Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the sunroof motor assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of the overhead console and headliner trim.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification (Honda 74150-TBA-A01 or equivalent)
• Trim panel clips (if broken during removal) × 5 — Honda 91512-SZ3-003 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Ensure sunroof is fully closed before starting work
4. Open driver's door to allow interior light and to prevent lockout
5. Gather all tools and new sunroof motor assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable and secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental reconnection. Wait at least 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Using trim panel tools, carefully pry down the rear edge of the overhead console near the rear seat. Release the clips by gently pulling downward. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the dome lights, sunroof switch, and any other accessories. Support the console as you disconnect to prevent wire damage. Set console aside in a safe location.
   ⚠Note the routing and position of wiring harnesses for proper reassembly. Taking photos with your phone is recommended.
3. 3

   Remove sunglasses holder and assist grip trim
   Remove the sunglasses holder (if equipped) by releasing the clips with a trim tool. Remove the front assist grip covers on both A-pillars by prying gently with a trim tool. Remove the Phillips screws securing the assist grips and remove the grips. These provide access to the headliner edge.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower headliner at front section
   Carefully pull down the front section of the headliner approximately 6-8 inches to access the sunroof motor area. The headliner is held by friction fit along the edges. Support the headliner with your hand or have an assistant hold it. Do not pull too hard or crease the headliner material. You only need to access the front center area where the motor is located.
   ⚠The headliner can crease or tear if bent sharply. Work gently and support the material to maintain its shape.
5. 5

   Locate and access sunroof motor
   With the headliner lowered, locate the sunroof motor assembly mounted to the sunroof track mechanism near the center front of the roof. It is a black rectangular unit with a wiring harness connector and cable attachments to the sunroof sliding mechanism. Use a flashlight to clearly identify all mounting points and connections.
6. 6

   Disconnect sunroof motor electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the motor's electrical connector and carefully pull the connector away from the motor. Ensure you are pressing the correct release mechanism to avoid breaking the connector tabs. Mark the connector with tape if needed to ensure correct reconnection.
7. 7

   Disconnect motor drive cables
   The sunroof motor has drive cables connected to the sunroof track mechanism on both sides. Note the position and routing of each cable. Release the cable retaining clips by pressing or sliding them (depending on design). Carefully disconnect both cables from the motor unit, noting their orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Drive cables are under slight tension. Control the cables as you disconnect them to prevent them from snapping back and potentially damaging components.
8. 8

   Remove sunroof motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the track assembly. There are typically 2-3 bolts holding the motor. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lower the motor assembly away from the mounting location.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new sunroof motor
   Position the new sunroof motor in the mounting location, aligning the mounting holes with the track assembly. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect drive cables to new motor
    Reconnect both drive cables to the new motor assembly in the same orientation as removed. Ensure the cable retaining clips fully engage and lock the cables securely. Verify each cable is properly seated and will not disconnect during operation. Gently tug on each cable to confirm secure attachment.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new sunroof motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the connector is completely seated and the locking tab is engaged. Check that the wiring harness has adequate slack and is not pinched or kinked.
12. 12

    Reinstall headliner and trim components
    Carefully guide the headliner back into position along the front edge, ensuring it seats properly in all clips. Reinstall the assist grips and tighten screws to specification. Reinstall the sunglasses holder if equipped. Work methodically to ensure all clips engage properly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall overhead console
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the overhead console (dome lights, sunroof switch, etc.). Align the console with the mounting clips in the headliner and press firmly until all clips engage. Verify the console is secure and flush with the headliner.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and initialize sunroof
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off). Press and hold the sunroof close button until the roof fully closes, then continue holding for 5 seconds. Release and press the open button until fully open, then hold for 5 seconds. This initializes the sunroof auto-open/close function.
    ℹ️The initialization procedure may vary slightly by model year. Consult owner's manual if sunroof does not operate correctly after initialization.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panels are securely clipped and do not rattle when pressed
2. Verify overhead console lights function properly
3. Check that all electrical connections are secure and no warning lights appear on dash
4. Recalibrate power window auto-up/down if battery was disconnected by fully opening then fully closing each window while holding the switch

Verification

• Test sunroof operation in all modes: tilt, slide open, slide close, and auto-open/close functions
• Verify sunroof closes completely and seals properly with no gaps
• Listen for unusual noises during operation that might indicate cable misalignment
• Confirm sunroof switch indicator lights function properly
• Test auto-reverse function by placing a soft object in the sunroof path during closing
• Inspect headliner and trim for proper fit with no gaps or misalignment
• Road test vehicle and listen for wind noise or rattles from overhead area

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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