Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the panoramic sunroof motor assembly on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 models equipped with a power sunroof.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Headliner retaining clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure sunroof is in the fully closed position
2. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify sunroof glass is completely closed, then turn ignition OFF
3. Open driver's door and leave open to maintain interior lighting access
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for electrical system discharge
6. Gather all tools and new sunroof motor assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Using trim panel tools, carefully pry down the rear edge of the overhead console near the sunroof controls. Release the four retaining clips (two front, two rear). Disconnect the electrical connectors for the overhead console, dome lights, and sunroof switch by pressing the locking tabs. Lower the console assembly and set aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Access headliner opening
   Locate the sunroof motor access area in the headliner approximately 12 inches behind the sunroof glass opening. Carefully pull down the headliner at this location to expose the sunroof motor assembly. Use care not to crease or damage the headliner material. You may need to partially release adjacent headliner clips for additional working room.
3. 3

   Disconnect sunroof motor electrical connector
   Locate the sunroof motor electrical connector attached to the motor housing. Press the connector locking tab and pull the connector straight away from the motor. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Using a T25 Torx driver, remove the three motor mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the sunroof track assembly. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Disconnect motor from sunroof cables
   The motor is connected to the sunroof drive cables via a gear assembly. Carefully rotate the motor housing counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees to disengage the drive gear from the cable mechanism. Gently pull the motor assembly down and away from the sunroof tracks. Take note of the motor orientation and cable engagement position for installation of the new motor.
   ⚠Do not force the motor away from the cables. If resistance is felt, verify the motor is rotated to the proper disengagement position.
6. 6

   Verify cable condition
   With the motor removed, inspect the sunroof drive cables for fraying, kinking, or damage. Check the cable guides and track for debris or obstructions. If cables show wear or damage, they should be replaced at this time to prevent future failures.
7. 7

   Install new sunroof motor
   Position the new sunroof motor near the cable mechanism. Align the motor drive gear with the cable drive mechanism and rotate the motor counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees. Carefully engage the motor gear with the cables, then rotate the motor clockwise to the installed position. Verify full engagement before proceeding.
8. 8

   Secure motor mounting bolts
   Install the three motor mounting bolts finger-tight, ensuring the motor is properly seated against the mounting surface. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify the motor housing is secure and does not move when light pressure is applied.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect motor electrical connector
   Route the wiring harness as noted during disassembly. Connect the electrical connector to the sunroof motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the locking tab is engaged by attempting to pull the connector away from the motor.
10. 10

    Reinstall headliner and overhead console
    Press the headliner back into position, ensuring all retaining clips are properly seated. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the overhead console (dome lights, sunroof switch, and console power). Align the console with the mounting location and press upward firmly until all four retaining clips engage with an audible click.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal to the battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery terminal or cable lug.
    ⚠Verify the terminal connection is clean and corrosion-free before tightening. Do not overtighten the terminal bolt.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Initialize sunroof system
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Press and hold the sunroof close button until the glass reaches the fully closed position, then continue holding for an additional 5 seconds. Release the button, then press and hold the open button until the glass reaches the fully open position, then continue holding for 5 seconds. Repeat this sequence one additional time to complete the initialization process.

Reassembly

1. Verify all headliner clips are fully seated and the headliner shows no sagging or misalignment
2. Confirm overhead console is secure and all switches operate correctly
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the headliner area

Verification

• With the engine running, test sunroof operation in all positions: tilt up, fully open, vent position, and fully closed
• Verify sunroof stops automatically at the fully open and fully closed positions without manual intervention
• Test the one-touch open and one-touch close functions to ensure proper operation
• Listen for abnormal noises during operation such as grinding, clicking, or binding
• Verify sunroof glass is properly aligned in the closed position with no gaps or wind noise at low speed driving
• Test the sunroof switch in all positions to confirm proper motor response

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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