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Toyota Camry 1997-2001: How to Replace Sunroof

The sunroof has several moving parts, some of which are plastic, that come together to open and close the window. When those plastic pieces wear out, the sunroof fails sometimes in an opened or close position. Read this article to replace those broken sunroofs.

By Neftali Medina - July 22, 2015
Contributors: Autozone

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

Have you experienced any enclosed showers? If you have even had a sunroof that fails to seal correctly, you have a good idea as to what's being referred to. As Camry owners, especially those with older generation models, it is expected that the plastic pieces, which keep the sunroof aligned, will begin to fail. This causes it to stay open and allows whatever nature wants to freely travel inside of it. Unless spending $1,000 is comfortably in your budget, scratch off taking it to a garage for repair. Also, in order to replace those plastic components, you'll have to tear apart the whole sunroof assembly, which would in actuality cost the same as replacing the unit itself. So the best option available is to replace the sunroof assembly, and luckily, you can use the following instructions to do just that.

Materials Needed

  • Metric socket set up 19mm
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Pry tool
  • Tape
  • Pliers

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery

First thing's first: disconnect the negative battery cable. You will be pulling apart, disconnecting and unplugging several wires.

Figure 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (black).

Step 2 – Remove the headliner

The headliner is the piece of foam and fabric on the roof of your car. The headliner needs to be removed so you can access the sunroof assembly bolts.

  • Remove the A-Pillars.
  • Remove the dome light assembly, rear view mirror and plastic handles.
  • Disconnect the dome light.
  • Loosen the sun visor screws and remove the assemblies.
  • Remove the headliner from the car.
Figure 2. Remove the headliner.

Step 3 – Disassemble the sunroof

If you have not done so already, take the driver's and passenger seats and pull them back. You should have enough space to work on the sunroof assembly.

  • Unplug the sliding control relay.
  • Loosen and remove the drive motor mounting hardware, then remove the drive motor.
  • Remove the side trim covers.
  • Apply some tape on the roof of the vehicle, around the sunroof opening.
  • Pull the sunroof back and insert it through the top of the vehicle. Pull it out from the sunroof opening.
Figure 3. Sunroof assembly.

Step 4 – Install the new sunroof and headliner

Install the sunroof through the top of the Camry, and align back to its original location.

  • Install the glass screws and side rails.
  • Install the side guide trim covers.
  • Reconnect the drive motor.
  • Connect the drive motor and the relay.
  • Assemble the headliner along with its trim components and reconnect the battery.
Figure 4. Fixed sunroof.

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