Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #1

Hi guys, question for all discovery owners with sunroof issues. Is it viable or possible to change from electric sunroofs to manual? Is it costly? Or am I better off fixing my leaky electric ones?
Realistic advice appreciated
Thanks guys

 

brian47

Well-Known Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #2

Bushcrusher said:

Hi guys, question for all discovery owners with sunroof issues. Is it viable or possible to change from electric sunroofs to manual? Is it costly? Or am I better off fixing my leaky electric ones?
Realistic advice appreciated
Thanks guys

Click to expand...

I don't see how changing from electric to manual sunroofs is going to fix the leaks.
From what I understand of the sunroof assemblies, you're going to have to get the headlining out to do any kind of major work on them so you might as well just fix the leaks while you have the chance.
In most cases the leaks are from the seal between the assembly frame and the roof.

 

Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #3

It's not just for the leaks. I prefer manual to electric, as been caught out with failing electric roofs. And it's no fun trying to shut in pouring rain. So to me manual is better. Or can the electric ones be shut by override if fitted

 

Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #4

And this is a personal choice.

 

Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #5

Or I might as well forget they are there and seal them oup. That would be a lot cheaper

 

discool

Well-Known Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #6

Bushcrusher said:

Or I might as well forget they are there and seal them oup. That would be a lot cheaper

Click to expand...

I would think the cost would be similar as the manual handle assembly can be had cheaply on eBay, just remove the electric motor from the sunroof mechanism and sell it on eBay, and then install the handle, the plastic surrounding the he handle will have to modified or replaced. There is a manual override facility to close the electric operated sunroof or even open it... if your that desperate.

Of course u can seal, either a thin beed of the correct sealer around the black sunroof frame, and or fit a replacement glass seal, so what u do is up to u, and which the part has the leak .

 

Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #7

To be honest not sure, they were sealed when I bought her, loads of black sealant and duct tape so all that has to be cleaned out yuk! So I wanted to know if you could put a manual operation in its place before I started the task of moving all that crap.
So reading your message ,I can junk the electric side of it and put a manual operation in its place without having to replace all of it? Is that right or am I being blinded by hope ?
But thank you for your help , really good of you to take the time to reply
Dave

 

discool

Well-Known Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #8

Yes u can. The motor being installed is the only obstacle, but to do a better job remove the plastic sunroof switch/ interior light housing at the front and rear and use a replacement fitting from a vehicle with manual sunroofs, all that will remain is the wiring and the controlling ECU, there’s nothing to stop u removing that either, the power supply within the wiring will be absent due to the fuse being removed. Simples isn’t it.

 

Bushcrusher

Active Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #9

Cheers bud, that I can do. Thank you. Hope I can return the favour one day

 

discool

Well-Known Member

• Nov 17, 2018

• #10

Bushcrusher said:

But thank you for your help , really good of you to take the time to reply
Dave

Click to expand...

Nice for u to say so, but I thought twice on answering because quote: “question for all discovery owners with sunroof issues” which is something I’ve never had.
The first time I opened opened one i could see the flexing of the discos roof and I thought the glass would break, so it was quickly closed it and both have stayed closed till they are open once a year to remove any dirt and clean as required. AC takes care of keeping the inside cool.