Sunroof / Moonroof: Description and Operation
Roof Opening Panel
Roof Opening Panel Components
GENERAL
The roof opening panel is electrically operated through a 2-way rocker switch located on the roof-mounted console. An electric motor, attached to the roof opening panel frame, drives the glass panel to the tilt or open positions. The glass panel is operated by a mechanism via 2 cables, which are driven by the motor.
The frame is bolted to 11 mounting points on the roof panel. The modular frame consists of injection mouldings, aluminium side extrusions and pressings and supports all of the roof opening panel components. The glass panel is fixed to the mechanism via 4 screws. The motor is supported on the frame with 3 screws.
Roof Opening Panel Motor
The roof opening panel 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 helixed 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 2 cables are attached either side of the pinion. One end of each cable is attached to the guide. The opposite end is trapped in its position on the pinion by a metal insert in the frame. The cables run in channels in the frame to the guides. As the panel is closed, the cables are pushed through channels in the front of the frame. The displaced cable is guided into a further 2 channels in the frame, which protect the cable and prevent it from snagging. The cables are made from rigid spring steel and can pull as well as push the panel along the guides.
A sunblind, also located in the guides, is integrated into the frame. The sunblind is operated manually, independent of the panel when closed. When the panel opens (slides rearwards) the sunblind automatically slides rearwards and cannot be pulled forward until the panel is driven forward.
Drain hoses are connected to the front and rear corners of the frame. The drain hoses are located inside of the cabin on 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.
ROOF OPENING PANEL CONTROL MODULE
The roof opening panel control module is integrated within the motor. It takes the inputs from the vehicle, such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus signals and switch signals, and controls motor movement appropriately. It also contains the algorithm for the anti-trap system.
Roof Opening Panel Control Module Pin Out Information
NOTE:
^ Pin 4 is for emergency use only, in the event of the vehicle LIN bus not being functional. It is not connected on the vehicle harness or in the connector.
^ Grounding pin 4 will enable the control module, but without one touch operation or anti trap. The panel will not require re-calibrating unless the battery has been disconnected (the control module will remain awake and enabled until pin 4 is disconnected again).
^ Under no circumstances is this pin to be left connected to ground for long periods.
^ There is no emergency key access in the roof-mounted console for manual operation should the motor fail for any reason.
OPERATION
The roof opening panel can be operated with the ignition switch in position I or II. The panel can also be operated for up to 40 seconds after the ignition is switched off provided the driver or passenger door is not opened. During the 40-second period the one touch function is inoperative.
The motor contains a micro-switch and a Hall effect sensor. Two gears, driven by the motor at one end of the pinion drive spindle, trip the micro-switch every thirteen revolutions of the spindle. When the micro-switch is tripped, the control module senses an open circuit signal. To calculate the exact position of the roof opening panel, the control module uses the signal from the micro-switch combined with signals received from the Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor is also responsible for the operation of the anti-trap function.
If the anti-trap feature is activated while the roof opening panel is closing, the panel is reversed for 200mm or as far as possible. The Hall sensor, located in the motor, monitors the speed of the motor and if the speed decreases below a set threshold, indicating an obstruction, the power feed to the motor is reversed so the panel goes back. In an emergency the anti-trap function can be overridden by holding the switch in the closed position.
Tilt
With the roof opening panel closed, pushing the forward part of the rocker switch operates the motor to 'tilt' the rear of the panel upwards. The motor operates for as long as the switch is operated until the panel is tilted to its full extent. If the switch is released before the full tilt position is reached, the panel stops at the chosen position. A single press (between 0.5 and 1 second) of the switch operates the motor so that the panel automatically opens to the fully tilted position.
When the tilt function is requested, the cables pull the mechanism rearward, forcing the panel up a curve, which raises the panel to the tilt position.
With the roof opening panel in the tilted position, pushing the forward part of the rocker switch again operates the motor to lower the panel to the fully closed position. The motor operates to lower the panel for as long as the switch is operated until the panel is fully lowered. If the switch is released before the fully lowered position is reached, the panel stops at the chosen position.
The roof opening panel has an 'anti-trap' function which prevents the panel from closing if an obstruction is sensed. When an obstruction is sensed, the motor will automatically retract the panel as far as possible. When the obstruction is removed, the panel can be closed by the normal method.
Open (slide)
With the roof opening panel closed, pushing the rearward part of the rocker switch operates the motor to retract the panel backwards. A single press (between 0.5 and 1 second) of the switch operates the motor so that the panel automatically retracts to a 'comfort' position. The 'comfort' position reduces the effects of wind buffeting. When the panel retracts, a wind deflector automatically raises at the front of the aperture, which serves to reduce wind noise. Pressing the rear of the switch again will retract the panel further to the fully open position.
When the open function is requested, the cables pull in a rearward direction, driving the panel attachments to slide the panel inside the exterior roof lining.
With the panel half or fully open, pushing the forward part of the switch operates the motor to close the panel. A single press (between 0.5 and 1 second) of the switch operates the motor so that the panel automatically closes to the fully closed position.
If only partial opening or closing is desired, pressing the switch momentarily (less than 0.5 seconds) in either direction will stop panel movement. When movement is desired in either direction, pressing the switch will operate the motor to move the panel.
The 'anti-trap' function will automatically retract the panel by 200mm or as far as possible if an obstruction is sensed. When the obstruction is removed, the panel can be closed by the normal method.
Battery Disconnection
If the battery has been disconnected, the one touch and anti-trap function will become inoperative. Pressing the lower part of the roof opening panel switch for 20 seconds will start the panels calibration routine. The roof opening panel will complete a full cycle in order to re-learn the parameters required for one-touch open and close and the anti-trap function. The panel will still have manual movement available until it is re-calibrated.
ROOF OPENING PANEL CONTROL DIAGRAM
NOTE: A = Hardwired; B = Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus
