Closing sunroof

[kieran.l]

Is it possible to close an electric sunroof without any electrics? Is there a gear that can be turned manually?

I'm buying a 93 TZD turbo that has been sitting and not started for at least 8 yrs. Its been covered but when I went to look at it I noticed that the sunroof is nearly closed, but not fully because it hasn't sat back up into the roof properly from its slide position with the back of it still down. I'm slightly worried that if its raining the day that the recovery truck collects it water will get in! PS I'll post pics when it arrives.

[mat_fenwick]

Yup, 5(?) mm allen key behind the flap between the map lights. There should be a supplied handle that fits it, behind the same cover. It'd be worth trying to start it I think, as it would make recovery easier if it will lift.

[Kitch]

I couldn't get the last I tried to close with the allen key, but I know that's the intention.

I wouldn't worry. What will have happened is that someone who doesn't know the cars has tried to close the sunroof not realising that it travels up a bit before coming to a stop. It doesn't automatically start opening to a tilt as they assume (my missus' does it!) so they release the button before it's properly parked.
Not a lot of water would get through that sort of gap, and the sunroof doesn't seal shut anyway....water is designed to leak past it and into the drainage train which then gets rid of it down the drainage tubes.

Now if they're blocked.....

[Dollywobbler]

Like Kitch, I've tried the manual approach without success. As he says, any water that does get in should in theory head down the drain tubes. The roof was never designed to be entirely water tight.

[mat_fenwick]

Ah, the only time I've played with the manual handle was back in 1991, when the BX in question was only 3 years old...

The roof was never designed to be entirely water tight.

It sometimes feels that applies to the non-sunroof models too!

[Defender110]

As they used to say about the 1970's Fords; The water leak is not an optional extra!

[kieran.l]

Thanks guys, I'll try the allen key and failing that I'll take my chances!

It'd be worth trying to start it I think, as it would make recovery easier if it will lift.

Not much chance of rising Mat, the octopus is damaged, the battery is dead, hasn't been started in a long time (possibly other unknown things wrong too) so fingers crossed for the recovery Although the engine is still turning but we were jumping it off a battery.

[Mothman]

Good luck with the restoration bud.

Andy

[smiffy1071]

Gentlemen, you've forgotten something.... After you pull the flap, you will see a stainless steel lever, about 3 inches long. you have to turn this to release the electric motor from the winding mechanism, then insert the little winding handle into the (yellow gear???) then you can wind it either way to open or close.

[Dollywobbler]

There you go. That's what I get for never owning a BX with a handbook!

[B-Hive]

To close the roof manually using an allen key, the motor must be first disengaged from the drive. This is done by releasing the lock lever (from memory it needs to go clockwise once lifted from its locked position groove. If this is not released it is not possible to move the roof manually.

edit ...sorry just saw smiffies post

[kieran.l]

Thanks for the help. Hopefully collecting the car tomorrow Will let ye know how I get on.

[Way2go]

Not much chance of rising Mat, the octopus is damaged, the battery is dead, hasn't been started in a long time (possibly other unknown things wrong too) so fingers crossed for the recovery Although the engine is still turning but we were jumping it off a battery.

The car will rise with hardly any leakage from a damaged octopus when put in "high" so long as the system is otherwise good ie the piston seals in the struts are not ruptured. Don't put it back in "normal" though or it will leak when the height correctors move.

If you then turn the engine over on a good battery you should be able to pump it up (more easily with the glow plugs removed perhaps) and it will remain up.

[Kitch]

There you go. That's what I get for never owning a BX with a handbook!

Or me for never reading it!

[kieran.l]

Advice was perfect, have now closed the sunroof, but after 7 years of no use a fair bit of pressure had to be put on the allen key!