Sunroof Repair
06/06/2024
FINALLY — a sunroof that actually works. And more importantly, one that actually closes.
This one’s been a sore spot for a long time. I’ve lived with a half-functional sunroof for years, the kind that would tilt but not slide, or slide but never seal quite right. Every time I looked at it, I thought, “I should fix that.” Then I’d picture myself elbow-deep in a headliner, surrounded by mystery brackets and snapped plastic, and I’d quietly close the garage door instead.
This was one job I wasn’t about to tackle myself. There’s just too much that can go wrong without a proper manual or diagram—and the last thing I wanted was to end up driving around with a trash bag taped to the roof because I couldn’t get the glass back in.
Luckily, I got in touch with a Toyota tech who’d already replaced three 3rd gen sunroof assemblies. He said he could get me squared away for about $500 by reusing whatever parts were still good. Honestly, that sounded like a bargain compared to the headache I was about to save myself.
Turns out, that estimate was… optimistic. The cables we planned to reuse were so corroded they snapped off inside the copper tubes—$250 each, and of course I needed two. Then there were the bolts that had to be drilled out, trim pieces that broke during removal (including some that Toyota doesn’t even make anymore), and a few other small surprises that only show up once you’re in too deep to turn back.
All said and done, the 4Runner sat at the dealership for three weeks while parts trickled in and the tech worked his magic. Painful? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely.
Now, everything works perfectly. The first time I opened it, closed it, and heard that perfect “thunk” as it sealed shut, I just sat there smiling like an idiot. The cabin cools off faster too—when you’ve survived a few Texas summers, you know that’s worth every penny.
Since I’ve actually been using the sunroof again, I realized one more thing: I forgot to tint it when I did the windows. So I ordered a pre-cut 35% ceramic tint for the glass. Hopefully that helps keep the cabin from turning into a rolling oven.