Ford F-150 Sunroof Won’t Open or Close [Easy Fix]

The Ford F-150 is one of the US’s most reliable and best-selling vehicles. The truck is suitable for all terrain and has been a primary vehicle for off-road adventurers for over 40 years. 

However, drivers have been experiencing some problems with the roof lately, and in many cases, the problem is that the Ford F-150 sunroof won’t open or close. If you have been experiencing this issue, you are in the right place. In our article, we will address the problem and give you multiple solutions.

Ford F-150 Sunroof Issues 

The Ford F-150 sunroof usually won’t open or close after a cold night. Some people have had the truck for many years, but eventually, this issue comes along after a hard freeze and frustrates drivers. Usually, a sign that the roof will not fully close is the knocking noise.

Regardless of the frustration level, drivers first try to push it back manually when the sunroof doesn’t completely close. Using your hands can only damage the glass panel. Even if you manage to get the sunroof down, the problem will reappear shortly. 

The cold weather is the main villain in this scenario, but the problem can occur for many different reasons. For instance, it could be an external problem, and you may need to change your sunroof motor.

Solutions When Ford F-150 Sunroof Won’t Open or Close 

Regarding cars and maintenance, there are many reasons behind every issue. Even a trained mechanic can’t tell you what caused the problem in the first place, and honestly, it doesn’t even matter. What’s important is, fixing the problem and, of course, not spending too much money. 

If you have a problem where the Ford F150 sunroof won’t open or close, you can try the following:

• Pop the roof to vent
• Align the roof panel
• Initialize the roof panel
• Change the sunroof motor

Changing the sunroof motor should be your last resort, even if you still have the warranty. 

Pop the roof to vent 

On the overhead console, you will notice many buttons. Press the open sunshade button. Once it stops the first time, press the button again to open the roof completely. Once the roof is open, press the button with the car icon located in the center of the console. 

The button with the arrow pointed up will open up the sunroof. The button with the arrow pointed down will close the vent. Playing with these settings can make the sunroof pop back into place and fix your issue. 

Align the roof panel 

Before trying to initialize the roof, which has been the salvation to many drivers who had the Ford F150 sunroof won’t open or close problem, you should try to align the roof panel. 

Once it is fully closed, measure the sides of the glass on the roof. If adjustment is needed, fully open the panel. Check the roof opening panel and the glass and see if they need some adjustments. Additionally, what you can do is the following:

• Replace the rails
• Grease the window edges
• Align the arms that move on the window. When the car is new, these arms are 6 inches off each other. 

Initialize the roof panel 

Before the initializing process, ensure all doors are closed and place the ignition switch On. Once the lights on the overhead panel turn off, hold the switch for about 150 seconds for the console to accept the roof opening. Normally, the console will open the roof after 30 seconds. 

Now, press the left map light once and the right map four times immediately afterward. Then, press the left map once again. Next, press and hold the roof opening panel sliding glass until it moves and goes in different positions. 

Once in the vent position, release the switch. Do the exact thing again until the sliding glass closes. See if the initialization process fixed your problem and if the sunroof completely opens and closes now. 

What to Do When the Initialization Process Doesn’t Begin

If the Ford F150 sunroof won’t open or close, initializing the panel might be your best bet at fixing the issue. If you can’t start the initialization process, you should loosen the three screws that hold the motor. 

You can do so by using a ratchet, and you don’t need a drill. Some people had a tough time with the initialization process because the sunroof was so far out of calibration that it couldn’t even initialize, let alone close completely. 

Change the sunroof motor 

As we mentioned, this step should be your last resort even if you still have a warranty. Changing the motor is expensive and will keep your car at the auto repair shop for several days.