1996 Montero Sunroof

[dave52355]

Hi I'm new here. We bought a Montero to replace our aging Jeep. I have lots of questions, however the one I'm concerned about most is the sunroof. At the front of the vehicle the sunroof sits flush with the roof line. The back is 1/2 inch below the roof line. Is this normal? I can push up from inside and the roof goes up so my thinking is it is not. I have not found anything in the service manual I have covering the sunroof. Monsoon season starts in a month and I'd like to be sure there is no leaks.

Thank you and more questions to follow.

 

[off-roader]

Hi I'm new here. We bought a Montero to replace our aging Jeep. I have lots of questions, however the one I'm concerned about most is the sunroof. At the front of the vehicle the sunroof sits flush with the roof line. The back is 1/2 inch below the roof line. Is this normal? I can push up from inside and the roof goes up so my thinking is it is not. I have not found anything in the service manual I have covering the sunroof. Monsoon season starts in a month and I'd like to be sure there is no leaks.

Thank you and more questions to follow.

Not really normal. Download the FSM (Factory Service Manual) from mitsubishilinks.com and see what it says about adjusting that.

Also there is a drain in the sunroof but with age, it may be clogged. The drain empties at the bottom of the rear quarter panel (rubber hose on both sides). You can blow back up into the hoses in case there's any blockage but you may also need to access them under the interior roof panel to remove the blockage. Again review the FSM for directions on that.

 

[scrubber3]

You may want to run a sprinkler on it for a while just to be sure it isn't leaking. Believe it or not, that's what the pros do.

 

[dave52355]

You may want to run a sprinkler on it for a while just to be sure it isn't leaking. Believe it or not, that's what the pros do.

Thanks for the replies. I'm new at this but willing to tackle just about anything. If I can get into the back seat ( wheelchair bound ) I'm going to start by cleaning out the tracks. The window runs very slow and at times needs assistance. Perhaps it just isn't closed all the way.

I'll try to post a picture:




Again thank you

 

[scrubber3]

Those window motors get tired after a while. You can pick some window motor/ regulators for a good price on ebay. They aren't very hard to replace so long as you take you time so you don't break the snaps.

 

[shov3lbum]

As far as the sunroof sitting lower in the back I believe when I adjusted mine that the service manual called for a difference in height and that the sunroof should be sitting slightly below the metal rim. It has something to do with the seal around the glass seating properly, since if it's too high up the water could get in the cabin versus being directed towards the rain-gutter around the outer rim of the glass, because that thing will never be completely waterproof.

Like scrubber3 mentioned, just sit there with a sprinkler, run it for a bit, adjust as necessary. Mine leaked for a bit during some torrential downpour, but that was because the front of the glass was too high, so instead of the water running into the gutter, it came inside and leaked on my head

 

[SOFpirate]

Good pick up on the Monty. You'll enjoy it.

I can vouch for the window motor/regulators. I had to replace one a little bit ago, and it was pretty painless. Didn't even have to break any little plastic clips to get the door panel off.

 

[off-roader]

...I'm going to start by cleaning out the tracks. The window runs very slow and at times needs assistance. Perhaps it just isn't closed all the way.

Yup, that's what I'd try first. Clean and lube both the regulator mechanism & the tracks. If that doesn't work, then go ahead and replace the motor but still clean the mechanism & the tracks so it won't happen again for a long, long time.

 

[dave52355]

Thanks for all the replies. We'll be tackling the tracks tomorrow. Storm with 50 mile plus winds called for Thursday. The truck is in pretty good condition. Had to put a starter in it so far. There appears to be a small high pressure oil leak around the pan that sprays onto the exhaust giving a burnt oil smell now and than. Got to get under it and check the bolts. I use a power wheelchair that is carried on the receiver in the back. First test drive we broke the gusset above the receiver tube and bent the tube down slightly. Was able to straighten the tube, add a beefier gusset and 1/2 inch plate to the back. Don't think it will bend now. Have a few other problems to tinker on. Under the dash on the drivers side is a plug with 2 wires, one white the other blue. Have not figured out where it goes. Power mirrors are not functioning, fuse is good. Powered drivers seat goes forward back reclines and comes up. The front of the seat raises and lowers the rear does not. Little stuff for a truck with 110,000 miles.

One other thing, when the starter was replaced they found 2 plugs just hanging near the starter. They located where to plug them in but we have no idea what they were for. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[off-roader]

Based on your pic it looks like you have an SR with the 3.5L DOHC engine right?

Unfortunately knowing even that, I'm not sure what any of those connectors are for. The wire colors if original will help you when you check the FSM. If not original it may be from some aftermarket accessory the previous owner removed and you will simply have to chase the wire run to figure it out.

Fortunately my 96 is fully functional electrically speaking. My biggest problem right now are the valve guide seals needing replacement.

 

[dave52355]

Based on your pic it looks like you have an SR with the 3.5L DOHC engine right?

Unfortunately knowing even that, I'm not sure what any of those connectors are for. The wire colors if original will help you when you check the FSM. If not original it may be from some aftermarket accessory the previous owner removed and you will simply have to chase the wire run to figure it out.

Fortunately my 96 is fully functional electrically speaking. My biggest problem right now are the valve guide seals needing replacement.

Yes it is the RS with the 3.5. We attacked the tracks today. I found this:

Laying in the track on the passenger side. Also the drivers side arm of the air foil is missing a plastic clip that holds it to the track. We tried a small nail but the sunroof would hang on it. Once the glass clears the air foil it slides fairly well ( after cleaning the track ) till about the 2/3 point than binds up again. Can't reach back in there so perhaps the track is junked up and binding.

Here is the plugs that were just hanging:

They are nice and clean now. It was the 2 black ones that were disconnected.

Thanks for the help.