Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the sunroof motor assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with panoramic sunroof, requiring removal of the overhead console and headliner trim.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel retaining clips (assorted) × 1 — Replacement clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Close sunroof completely if operational - note motor position if stuck partially open
5. Remove all items from overhead console and storage compartments

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Using trim tool, carefully pry down the front edge of the overhead console lens cover near the map lights. Release the retaining clips and pull the lens assembly down. Disconnect electrical connectors for map lights, sunroof switch, and any accessory modules. Remove Torx screws securing overhead console base (typically 4 screws). Carefully lower console and disconnect remaining wiring harnesses including dome light and microphone if equipped.
2. 2

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Pull weatherstrip away from A-pillar trim on both driver and passenger sides. Using trim tool, release clips securing upper A-pillar trim panels and pull away from body. Work from top to bottom to avoid breaking clips. Set trim panels aside in safe location.
3. 3

   Remove sunvisor assemblies and grab handles
   Remove both sunvisors by unscrewing the mounting bracket screws (do not lose spacers). Disconnect any illuminated visor electrical connectors. Remove front overhead grab handles by prying off end caps and removing Torx screws. Carefully pull handles away from headliner.
4. 4

   Lower front headliner section
   With assistance, carefully pull down the front section of headliner from the windshield area. The headliner is held by friction and adhesive clips - work slowly to avoid tearing material. Lower headliner approximately 8-10 inches to access sunroof motor area. Support headliner with padded prop or have assistant hold to prevent creasing.
5. 5

   Access sunroof motor compartment
   Locate the sunroof motor assembly mounted in the headliner cavity between the sunroof tracks. The motor is typically on the driver side of the sunroof frame. Remove any wire harness routing clips or tape securing motor wiring to sunroof frame. Note wire routing for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Disconnect sunroof motor electrical connector
   Locate the motor electrical connector. Press the connector lock tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness from the sunroof motor. Ensure connector is fully released before pulling to avoid pin damage.
7. 7

   Disconnect motor from sunroof drive cables
   Identify the drive cables connected to the motor gearbox. Note the cable routing and positions. Release cable retaining clips or brackets. If cables are attached with quick-release fittings, press tabs and pull cables from motor housing. If stuck in a partially open position, manually rotate motor shaft to relieve cable tension before disconnecting.
   ⚠Mark cable positions before removal - improper cable routing will cause sunroof binding
8. 8

   Remove sunroof motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts or screws securing the sunroof motor to the mounting bracket. These are typically 3-4 fasteners accessible from below the motor housing. Support motor with one hand while removing final fastener.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove sunroof motor assembly
   Carefully extract the sunroof motor assembly from the headliner cavity. Maneuver motor past any obstructions in the frame. Inspect mounting bracket for damage or cracks - replace if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new sunroof motor
    Position new sunroof motor assembly into mounting location, aligning motor shaft with cable drive mechanism. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure motor sits flush against bracket without binding.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect drive cables and electrical connector
    Reconnect sunroof drive cables to motor gearbox in noted positions from removal. Ensure cables are fully seated in motor housing and retaining clips are engaged. Route cables to avoid kinks or sharp bends. Connect electrical harness to motor until lock tab clicks. Secure wiring with original routing clips.
12. 12

    Test sunroof operation
    Before reinstalling headliner, reconnect battery negative cable and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position. Test sunroof motor operation using overhead console switch - verify smooth opening, closing, tilt up and tilt down functions. Listen for unusual noises indicating cable misalignment. If operation is correct, disconnect battery again for trim reinstallation.
    ⚠Do not force sunroof if it binds - recheck cable routing and alignment
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall headliner and trim components
    Carefully raise front headliner section back into position, pressing firmly around perimeter to reseat clips and adhesive. Reinstall grab handles, sunvisors (with spacers), and A-pillar trim panels. Ensure all clips are fully engaged and trim is flush with body.
14. 14

    Reinstall overhead console
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to overhead console (dome light, map lights, sunroof switch, microphone). Position console into headliner opening and install mounting screws. Install lens cover by aligning clips and pressing until seated. Verify all functions operate correctly.
15. 15

    Perform sunroof initialization
    Reconnect battery negative cable and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position. Initialize sunroof by pressing and holding CLOSE button until sunroof fully closes and motor continues running for 2-3 seconds (this sets limit stops). Release button. Press and hold OPEN button until fully open and motor runs 2-3 seconds. Sunroof is now initialized.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are securely fastened with no gaps or misalignment
2. Check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Ensure weatherstripping is properly seated around A-pillars and windshield
4. Verify sunroof closes completely and seals properly against weatherstrip

Verification

• Test all sunroof functions: open, close, tilt up, tilt down, and express open/close
• Verify sunroof stops at proper positions without binding or unusual noise
• Check overhead console lights, sunroof switch operation, and any accessory functions
• Confirm no rattles or loose trim panels when driving over bumps
• Verify sunroof drain tubes are not kinked and water drains properly (pour small amount of water in track channels)

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