So I picked up my Outback Limited today. I can't get the inside sliding cover to move. Any tricks to this or is it broke?

vwbuge1,

The rear sunshield should open automatically when the rear sunroof is opened, and can be opened manually at any time by hand. If yours is stuck and can't be opened either way, it may be able to be opened and its mechanism corrected in two ways.

 

I'm assuming that the rear sunroof operates correctly and can be opened. If so, open the rear sunroof, and your rear doors. Stand on the rear rocker panel and look into the sides of the rear sunroof mechanism through the roof cutout. (You may have to do this several times while pausing the sunroof in its opening routine at various stages.) Somewhere along those exposed sides you'll find where the sunshade levers or arms (one on either side of the sunroof shade) are snagging or not being grabbed by the sunroof mechanism as it moves rearward. The levers/arms/pins may be bent and need straightening or reseating in some manner.

 

If you can correct the situation at this stage, you're home free. If not, the only other way to do the job is to drop the entire headliner in the car and then drop the entire sunroof mechanism as one unit. From here you'll not only see the problem but will be able to correct it without space limitations.

 

If I can learn more by looking at the system in my 07 OBW, I'll update this thread with more in a short while.

 

Good Luck!

vwbuge1,

The rear sunshield should open automatically when the rear sunroof is opened, and can be opened manually at any time by hand. If yours is stuck and can't be opened either way, it may be able to be opened and its mechanism corrected in two ways.

 

I'm assuming that the rear sunroof operates correctly and can be opened. If so, open the rear sunroof, and your rear doors. Stand on the rear rocker panel and look into the sides of the rear sunroof mechanism through the roof cutout. (You may have to do this several times while pausing the sunroof in its opening routine at various stages.) Somewhere along those exposed sides you'll find where the sunshade levers or arms (one on either side of the sunroof shade) are snagging or not being grabbed by the sunroof mechanism as it moves rearward. The levers/arms/pins may be bent and need straightening or reseating in some manner.

 

If you can correct the situation at this stage, you're home free. If not, the only other way to do the job is to drop the entire headliner in the car and then drop the entire sunroof mechanism as one unit. From here you'll not only see the problem but will be able to correct it without space limitations.

 

My 07 OBW has a push tab at the front on each side of the sunroof that pushes the shade open as the sunroof opens. At the rear of the sunroof channel is a swinging lever that hangs down and pushes the shade forward to close it as the sunroof closes. One has to assume that your system is similar and that these rear levers have snagged in the downward position. If your sunroof glass is not tinted too dark you may be able to see these levers right through the glass.

 

Good Luck!

Edited February 7, 200917 yr by gbhrps

Honestly, I just picked the car up today and haven't had a chance to play with anything. The front sunroof tilts up with the switch above my head. When I push that switch I can hear something running on the rear sunroof. I am not sure if it is opening. I'll check it out tomorrow.