Description

DESCRIPTION

The sunroof is electrically operated through a rocker switch located on the centre console. An electric motor, attached to the sunroof frame, drives the glass sunroof panel to the tilt or open positions. The glass panel is operated by two cables which are driven by the motor.

The sunroof frame is bolted to eight mounting points on the roof panel. The frame is constructed from pressed steel and supports all of the sunroof components. A bracket at the front of the frame provides an attachment point for the sunroof motor. The motor is supported on the frame with three spacers and secured with three self tapping screws.

A guide is fitted to each side of the sunroof frame. Each guide has an attachment at its forward end for the sunroof panel. The rear of the panel is attached to each guide on levers which operate the tilt function. The forward attachments and the levers slide in the guide to allow the panel to move in the desired position. Each lever has a peg located in a curved slot in the guide.

The sunroof motor has a worm drive which drives a gear in a cast housing attached to the end of the motor. The gear has a small pinion gear attached to the outer part of its spindle. The pinion engages with the spiral cables to form a rack and pinion drive. Rotation of the motor turns the pinion which in turn drives the cables in the required direction.

The two cables are attached either side of the pinion. One end of each cable is attached to the guide. The opposite end is clamped in its position on the pinion by a riveted bracket. The cables run in metal tubes to the guides. As the sunroof panel is closed, the cables are pulled through the metal tubes. The displaced cable is guided into plastic tubes which protect the cable and prevent the cable snagging. The cables are made from rigid spring steel and therefore can push as well as pull the sunroof along the guides.

A sunshade is also located in the guides. When the sunroof panel is closed or tilted, the sunshade can be retracted or pulled forward to cover the sunroof panel. When the sunroof panel is opened, two brackets on the sunshade engage with the panel as it is retracted. The sunshade is then pulled back by the retracting panel. When the panel is closed, the sunshade remains retracted until pulled manually to its closed position.

Drain hoses are connected to the front and rear corners of the frame. The drain hoses are located inside the 'A' and 'D' post pillars to allow water which has collected in the frame to escape. A one way valve is fitted to the end of each drain hose to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture.