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2002 Cavalier Sunroof Motor

26359 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  jfnz24
So, I get a call from my brother. He is having a problem with the power sunroof in his 2002 Cavalier (OEM installation). Says that it is not opening all the way, and sounds like the motor is giving out. If he lets it be for a little while, it goes a little more, but progresses less and less. Definitely sounds like the motor to me also.

Anyways, takes it to the garage (a Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealer) that he gets all his vehicles serviced at. They won't touch the thing, saying sunroofs are too involved. Gave him the name of a place about 25 miles away. Calls the other place, and they won't even give him the price on a worst-case scenario. Now I know they should look at it first before estimating, but being that we don't even know where the place is, we don't want to get taken by a shady operation.

So, before taking it in, he wants to take a look at the motor himself. Where is it located (Headliner?), and what would a replacement motor cost? He wants to get an idea if this is something that could be done on his own, as he already did a power window motor. Any pictures/diagrams would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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#03-08-67-009A: Sunroof Will Not Open or close Completely (Replace Sunroof Motor) - (Mar 8, 2004)


Subject:Sunroof Will Not Open or Close Completely (Replace Sunroof Motor)

Models:1998-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero
1998-2003 Pontiac Grand Am
1998-2004 Pontiac Sunfire



This bulletin is being revised to change the part number. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-67-009 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories)
Condition

Some customers may comment that the sunroof will not open or will not close completely.
Cause

This condition may be due to the sunroof motor. Follow the procedure below for diagnostics.
Sunroof Motor Diagnosis

  1. <LI type=1>Remove the headliner as necessary. Refer to Headliner Replacement in Interior Trim (SI Document ID #856974).


  1. <LI type=1>Jumper Pin #1 and Pin #8 on the sunroof express module. If more access is needed, push the module towards the motor and unlock it from the bracket. Refer to the Illustration above. Notice: Avoid operating the sunroof glass to the full open position. Since the limit switch has a jumper across it, there will be no indication to the sunroof module to stop the glass at the full open soft stop. The glass can slide past the full open position, possibly damaging the sunroof assembly and/or the roof.
    <LI type=1>With the ignition ON, push the sunroof switch to the close position to fully seat the sunroof. If this action fully closes the sunroof, replace the sunroof motor only. Refer to the Sunroof Motor Replacement below. If this action does not fully close the sunroof, go to Diagnostic Starting Point-Roof (SI Document ID #823850).​
  2. Remove the jumper and re-lock the sunroof express module back into its bracket.
Sunroof Motor Replacement

Service Procedure

  1. Notice: This sunroof system is timed from the factory so that the sunroof actuator automatically shuts off when the window panel reaches a certain position. Be careful not to disrupt this factory timing when removing the sunroof actuator from the sunroof module. Disrupting the factory timing may cause damage to the sunroof system. Close the window panel whenever you remove the sunroof actuator from the sunroof module assembly.
  1. <LI type=1>Clip the tie straps and remove the express module by sliding it towards the motor to unlock it from the slots provided in the module. <LI type=1>Disconnect the wire harness from the express module, power supply, and switch. <LI type=1>Remove the sunroof motor/actuator bolts (2) from the sunroof motor/actuator. <LI type=1>Remove the sunroof motor/actuator from the sunroof module. <LI type=1>Remove the sunroof glass.


    <LI type=1>Make sure the sunroof lift arms are aligned by inserting a pin in the front sunroof glass attachment hole to the lift arm cam. If you can insert a large paper clip through the two, it is aligned. Refer to the illustration above.


    <LI type=1>If the arms are not aligned, push the arms with a screwdriver at the location shown. Refer to the illustration above. Important: Before you install a new sunroof motor/actuator or re-install the old actuator to the sunroof module, ensure that the actuator is timed to the closed position.
    <LI type=1>Verify that the original sunroof motor/actuator or the new sunroof motor/actuator is timed to the closed position by performing the following steps:


    8.1. The hole in the large timing gear (3), the notch in the disk (2) below the drive gear and the scribe mark (1) on the drive gear should all be in line with each other.​

    Refer to the illustration above.
    8.2. If the actuator is not timed to the closed position, connect the switch, headliner harness and express module to the sunroof motor/actuator and run the actuator to the closed position. Verify that all timing marks are aligned.​

    <LI type=1>Position the sunroof motor/actuator to the sunroof module. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fasteners. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
    <LI type=1>Install the sunroof motor/actuator. Tighten
    Tighten the sunroof motor/actuator to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
    <LI type=1>Connect the wire harness connectors to the express module. Slide the express module into the slots and lock it. Reconnect the power supply and the switch to the express module. Secure the wire harness to the drive tube and return tube with tie wraps.​
  2. Install the headliner as necessary. Refer to Headliner Replacement in Interior Trim (SI Document ID #856974).
Parts Information

Part Number
Description
89023553
Motor
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
N3360
Motor, Sunroof Drive-Replace
0.8 hr
Add
Diagnosis Time
0.3 hr​

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