Moonroof — Acura TL III (2003-2006)

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Component Location Index

Symptom Troubleshooting Index

Symptom	Diagnostic procedure
Water leaks from moonroof	Check for a clogged drain tube. Check for a gap between the glass weatherstrip and the roof panel. Check for a defective or an improperly installed glass weatherstrip or drain channel. Check for a gap between the drain seal and the roof panel.
Wind noise from moonroof	Check for excessive clearance between the glass weatherstrip and the roof panel.
Motor noise from moonroof	Check for a loose motor. Check for a worn gear or bearing. Check for a deformed cable assembly.
Moonroof glass does not move, but motor turns	Check for a defective gear or inner cable. Check for foreign matter stuck between the guide rail and the slider. Check for a loose inner cable. Make sure the cable assembly is attached properly.
Moonroof glass does not move and motor does not turn (glass can be moved with moonroof wrench)	Check for a blown fuse. Check for a faulty moonroof switch. Check for a run down battery. Check for a defective motor control unit.
Moonroof glass does not stop at proper flush closed position	Perform moonroof calibration. Check glass height adjustment.
Moonroof glass moves in a jerking motion (moves 40 mm (1.57 in.), stops for 0.4 seconds, and repeats)	Perform moonroof calibration.
During auto close operation, moonroof glass reverses when no object is trapped	Check for dirt and debris in the track. Perform moonroof calibration.
Moonroof glass moves, but there is no AUTO function	Reprogram moonroof motor (see MOONROOF CALIBRATION ).

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX

Glass Height Adjustment

The roof panel (A) should be even with the glass weatherstrip (B), to within 0+1/-1 mm (0+0.04/-0.04 in.) all the way around. If not, make the following adjustment

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Glass Height Adjustment

Note. Do the moonroof motor calibration procedure (see MOONROOF CALIBRATION ). If glass height is still incorrect, go to step 1.

Scheme 3

Make sure that the tips of the molding (A) are pointing up. Using a T25 Torx bit, loosen the bolts on one side, and adjust the glass (B).
If necessary, repeat on the opposite side. NOTE: After glass height is mechanically adjusted. Do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Glass Replacement

Scheme 5

Close the glass fully.
Slide the sunshade all the way back.
Make sure that the tips of the molding (A) are pointing up. Using a T25 Torx bit, remove the bolts (B) from both glass brackets (C).
Remove the glass (A) by lifting it up. Do not damage the roof panel.
Install the glass in the reverse order of the removal, and note these items: Apply liquid thread lock to the glass mounting bolts before reinstallation. Do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ). Adjust the glass height alignment.
Check for water leaks. Use free-flowing water from a hose without a nozzle. Do not use high-pressure water. NOTE: It is normal for some water to seep past the moonroof into the moonroof frame and exit out through the drains.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Wind Deflector Replacement

Scheme 7

Open the glass fully.
Remove the screws securing the wind deflector (A).
Remove the deflector link base (A) from each side. Push the wind deflector (B) down, and pass the deflector spring (C) out through the slot of the slide stop (D) on each side, then remove the wind deflector.
Install the deflector in the reverse order of removal, and apply multipurpose grease to both slots where the deflector springs are installed.
Reprogram the moonroof motor (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).

Drain Channel Replacement

Special Tools Required

Trim pad remover, Snap-on A 177A, or equivalent, commercially available

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Drain Channel Replacement

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Remove the glass (see «GLASS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__glass-height-adjustment) ).
Insert the trim tool between the glass brackets (A) and the drain channel. Twist the trim tool to unsnap the pins (B), then gently push the ends of the drain channel towards the center of the vehicle to disengage the pins from the glass bracket.
Turn the drain channel (A) up while sliding it forward to release it from the pins (B) on both drain channel sliders (C).
Stand the drain channel (A) upright, and pull up the channel to remove it from both drain channel sliders (B).
Install the channel in the reverse order of removal, and check the glass height adjustment (see «GLASS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__glass-height-adjustment) ).
Reprogram the moonroof motor (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).
Check for water leaks. Let the water run freely from a hose without a nozzle. Do not use a high-pressure spray.

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: Sunshade Replacement

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Remove the drain channel (see «WIND DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ).
Remove the screws, then remove the set plates (A) from each side.
Slide the sunshade (A) until you can see both front sunshade base sliders (B).
While lifting the front portion of the sunshade (A), move the sunshade forward until you can see both rear sunshade base sliders (B). Do not damage the sunshade.
Release both rear sunshade base sliders from the guide rail portions of the frame, then remove the sunshade.
Install the sunshade in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Apply liquid thread lock to the set plate mounting screws before reinstallation. Check the glass height adjustment (see «GLASS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__glass-height-adjustment) ).
Do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).
Check for water leaks. Let the water run freely from a hose without a nozzle. Do not use a high-pressure spray.

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: Motor Replacement

Remove the headliner (see «HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__headliner-removalinstallation) ).
Put on gloves to protect your hands. Disconnect the connector (A), and using a T25 Torx bit, remove the bolts, then remove the motor (B). Do not operate the motor before reinstallation.
Install the motor in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Apply liquid thread lock to the motor mounting bolts before reinstallation. Make sure the connector is plugged in properly. Do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ). Check the motor operation.

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Frame and Drain Tube Replacement

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Remove these items: Headliner (see «HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__headliner-removalinstallation) ) Moonroof glass (see «GLASS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__glass-height-adjustment) ) Side curtain airbag (see «SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system) )
Remove the moonroof frame (A). Put on gloves to protect your hands. -1 Disconnect the motor connector (B), harness clip (C) and the drain tubes (D). -2 With an assistant holding the frame, remove the bolts (E) starting at the rear, and release the rear hooks (F) by moving the frame forward, then remove the frame. -3 With the help of an assistant, carefully remove the frame through the door opening. Take care not to scratch the interior trim and body, or tear the seat covers.
To remove a front drain valve (A) from the body, remove the kick panel, left or right (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - DOOR AREAS»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-door-areas) ). Tie a string to the top end of the drain tube, then pull the front drain tube (B) down out of the front pillar.
To remove a rear drain valve (A) from the body, remove these parts (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TRUNK AREA»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-trunk-area) ): Spare tire lid Trunk rear trim panel Jack cover Tie a string to the top end of the rear drain tube (B), then pull back the trunk side trim panel and pull the drain tube down out of the pillar.
Install the frame and drain tube in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Before installing the frame, clear the drain tubes and drain valves using compressed air. Check the frame seal. Clean the surface of the frame. When installing the frame, first attach the rear hooks into the body holes. Make sure the connectors are plugged in properly. When connecting the drain tube, slide it over the frame nozzle at least 10 mm (0.39 in.). Install the tube clip (A) on the drain tube (B) (Scheme 18) After all parts are installed, including the head liner, do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).
Check for water leaks. Let the water run freely from a hose without a nozzle. Do not use a high-pressure spray.

Scheme 19

Scheme 19: Inner Cable Replacement

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Remove the moonroof frame (see «FRAME AND DRAIN TUBE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ).
Remove these items: Wind deflector (see «WIND DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ) Drain channel (see «DRAIN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__drain-channel-replacement) ) Moonroof motor (see «MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) )
Remove the screws (A, B), then remove the slide stop (C) and the plate (D).
Slide the glass bracket (A) out of the guide rail (B).
Remove the glass bracket (A) from the link lifter (B).
Pull the slider portion (A) of the inner cable (B) out of the slide rail (C), then remove the inner cable.
If necessary, remove the drain channel slider (A) by sliding it forward.
Install the slider and cable in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Damaged parts should be replaced. Apply multipurpose grease to the glass bracket (A) and guide rail portion of the frame (B) indicated by the arrows. Apply butyl sealant (C) to both the frame (D) and the slide stop (E), then reinstall with screw (F). Apply liquid thread lock to the set plate (G) mounting screws (H) before reinstallation. Before reinstalling the motor, slide both glass brackets rearward fully until the slider portions (I) of the inner cable contact with the screws (J) on the guide rail to align both glass brackets. Before reinstalling the motor, install the frame and glass, then check the opening drag (see «CLOSING FORCE AND OPENING DRAG CHECK»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ). After reinstalling the motor, do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ).

Scheme 26

Scheme 26: Closing Force and Opening Drag Check

Scheme 27

Remove the headliner (see «HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__headliner-removalinstallation) ).
Closing force check: With a shop towel (A) on the leading edge of the glass (B), attach a spring scale (C) (Scheme 26) Have an assistant hold the switch to close the glass while you measure the force required to stop it. NOTE: This moonroof switch has two detents in the slide open/closed positions, the first one is for manual operation, the second is for auto operation. Only use the first detent (manual close) while doing this test. Read the force as soon as the glass stops moving, then immediately release the switch and spring scale. Closing force: 200-290 N (20-30 kgf, 44-66 lbf)
If the force in not within specification, replace the moonroof motor (see «MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ).
Opening drag check: Protect the leading edge of the glass with a shop towel (A). Measure the effort required to open the glass using a spring scale (B) as shown.
If the load is over 40 N (4 kgf, 9 lbf), check: The side clearance and glass height adjustment (see «GLASS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof__glass-height-adjustment) ). For broken or damaged sliding parts. If any sliding parts are damaged, replace them. The gear portion and the inner cable for damage. If the gear portion is broken, replace the motor. If the inner cable is damaged, remove the frame (see «FRAME AND DRAIN TUBE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ), and replace the cable (see «INNER CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ). The moonroof motor (see «MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#moonroof) ). If the motor fails to run or doesn't turn smoothly, replace it.
Do the moonroof motor reprogram procedure (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ) after reinstalling the moonroof motor.

Moonroof Acura TL III