Sunroof Motor

This procedure replaces the sunroof motor assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, requiring removal of the overhead console and headliner trim to access the motor mounted to the sunroof frame.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Trim panel clips (if broken during removal) × 5 — Ford push-pin clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts and allow module reset
4. Allow at least 2 minutes after battery disconnect for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Open sunroof to full tilt-up position, then close it completely using manual override if motor is non-functional
6. Remove any items from overhead console storage areas

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Lift the terminal cable away from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove overhead console
   Use a trim panel tool to carefully pry down the front edge of the overhead console near the windshield. Release the retaining clips on both sides of the console. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the dome lights, sunroof switch, and any other accessories (HomeLink, microphone, etc.) by pressing the release tabs. Lower the console and set aside.
3. 3

   Remove sunroof switch assembly
   If not already removed with overhead console, disconnect the sunroof switch electrical connector. Remove the switch assembly from the overhead console housing by releasing the retaining tabs. Set aside for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove front A-pillar trim panels
   Carefully pull the A-pillar trim panels away from both sides of the windshield using trim removal tools. Start at the bottom and work upward, releasing the retaining clips. These panels must be removed to access the front headliner edge and sunroof motor area.
5. 5

   Lower headliner at sunroof area
   Carefully pull down the headliner around the sunroof opening to expose the sunroof frame and motor assembly. The headliner does not need to be completely removed, only lowered enough to access the motor mounting bolts (approximately 6-8 inches). Support the headliner to prevent excessive sagging or creasing.
6. 6

   Disconnect sunroof motor electrical connector
   Locate the sunroof motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the connector release tab and pull the connector straight out from the motor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Remove sunroof motor mounting bolts
   Using a T25 Torx bit, remove the three mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the sunroof frame rail. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Note the position and orientation of the motor for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Detach motor from drive cable
   Carefully rotate the motor assembly to access the drive cable connection point. The motor connects to the sunroof drive cable via a splined coupling or clip mechanism. Release the coupling by pulling the motor straight out from the cable drive mechanism. Do not twist or bend the drive cable.
9. 9

   Remove sunroof motor
   Extract the sunroof motor assembly from the sunroof frame. Inspect the motor mounting surface and drive cable end for debris, wear, or damage. Clean the mounting area if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new sunroof motor
    Position the new sunroof motor assembly and align the motor drive gear with the sunroof drive cable coupling. Push the motor onto the cable until it fully seats and locks into position. Ensure the motor is oriented correctly with mounting holes aligned to the frame.
11. 11

    Install motor mounting bolts
    Insert the three mounting bolts through the motor bracket into the sunroof frame. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the motor assembly.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect motor electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the sunroof motor by aligning the connector and pushing firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure the connector lock tab is fully engaged.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position. Test sunroof operation using the switch through full open, close, tilt-up, and tilt-down cycles. Listen for smooth motor operation without binding or unusual noises. If sunroof does not operate correctly, initialization may be required.
    ⚠Test sunroof operation before reinstalling headliner and trim to verify proper motor function and avoid rework.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall headliner and A-pillar trim
    Carefully push the headliner back into position around the sunroof frame, ensuring it seats properly in all retaining channels. Reinstall both A-pillar trim panels by aligning the clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage.
15. 15

    Reinstall overhead console
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the overhead console (dome lights, sunroof switch, accessories). Position the console against the headliner and press upward firmly until all retaining clips engage. Verify all functions of overhead console operate correctly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are properly seated and no rattles are present
2. Verify headliner is properly positioned with no sagging or misalignment around sunroof opening
3. Check that all overhead console functions (lights, switch, accessories) operate normally
4. Confirm sunroof operates smoothly through all positions without binding or unusual noise

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test sunroof through complete open and close cycles
• Test tilt-up and tilt-down functions to verify full range of motion
• Verify sunroof stops at proper closed position with no gaps or misalignment
• Check that sunroof switch functions correctly in all positions
• Listen for smooth, consistent motor operation without grinding or hesitation
• Inspect headliner and overhead console for proper fit and finish
• If sunroof requires initialization: Close sunroof completely, hold close button for 10 seconds after closure to reset limit positions

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