What Causes the 6th Generation Camry Sunroof to Not Close Properly?
4 Answers
The reason why the 6th generation Camry sunroof does not close tightly: It is caused by blockage in the sunroof drainage outlets and tracks. The solution is: If the sunroof drainage outlets and tracks are blocked, promptly clean the drainage holes and tracks of the sunroof to resolve the issue of the sunroof not closing. If the problem persists, visit a 4S dealership for inspection and repair. Precautions for using a car sunroof: 1. Driving on bumpy roads: When driving on extremely bumpy roads, avoid opening the sunroof. The rough road conditions may cause deformation between the sliding tracks and the sunroof components, and may even damage the motor. 2. Opening the sunroof in winter: In winter, when temperatures are low, the sunroof may freeze, and the sealing strips may harden. Opening the sunroof abruptly can overload and damage the motor. It is recommended to turn on the heater first and wait for the ice on the sunroof to melt before opening it, which can effectively protect the sunroof and motor. 3. During car washing: Avoid using a high-pressure water jet directly on the sealing strips. The high-pressure water stream may cause the sealing strips to deform, and in severe cases, damage them.
Last time I drove that old Camry, I also encountered the issue of the sunroof not closing properly. After struggling for a while, I found that the sliding tracks were clogged with too much dust. It's a car over six years old, and I hadn't paid attention to cleaning it regularly. Dust mixed with leaves got stuck in the track gaps. While cleaning the tracks with a small brush, I also noticed that the lubricant had dried into clumps—no wonder it got stuck halfway when closing. I recommend first using a vacuum cleaner to clean the tracks, then applying a dedicated sunroof lubricant. If it still doesn’t work, the guide rails might be deformed, in which case you’ll need to take it to a repair shop for inspection. Sunroofs may seem simple, but their tracks are highly precise, and tampering with them carelessly can easily damage the motor. By the way, it’s best to check the drainage holes before the rainy season—if they’re clogged, water can seep into the car.
I've studied the Camry sunroof, and most cases of incomplete closing are due to misaligned initial positions. I helped a friend with this before—just hold the close button for 10 seconds to reset it. Another common issue is aging sealing strips, which can deform from prolonged sun exposure and push against the glass. The sixth-gen Camry's strips are particularly prone to cracking; if they feel stiff to the touch, it's time to replace them. Worn motor gears are also frequent—listen for a grinding noise during closing. Clogged drainage tubes can cause water accumulation and rust in the tracks. Once, someone sprayed WD-40 recklessly, corroding plastic parts and costing over 3,000 in repairs. It's best to visit a Toyota-specialized shop familiar with this generation's common flaws.
A sunroof that doesn't close properly can be quite dangerous. Last week, my neighbor's car interior got soaked due to rainwater leakage from an improperly closed sunroof. For the Camry, this issue is usually caused by one of three reasons: deformed tracks, poor switch contact, or loose guide ropes. Track deformation is mostly caused by car wash workers forcing it shut—I've seen cases where screwdrivers were used to pry the tracks. Poor switch contact is easier to diagnose; try pressing the switch multiple times. Guide rope issues are the most troublesome—if the rope gets twisted, it can jam, requiring the headliner to be removed for adjustment. The sixth-generation Camry has a design flaw where the rear drainage ports are positioned too low and prone to clogging, so it's best to clean them quarterly. If all else fails, try manually closing the sunroof—the emergency operation steps are in the owner's manual.
