Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the panoramic sunroof motor assembly on 2021-2024 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with a power sunroof system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Sunroof motor mounting hardware kit (if damaged) × 1 — Ford sunroof fastener kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure sunroof is in the fully closed position before beginning work
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Tape off sunroof glass edges with masking tape to prevent accidental scratching
5. Remove front overhead console trim panel by gently prying at rear edge with trim tools
6. Lower headliner at sunroof area - remove sunvisor mounting screws and dome light assemblies as needed for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove headliner support panels
   Locate and remove the headliner support panels surrounding the sunroof opening. Use T25 Torx driver to remove fasteners securing the panels. Carefully lower headliner material approximately 6-8 inches to access sunroof motor area. Support headliner with clean cardboard or foam to prevent creasing.
2. 2

   Disconnect sunroof drain tubes
   Identify the four sunroof drain tubes at each corner of the sunroof frame. Gently disconnect drain tubes from frame nipples by pulling straight down with slight twisting motion. Mark tube positions with tape to ensure correct reinstallation. Cap or plug tubes to prevent debris entry.
3. 3

   Locate sunroof motor assembly
   The sunroof motor is mounted on the driver side of the sunroof track assembly, typically forward of the glass panel opening. Identify the motor housing - it will be a black or silver rectangular unit approximately 6 inches long with a drive cable extending to the sunroof mechanism.
4. 4

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the sunroof motor body. Press the connector locking tab and carefully pull connector straight away from motor. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage - clean with electrical contact cleaner if needed.
5. 5

   Mark motor position and disconnect drive cable
   Before removing motor, mark the motor housing position relative to the mounting bracket with a permanent marker or tape for reference during installation. Locate the drive cable connection - typically a white plastic gear housing. Press cable release tab and carefully disconnect drive cable from motor output shaft. Support cable to prevent it from retracting into track.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the sunroof track bracket using appropriate socket. There are typically 2-3 bolts holding the motor assembly. Support motor with one hand while removing final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully extract motor from mounting location.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and drive cable
   With motor removed, inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or damage. Check drive cable for kinks, fraying, or binding. Verify sunroof tracks are clean and free of debris. Apply small amount of white lithium grease to drive cable teeth if dry or corroded. Check that sunroof mechanism moves freely by hand (do not force).
8. 8

   Install new sunroof motor
   Position new motor assembly in mounting location, aligning with marks made during removal. Ensure motor output shaft aligns with drive cable connection point. Insert mounting bolts by hand and thread them finger-tight before torquing. Do not fully tighten until drive cable is connected.
9. 9

   Connect drive cable to motor
   Carefully align drive cable connector with motor output shaft. Push cable connector onto shaft until it clicks into locked position - you should hear and feel a distinct click. Gently tug on cable to verify secure connection. Verify cable routing matches original path without kinks or sharp bends.
10. 10

    Torque motor mounting bolts
    Using calibrated torque wrench, tighten motor mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present. Verify motor sits flush against mounting bracket with no gaps.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align electrical connector with motor receptacle, ensuring connector orientation is correct. Push connector firmly onto motor until locking tab clicks into place. Verify secure connection by gently pulling on connector body (not wires).
12. 12

    Reconnect drain tubes
    Reattach sunroof drain tubes to frame nipples at all four corners, matching marked positions from removal. Push tubes onto nipples until fully seated - approximately 1 inch of insertion. Verify tubes are not kinked and follow original routing paths down A-pillars and rear quarters.
13. 13

    Test sunroof operation before final assembly
    Reconnect negative battery terminal temporarily. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Test sunroof operation using overhead console controls - verify smooth opening, closing, venting, and auto-close functions. Listen for unusual noises. If sunroof does not operate correctly or shows error on display, perform sunroof initialization procedure per Ford service manual. Disconnect battery again before continuing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall headliner components
    Carefully raise headliner back into original position. Reinstall headliner support panels and secure with T25 Torx fasteners. Reinstall dome light assemblies and sunvisor mounting hardware. Install overhead console trim panel by snapping into place.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification
2. Perform sunroof initialization: Press and hold sunroof close button until glass fully closes and continues to run for 3-5 seconds past closed position to recalibrate limit stops
3. Test all sunroof functions including vent, slide, and auto-close/anti-pinch features
4. Verify drain tubes are properly routing water during test - pour small amount of water in sunroof track channels and verify drainage
5. Reset clock and radio presets as needed

Verification

• Operate sunroof through complete cycle multiple times - verify smooth, quiet operation with no binding or hesitation
• Test auto-reverse safety feature by placing obstruction in sunroof path during closing - glass should reverse immediately
• Check for sunroof error codes or warning lights on instrument cluster
• Verify headliner sits flush with no gaps or misalignment around sunroof opening
• Test drain tubes by pouring water into sunroof tracks at all four corners - water should exit beneath vehicle near wheels within seconds
• Confirm no rattles or unusual noises during sunroof operation or vehicle movement

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