211 tilt/slide sunroof nonsense

[corned]

Hello all.

Today's 211 problem is the factory fitted sunroof. I had it retracted today as it was hot, but I have had the devil's own job getting it shut again.

The tilt/slide control 'button' is not behaving normally. Usually you push it up, the sunroof tilts up. Press down and it folds down flat again. Push it towards the rear of the car, it retracts backwards into the roof; push it forward and it pulls forward to close.

Not today.

When pushing the button to close, the roof slid forward an inch or so and stopped. Pressing again, it briefly jerked shut another 1/4 inch and stopped. No further pressing would make it move. However, pressing up (tilt) made it move forwards. However, it stopped again when semi-closed, but not wuite high enough to be flush with the rest of the roof. Pressing 'up' again caused it to go down and start retracting backwards. Pressing 'forwards' would do nothing.

I have managed, by seemingly random manipulation, and pure luck, to get it closed and flush, but it clearly is not in the position the car thinks it is in.

Is there some reset procedure I can invoke which will set it right again? It appears to have lost all reference to where it (thinks it) is. I know that usually you would press and hold 'retract' until it hits the end stops, and keep it held for a few seconds (a bit like the windows), and repeat for all directions, but I can't see this working because the switch doesn't make it move in the appropriate directions now anyway.

I have pulled the roof module fuse (the sunroof does not appear to have its own) but that made no difference. The operation of the sunroof is getting a bit squeaky too, if that helps point to anything (other than needing a bit of a lube)?

Any assistance gratefully received.

 

[A210AMG]

I thought there was a handle or something in the boot which means you can actually close the rood in case it stays open?

The handle (I thought was on the right hand side of the boot trim near where in mine) an estate the net is attached to. You have to pull the trim forward.

I will look in my handbook

 

[C240Sport97]

lubing the sunroof seals will make a difference. Mercedes has its own lube which is highly effective.

if the motor is finding it hard to move the roof, it may think there's an obstruction.

my CLS had similar issues to you (but not as bad) recently. Once fully lubed, it has been fine (touch wood).

I also do not try to shut the roof above 60mph ... if I have to, I lower the rear windows first.

 

[corned]

I thought there was a handle or something in the boot which means you can actually close the rood in case it stays open?

The handle (I thought was on the right hand side of the boot trim near where in mine) an estate the net is attached to. You have to pull the trim forward.

I will look in my handbook

Thanks for the reply, but it is the control of the sunroof causing the problem. I have managed to get it shut.

Also of note - my manual does not mention the sunroof! It is not a topic listed in the index.

Edit: I must add though - if you know where that hand crank is supposed to be, that would be useful to know, in case this is a prelude to the thing getting completely stuck soon.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Thanks for the reply, but it is the control of the sunroof causing the problem. I have managed to get it shut.

Also of note - my manual does not mention the sunroof! It is not a topic listed in the index.

Might be under 'Panoramic' I found it the other day in my Dads W211 manual.

 

[Harrythedog]

Does the sunroof shut with the key operation as per the windows ( just a general question, not directed to you corned)

 

[corned]

Cheers kHz. Found it! (Under 'Sliding').

Looks like I'll have to re-check the fuses too - it states that there is a fuse for the sunroof in the dash fuseboard. I read the 'map' but didn't see it mentioned...

I'll report back soon!

 

[corned]

Does the sunroof shut with the key operation as per the windows ( just a general question, not directed to you corned)

Yes, the factory fitted tilt/slide sunroof, and the pano roof too, will close with the summer open/close function with the windows (IR transmitter in the fob pointed at the IR receiver in the driver's door handle).

 

[A210AMG]

Does this help

Resetting

Mercedes-Benz E-Class / Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Wagon Owners Manual / Opening/closing / Sliding sunroof / Operating the sliding sunroof / Resetting


Reset the sliding sunroof if it does not move smoothly.
•► Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.
•► Raise the sliding sunroof fully at the rear.
•► Keep the

switch pressed for another second.
•► Make sure that the sliding sunroof can be fully opened and closed again.
•► If this is not the case, repeat the steps above again.

Alternatively I think it needs a clean on the runners?

 

[A210AMG]

Does this help

Resetting

Mercedes-Benz E-Class / Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Wagon Owners Manual / Opening/closing / Sliding sunroof / Operating the sliding sunroof / Resetting


Reset the sliding sunroof if it does not move smoothly.
•► Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.
•► Raise the sliding sunroof fully at the rear.
•► Keep the

switch pressed for another second.
•► Make sure that the sliding sunroof can be fully opened and closed again.
•► If this is not the case, repeat the steps above again.

Alternatively I think it needs a clean on the runners?

 

[corned]

lubing the sunroof seals will make a difference. Mercedes has its own lube which is highly effective.

if the motor is finding it hard to move the roof, it may think there's an obstruction.

my CLS had similar issues to you (but not as bad) recently. Once fully lubed, it has been fine (touch wood).

I also do not try to shut the roof above 60mph ... if I have to, I lower the rear windows first.

Cheers Sean. Did you mean the seals, or the rails?

 

[corned]

Does this help

Resetting

Mercedes-Benz E-Class / Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Wagon Owners Manual / Opening/closing / Sliding sunroof / Operating the sliding sunroof / Resetting


Reset the sliding sunroof if it does not move smoothly.
•► Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.
•► Raise the sliding sunroof fully at the rear.
•► Keep the

switch pressed for another second.
•► Make sure that the sliding sunroof can be fully opened and closed again.
•► If this is not the case, repeat the steps above again.

Alternatively I think it needs a clean on the runners?

Cheers, A210. I am about to give it a try. Will report back shortly!

 

[corned]

Yes, the factory fitted tilt/slide sunroof, and the pano roof too, will close with the summer open/close function with the windows (IR transmitter in the fob pointed at the IR receiver in the driver's door handle).

Actually, I should add that this function is almost completely useless. The IR transmissions are extremely susceptible to daylight interference, to the point that it only ever seems to work with any sort of reliability in total darkness. I speak from experience.

 

[C240Sport97]

Cheers Sean. Did you mean the seals, or the rails?

seals .. attached to the metal edge of the sunroof opening.

lubricating the sunroof rail mechanism also helps reduce workload on motor.

 

[corned]

Right - I have got it working to the full extent of its travel in all directions.

It is clear however that a good lubrication is required, and I found a link alluding to this in an earlier post.

Here

The squeaking is coming from the motor area rather than the sunroof/rails, so I think I need a much deeper strip-down to get to the heart of the matter.

Incidentally, the manual states that the crank for the sunroof is in the glovebox. Not in mine it isn't!

 

[corned]

It appears that there may be more to this story yet.

After getting the sunroof to operate successfully yesterday afternoon, and locking the car for the night after ensuring everything was closed properly and the car locked, I wake up this morning to see the sunroof tilted up to its full extent. And that after a night of rain. Marvellous!

I've yet to go out and see how much rainwater has entered the car, but I'm pretty ****** off right now.

 

[corned]

I have another question - about fuses.

In my manual it states that the reset procedure includes removing the fuse.

1. Remove the sliding sunroof fuse from the main fuse box (see page 421).
2. Replace the fuse.
3. Switch on the ignition.
4. Press and hold the switch (to raise sunroof fully at the rear).
5. Keep switch pressed for about a second longer.
6. Check whether the sunroof can be opened fully again automatically.
Etc...

Page 421 refers to the fusebox in the side of the dashboard.

The fuse list in the fusebox makes no mention of the sunroof. Only the roof console.

The question is - is the roof console fuse the one it means? Or if not, which one protects the sunroof circuit? Is it one of the anonymous fuses in the engine bay 'box?

 

[BlackC55]

I can check what fuse it is. I need the first 6 of the chassis number WDB******

 

[BlackC55]

I suspect the hall sensor in the motor is faulty BTW.

 

[corned]

You have mail (well, a PM)