In 2021, 264,444 Grand Cherokee Jeeps were sold alone in the United States. But despite the immense popularity of this mid-sized SUV, many customers frequently complain about the sunroof issues.
So, you’re not the only fellow with Jeep Grand Cherokee panoramic sunroof problems. Your car roof may stop functioning properly due to the leakage in the drainage system, motor failure, worn wire, or software issue with the control panel.
And because of these, you may witness long opening/closing times, excessive temperature ingress, loud noise, etc. These are enough to ruin your sentimental road trip.
The good part is – most of these problems don’t appear within the first couple of years. However, whenever you face them, it’s wise to resolve them asap.
In this article, I’ve covered how you can get rid of this mess. But before jumping onto the solution, let’s find out what’s causing the malfunction of the sunroof.
6 Reasons Grand Cherokee Panoramic Sunproof Causing Problems
The below mentions are the most common reasons that cause your vehicle’s sunroom to stop working.
Sunroof Wire Harness Displacement/Worn
Among all problems, the most common one is the wire harness (also known as wiring harness) connected to the roof and the system between the front and back seat.
These wires act like a cable cover. The electric cables that are linked to the control panel and the sunroof go through this harness’ inside. In short, these help to keep the central electrical line safe.
There can be two issues with the wires. These may have dislocated from the factory settings. Or, maybe, it gets worn after years of use. Whatever the reason is, it’ll cause the panoramic sunroof to blip.
Dual-Lock, Fasteners Loose
In a typical Jeep’s roof, there are 5 dual locks fasteners. If your Jeep has a dual-pane roof, there can be up to 14 fasteners. These help the top to move effortlessly in the rubbered panel.
When any of the fasteners fail to engage the headliner, it renders a rattle. This will end up with irritating noise every time you try to operate the roof, and eventually, the sunroof will stop working at some point.
Motor Failure
A robust motor has been used in every moon roof in Jeep’s GC series. It’s integrated with the control system in the updated models.
In the 2018-2022 Cherokee series, the motor location is behind the roof’s headliner. The system software operates the motor and ensures the roof opens and closes properly.
It’s the worst nightmare if the problem is related to the motor. You need to replace the motor.
Software Bug
If there are no noticeable issues with any hardware or other setups, the culprit is probably the software. Because of the software bug, it can fail to pass the command, resulting in sunroof malfunctions.
Rust and Corrosions
If it’s been years since the Jeep is accompanying you and the families, there is a chance it got rust or corrosion contacts. This happens, especially if you drive in a region with steady rain and dust.
However, it may not stop the sunroof from working permanently but make the movement slower when closing or opening.
Dust and Debris
Automobiles get in contact with dirt regularly. If you don’t clean it often, they get the chance to build up in narrow areas of the vehicle.
These areas are the joint points of different parts of a car where dust’s presence increases the most. And the sunroof is one of them.
Leaving the areas without cleaning for a long time causes sunroof error. Initially, you may witness the speed of mirror opening or closing time taking longer than usual. But at some point, it may eventually stop working.
How to Fix Sunroof on Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Well, when the problem is there, solutions are there too. You can take different initiatives if you witness any of the above sunroof errors.
Solution 1: Replace Wiring Harness
The existing wiring harness placed in your Cherokee’s sunroof is supposed to last 5-7 years without being worn out. So, before purchasing a new wire harness, make sure to check whether it’s worn or just dislocated from the panel.
If the wire position is just slipped away, glue it on the right path. And if you’ve got bad luck and it’s damaged, get a new one online or from your local automobile service store.
Solution 2: Tighten Dual-Locks
If the problem is related to loosening locks, tightening these is mandatory. And you don’t need to pay a vehicle service center for this tiny job.
First, inspect every lock and find out which ones got loose. Then use a screwdriver to fasten them one by one. I prefer using magnetic screwdrivers as this help keep the screw head in the right place while pressing.
While tightening them, don’t put excessive pressure. These may cause to break the points where the top locks are fixed.
Test the sunroof after finishing the job. Check whether they squeak anymore.
Solution 3: Change Sunroof Motor
As mentioned above, it’s the least expected problem by any Jeep owner. The motor is the heart of operating the sunroof.
If it fails, there is no way to repair it. You need to get a replacement, and that’s gonna cost you anywhere between $100 to $220 depending on your Cherokee model.
So, before jumping to a conclusion, examine whether it’s a permanent motor failure or not. Check if the motor works generally but stops performing after a while of driving.
If so, most probably, the motor hasn’t failed yet. It’s an overheating issue that’s passing through the cable line to the motor itself.
In that case, call the manufacturer if you still got the service warranty. Otherwise, drive to the nearby automobile repairing outlet.
Solution 4: Solve Control Panel Issue
The software-related issue is rare in automobiles as they go through hundreds of tests before the vehicle is out for sale. However, there is a chance of faulty control panel hardware once in a thousand units.
In terms of software-related problems, you just have to wait for the update from the manufacturer’s side. Call or mail the manufacturer if you’re one of those unfortunate.
Solution 5: Fix Corrosion and Rust
Early detection of corrosion or rust can give you the chance to apply necessary safeguarding. A car rust remover spray can instantly clean existing buildups and give the sunroom a protective coating for the future.
Before applying the rust reformer, clean the area with a cloth. Spray it there. It may take 20-40 minutes to tack-free the liquid, depending on the humidity level in your place. And you can apply the top coating within the first 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all panoramic sunroofs leak?
It’s a mechanical part of automobiles. So, sooner or later, all panoramic sunroof leaks occur after years of rough use.
How much does it cost to fix a Jeep sunroof?
It depends on whether you need to repair the sunroof or need additional attachments or a whole unit to fix your problem. Average mechanics charge around $200 to $250 for roof-related repairing. If it’s a motor failure, the cost may go up to $220.
Why won’t my panoramic sunroof close all the way?
In most cases, the loose wire is the first reason the panoramic sunroof isn’t opening entirely. Also, it can be the motor or the switch failure. To get more ideas and solutions, read above.
Does insurance cover panoramic roofs?
Unfortunately, most insurance companies made policy changes in 2012 regarding sunroofs. They differentiated windscreen and glasses to be covered by the insurance. In addition, many of them excluded panoramic roofs from the policy list.
Wrapping Up
Most common Jeep Grand Cherokee panoramic sunroof problems are related to the wiring harness, which you can solve with a new one. Also, your sunroof may create noise while opening or closing because of rust buildup. The good part is that you can solve this issue on your own with a rust remover.
To avoid rust or corrosion contact, I suggest you clean the root panel regularly. It’ll also clean any debris stuck in the headliners, which may end up with temporary malfunction.