motor (501-17 Roof Opening Panel, Removal and Installation).
CHECK the system for normal operation.
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.

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