Sun/Moon Roof Motor Replacement - 2004 Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer

[Killer Spade 13]

OK, any of you gearheads out there know how to change out the motor for a sun/moon roof in one of these buggies????

 

[thrusty]

Sure do.... To do it yourself, it starts with purchasing a manual for your vehicle. You can find one at any auto parts store, but amazon will be your best price.

Book: Amazon.com: Ford Explorer & Mercury Mountaineer Haynes Repair Manual (2002-2010) (0038345360251): Books

I looked on google for you....Ford Explorer's don't seem to be that popular in the DIY/Forum world....this may be a "fun" learning experience for you.

This may help...

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Have the service manual. It's not even mentioned.

 

[The Mechanic]

They are actually pretty easy. You need to remove the interior overhead console to gain access to the motor. It is at the forward edge of the panel. Hopefully the roof is in a closed position. You will need to have a long sleeve shirt on because the "stuff" they use to produce the headliner is almost like fiberglass and will irritate the shit out of your skin. Oops forgot to mention eye protection as well. You have to bend down the headliner a bit too so get some towels or anything that does not have sharp edges to stuff between the headliner and the roof panel to give you some working room. If you need the roof to move some and the motor seems frozen you need to hold the switch in the open or closed position and within a few seconds give the motor a light to moderate smack. That will often time knock the crap off the brushes and make the motor work. Sometimes they will work for a long time sometimes just that one time. Don't blame me if you break something because you hit is to hard. It is difficult to tell you in writing how hard you should hit is. It just comes with experience and knowing there is no "degrees of broken".

 

[Killer Spade 13]

I've removed the overhead console and located the motor. Changed out the switch, but that didn't help. Looks as if the motor is held on by two screws . . . is that correct. Remove the 2 screws, move the motor forward to disengage it and replace in reverse order?

 

[The Mechanic]

yes. Be careful much of the sheet metal on the framing is VERY sharp. They don't "break" the edges on ANYTHING any more. So they can be like razor blades. If there is tension on the motor from a normal closing for leak resistance you will need to use a little bit of force. Don't worry about clocking the gear any spot you put it in the easiest will be just fine.