2021 Subaru WRX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Sunroof Control System: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Subaru WRX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Symptoms Inspection steps
Water leakage
  1. Check roof panel and glass lid for improper or poor sealing.
  2. Check drain tube for clogging.
  3. Check the joints of the rail assembly & cable assembly for improper sealing and for proper installation to the body.
Booming noise, wind noise and other noise
  1. Check glass lid and roof panel for improper clearance.
  2. Check sunshade and roof trim for improper clearance.
Motor and cable noise
  1. Check installing part of motor for looseness.
  2. Check gears and bearings for wear.
  3. Check cable assembly for wear.
  4. Check cable pipe for deformities.
Failure of sunroof
(Motor operates properly.)
  1. Check guide rail for foreign particles.
  2. Check guide rail for improper installation.
  3. Check parts for mutual interference.
  4. Check cable slider for improper clinching.
  5. Check cable assembly for improper installation.
Motor does not rotate
or it does not rotate normally.
  1. Check fuse for blown out.
  2. Check switch for improper function.
  3. Check the relay for improper operation.
  4. Check motor for incorrect terminal voltage.
  5. Check harness for open or short and terminals for poor connections.
Incorrect reverse operation of the lid assembly Check guide rail for foreign particles.
NOTE:

Glass lid has auto-reverse function. When the glass lid is pushed in the opening direction with a force of approx. 100 N (10.2 kgf, 22.5 lbf), the glass lid moves in reverse and stops. 

If you operate (open or close) the glass lid while driving on rough road, the vibration may be judged as a force and the lid may incorrectly move in the reverse direction. 

When the incorrect reverse operation is occurred repeatedly, perform inspection around the sunroof frame. If there are no problems, perform the initialization operation. Ref. to  SUNROOF/T-TOP/CONVERTIBLE TOP (SUNROOF)>SUNROOF CONTROL SYSTEM>OPERATION>INITIALIZE OPERATION  

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.