Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the panoramic sunroof motor assembly on 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson vehicles, requiring removal of the overhead console and headliner trim panels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — 81690-D3000 or equivalent OEM
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 5 — Use OEM specification

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 minimum 3 minutes
4. Cover seats and center console with protective cloth to prevent damage from falling hardware
5. Verify replacement motor part number matches original unit

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Using trim removal tools, carefully pry down the rear edge of the overhead console near the sunglasses holder. Release the retaining clips on both sides and disconnect the electrical connectors for dome lights, sunroof switch, and any other modules. Lower the console assembly and set aside in safe location.
2. 2

   Remove front sunroof trim panel
   Locate and remove the Phillips screws securing the front sunroof trim panel (typically 2 screws hidden behind small covers near the front edge). Gently pull the trim panel downward to release the clips along the sides. Disconnect any wiring harnesses if equipped with ambient lighting.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access sunroof motor mounting area
   Fold down the headliner slightly in the sunroof area to expose the motor assembly. You may need to remove additional trim clips along the side rails. The motor is located on the driver's side front corner of the sunroof assembly. Use work light to clearly identify the motor and its mounting bolts.
4. 4

   Disconnect sunroof motor electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the sunroof motor. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. If connector is difficult to access, use electrical connector release tool. Ensure connector does not fall behind headliner.
5. 5

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the three mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the sunroof rail assembly using 10mm socket. Support the motor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Note the orientation and position of the motor for proper installation of replacement unit.
   ⚠Motor may be spring-loaded against the sunroof mechanism; support it while removing final bolt
   Torque spec

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

   Disengage motor from sunroof cable mechanism
   Carefully rotate the motor assembly to disengage the drive gear from the sunroof cable mechanism. On some models, you may need to slide the motor along the rail slightly to clear the engagement teeth. Remove motor from vehicle and compare with replacement unit to verify correct part.
7. 7

   Install replacement sunroof motor
   Position the new sunroof motor into the mounting location, ensuring the drive gear properly engages with the cable mechanism. The motor should seat flush against the mounting surface. Align all three mounting bolt holes before installing any fasteners.
8. 8

   Secure motor mounting bolts
   Install the three mounting bolts hand-tight, then torque to specification in a crossing pattern. Verify motor is securely mounted and does not have any movement or play in the mounting position.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Route the wiring harness as photographed during removal. Connect the electrical connector to the sunroof motor until you hear/feel a positive click. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall sunroof trim panels
    Carefully position the front sunroof trim panel back into place, reconnecting any lighting connectors. Secure the panel with clips first, then install retaining screws. Install fresh clips if any were damaged during removal.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall overhead console
    Reconnect all electrical connectors for dome lights, sunroof switch, and modules. Position the overhead console and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Verify all edges are flush and secure.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize sunroof
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Press and hold the sunroof close button for 10 seconds past the fully closed position to initialize the motor. Then press and hold the tilt-up button for 5 seconds. This procedure resets the sunroof control module to recognize the new motor.
    ⚠Initialization must be completed or sunroof auto-close and pinch protection features will not function
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are securely fastened with no gaps or loose clips
2. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Check that headliner is properly positioned without sagging or deformation
4. Test all overhead console functions including dome lights and sunroof switch before final verification

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to sunroof system appear
• Test sunroof slide function in both directions - should operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise
• Test sunroof tilt function - should open and close completely
• Verify auto-close function works when button is released (if equipped)
• Test pinch protection by placing soft object in sunroof path during closing - should reverse direction
• Confirm sunroof stops precisely at fully closed and fully open positions without over-travel
• Inspect for any water leaks around sunroof seal by running water over closed sunroof
• Verify all overhead console functions including dome lights and sunroof switch operate normally

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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