sixponies Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I know there are tons of threads about the problems with the closing of the vista roof. Mine has been giving me fits for a while now. I tried cleaning/re-greasing the rails last night, and then tried the initialization procedure. Now neither the shade, nor the roof will open properly. I know that this needs to be corrected, but I'm still thinking that the motor needs to be replaced. So my question is this: Has anyone tried to DIY the glass roof motor? I've watched the YouTube videos from the guy in Germany about this, and it doesn't look too difficult. So I'm thinking of just buying the motor and attempting replacement myself instead of shelling out a ton of $$$ for the dealer to do it. Has anyone else here done this successfully? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDST777 Posted May 16, 2015 Report Share Posted May 16, 2015 It doesn't look difficult, but the engine expensive, why it to change if it is operational ? I am interested in other question which is connected to it: how it is correct to remove headliner, someone can tell as it correctly to make? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted May 17, 2015 Report Share Posted May 17, 2015 What kind of problems are you having with your roof panel? Does it fail to open entirely, or does it open or close slowly (takes more than 12 seconds), or does it reverse when opening? Does it stutter step open when operated from the roof opening panel control switch? Does the tilt mechanism operate correctly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyEdge Posted May 18, 2015 Report Share Posted May 18, 2015 I recently started having issues with my BAMR too. It was always slow to close and then got even slower. One day it would get about 4 inches from closed and stop, then retreat back to the partially open position. The only way to get it to completely close was to pull it with one hand while holding the close button. It seems to open normally and close to the partial position normally, just can't close all the way. Because it seems to slide normally I don't think it's a lubrication problem but not sure what the "out of sync" issues would look like so I haven't re-initiated them yet. It also pops up to the vent position and closes from there with no issues. Any info would be helpful since I have this awesome glass roof that I'm afraid to open for fear that it won't close! Thanks, -Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOEHIO Posted May 18, 2015 Report Share Posted May 18, 2015 Russ, Taking my '12 MKX for service on Wednesday, am going to have them check my BAMR, seems slow on closing. Send me a P/M with your phone number, I'll call you when I get it back, I hate typing on the forums, especially long explainations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixponies Posted May 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2015 (edited) What kind of problems are you having with your roof panel? Does it fail to open entirely, or does it open or close slowly (takes more than 12 seconds), or does it reverse when opening? Does it stutter step open when operated from the roof opening panel control switch? Does the tilt mechanism operate correctly? I recently started having issues with my BAMR too. It was always slow to close and then got even slower. One day it would get about 4 inches from closed and stop, then retreat back to the partially open position. The only way to get it to completely close was to pull it with one hand while holding the close button. It seems to open normally and close to the partial position normally, just can't close all the way. Because it seems to slide normally I don't think it's a lubrication problem but not sure what the "out of sync" issues would look like so I haven't re-initiated them yet. It also pops up to the vent position and closes from there with no issues. Any info would be helpful since I have this awesome glass roof that I'm afraid to open for fear that it won't close! Thanks, -Russ enigma-2: All of the problems described by Russ above are the exact same symptoms I"m experiencing. I tried the reinitialization procedure, but now it doesn't open at all: neither the shade nor to glass. When I press the buttons, it starts to move, then goes back closed. I'm going to try it again this week and see what happens. If that doesn't help, then I'll have to bite the bullet and take it in for repairs. Edited May 19, 2015 by sixponies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted May 18, 2015 Report Share Posted May 18, 2015 According to the service manual, it sounds line it could be one of two things (possibly related). For a roof that operates slowly, it could either be (1) binding or foreign material in the guide or idler tracks, or (2) binding or foreign material in the roof opening panel guide tracks. For a roof opening panel that reverses during operation, it is either (1) the mechanism is mistimed, or (2) binding or a foreign material in the guide or tracks. One of these is probably causing both symptoms, probably a little of both. To clean the idler tracks and mechanisms, * Remove the idler track mechanisms. (Refer to Roof Opening Panel Idler Track Mechanism in this section.)* Using denatured alcohol or a non-abrasive mild detergent with warm water and a soft brush, clean the idler mechanism guide feet and pins. Refer to Roof Opening Panel — Exploded View in this section.* Using denatured alcohol or a non-abrasive mild detergent with warm water and a soft cloth, clean the idler tracks of all debris along the length of the track.* Install the idler track mechanisms and the roof opening sliding glass panel.* Start the engine.* Open the roof opening sliding glass panel.* Monitor the amount of time it takes to close the roof opening glass panel to the fully closed position.* Does the roof opening glass panel move to the fully closed position in less than 12 seconds? (yes/no) If you do this, the service manual has the following to say about what types of lubricant to use: "Small amounts of PTFE Lubricant or Silicone Spray Lubricant is permissible to use as a means to reduce friction and improve moving glass panel operation." The procedure to remove the idler tracks for cleaning is as follows: 1. Remove the roof opening panel sliding glass. For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Glass — Front Sliding in this section. (I added below)2. Carefully slide the idler link forward and out of the front of the track. Roof Opening Panel Glass — Front SlidingRemoval and Installation 1 Open the roof opening panel to the VENT position.2 Detach the top of the concertina blind from the moving glass frame.3 Reposition the sliding glass panel to any position rearward of VENT position.4 Remove the 4 roof opening panel glass front screws. To install, tighten to 71 lb-in. 5 Remove the 2 roof opening panel glass rear screws. To install, tighten to 71 lb-in. NOTICE: It is possible for the idler mechanism to move freely once the glass panel is removed. Do not move the idler rearward or it may disengage from the idler track. 6 Carefully remove the roof opening panel glass.7 To install, reverse the removal procedure.8 Initialize the roof opening panel motor(s). For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Motor Initialization in this section. Timing AdjustmentNOTE: Anytime a roof opening panel glass/shade motor is removed, the cables/mechanisms can experience free-play movement. It is important that the cables do not move. The mechanisms are timed to be parallel with each other. If one or both are moved in either direction, they must be re-timed. Roof Opening Panel — Sliding Glass Panel 1. Remove the roof opening panel sliding glass. For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Glass — Front Sliding in this section.2. Remove the roof opening panel sliding glass motor. For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Motor — Sliding Front Panel in this section.3. Manually move the sliding front glass mechanisms rearward until they are flush against the track hard-stops.4. Reinstall the roof opening panel sliding glass motor. For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Motor — Sliding Front Panel in this section.5. With the roof opening panel sliding glass still removed, initialize the roof opening panel motor(s). For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Motor Initialization in this section. NOTE: Press the roof opening panel control switch to move the mechanisms rearward to allow installation of the sliding glass panel. NOTE: It will be necessary to carry out the initialization procedure again after the glass panel is installed. 6. Install the roof opening panel sliding glass. For additional information, refer to Roof Opening Panel Glass — Front Sliding in this section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDST777 Posted May 19, 2015 Report Share Posted May 19, 2015 In the fall I also had a problem with not closed roof. I read a lot of information here, and I was helped by lubrication. I used silicone (silicon lubrication), it is neutral and doesn't spoil rubber sealers. This method helped me. I think in 80 percent cases matter in lubrication. But my question remained without response how at least partially to remove a ceiling ( Headliner ) in salon of the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDST777 Posted May 19, 2015 Report Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) What kind of problems are you having with your roof panel? Does it fail to open entirely, or does it open or close slowly (takes more than 12 seconds), or does it reverse when opening? Does it stutter step open when operated from the roof opening panel control switch? Does the tilt mechanism operate correctly? I have a tinkling sound under HeadLiner around a lighting plafond in a luggage carrier in case of movement on the uneven road. I read at a forum it is not fixed wiring which came off an adhesive tape. For its fixing Headliner need to remove. How to remove Headliner, please any councils? Edited May 20, 2015 by EDST777 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyEdge Posted May 19, 2015 Report Share Posted May 19, 2015 For a roof opening panel that reverses during operation, it is either (1) the mechanism is mistimed, or (2) binding or a foreign material in the guide or tracks. Enigma-2, so if it's "mistimed" does that mean I should try the re-initialization? I don't really want to take the glass off myself, seems kinda sketchy but I might try a silicone on the tracks as well to see if that helps. Thanks, -Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixponies Posted May 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Update on my situation: I did the re-initialization procedure again tonight, and it appears to have fixed almost all of my issues! Both the shade and glass open properly. The glass still moves a little slow on the last six inches portion of the closing, but I think that's an issue with the passenger-side "side curtain". It sounds like the glass is sticking to it a bit, and it pulls back from its normal position with the glass when opened. I've cleaned and treated it, and also put some baby powder on it, and it still seems to be sticking to the glass. I think it just needs to be replaced. I may remove it and see how the glass performs without it. It's not a part that's required for water-sealing purposes, I believe it's just for reducing wind noise. So I don't think it'll hurt to just take it out until I can get it replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professorfingers Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 About a month ago my BAMR wouldn't close. It had started getting slower this Spring, when I first started using it this year before this issue. My dealer fixed the problem in ~ 10 minutes, by squirting a little lubricant in the tracks and working the thing back and forth. I also sprayed some garage door lubricant in the tacks and around the moving parts I could access. I've had no issues since. Also, the dealer said spraying lubricant is a recommended maintenance item. TW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professorfingers Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 I forgot to add, the thing would close to about 8" from complete closure, then stop and retract a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyEdge Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 That's awesome news, I was affraid that I might actually need to replace the motor. Would any silcone lubricant be ok or is there something else that would be better? -Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professorfingers Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 Silicone should be fine. A little goes a long way, as well. A lot of dust bunnies can get to the rails, if (like me) you keep the BAMR open at every opportunity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Silicone should be fine. A little goes a long way, as well. A lot of dust bunnies can get to the rails, if (like me) you keep the BAMR open at every opportunity. Just though I'd mention that service manual states to use rubbing alcohol to clean the groves (I use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol) and then lube the rails with silicone spray. (Never use grease or the like,) Small amounts of PTFE Lubricant or Silicone Spray Lubricant is permissible to use as a means to reduce friction and improve moving glass panel operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrizumwalt Posted October 3, 2017 Report Share Posted October 3, 2017 mine was having this issue too, took it to dealership for an unrelated issue and they wanted to charge me $250 to tell me that the tracks are dirty and printed out some pages from the internet on how to correctly clean them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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