So, the sunroof is stuck tilted open on my 2000 RX300. I am posting here since the sunroof is probably the same in most Lexus vehicles. If I press the Tilt side of the rocker button, I get nothing. If I press the Slide Open side of the rocker button, it attempts to bring the glass down so that it may slide away. Trouble is, it seems to bind up and then release back to full tilt after less than an inch of movement.
There does not seem to be anything obviously obstructing the tracks. I did not attempt to oil the tracks as I thought it might make a bad situation worse by using the wrong lubricant or just dirtying up the work environment for the technician.
The local Lexus dealer wants $4,155 to replace the entire sunroof assembly, except for the glass. I reminded the Service rep that their offer is greater than half of what I would receive in trade for the vehicle, but he did not budge.
My plan is to have my neighborhood shop make an offer. If I don't like their offer either, I may take the whole thing apart and rebuild it myself. The motor seems to work ok, and nothing appears to be broken.
The process, I would imagine, is something like this:
1. Get in a covered garage
2. Remove Sunroof fuse so I don't lose a finger
3. Remove everything blocking the headliner, then the headliner
4. Take many pictures of the sunroof assembly
5. Take it all apart, clean it, and carefully reassemble
6. Lube it with whatever Lexus recommends
I am a complete novice in this effort, and acknowledge that I may make things worse in doing this, but I cannot afford the repair my dealer suggests. If I fail, then it's duct tape and a plastic panel until I can trade it in.
Help?
Anyone?