Why I Hate Sunroofs

[Paul Meyers]

I had an intermittent problem with the double-wide relay module (labeled 261
on the top) that controls both the power windows and the sunroof.
Periodically, and perversely, the windows and sunroof would stop working,
usually when I had rolled down the window to enter the code into the
automatic carwash. Also, the problem seemed to be temperature related. When
it was really hot inside the car, like it had baked all day in the heat and
I was ready for the drive home, the windows wouldn't roll down until the the
A/C cooled off the car. Then they would work. You know the module is the
problem if the windows fail to work at the same time the sunroof refuses to
function.

Anyway, the solution was to replace same with a used part from the used part
purveyors. Audi wants like $300 for the module. I haven't had a service
interruption since the replacement.

Incidentally, this double-wide module comes in two flavors, one from siemens
and one from somebody else. The siemens one worked perfectly for me, while
the other failed to provide auto-down functionality. Could just be my
situation. I don't have definitive evidence either way. BTW, pre-87's used
two modules to provide this functionality. They are incompatible with your
setup on an 87.

Paul Meyers 
Gray 87 5KCSTQ 1.8bar eurolights fuchs 145 kM, needs loom transplant 
Pearl 88 5KCSTQ 1.8bar eurolights fuchs bilsteins 125 kM 2pc-em k24 turbo 
Metallic White 87 5KTQW eurolights bilsteins 191 kM daily driver
Blue 86 5KCSTQ parts car 



-----Original Message-----
From: Don Muirhead [mailto:dmr at kwic.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 12:07 PM
To: Quattro (E-mail)
Subject: Why I Hate Sunroofs


I picked up a '87 5kts(cd)q a while back (July).  It was cheap ($2k), low 
km's and in reasonable shape with a good body.  It was even chipped (by 
parties unknown) and came complete with a stage II performance package 
courtesy of Bramall.  Normally, I wouldn't touch an older 5k (no flames 
please just my personal preference) but it was one of those deals that was 
hard to say no to.  Besides, the dog (no, not the wife) is getting old and 
fat like her master and it's hard for her to get in the back seat of a 
coupe.  The other problem is that both of us are constantly shedding these 
days it makes better sense to do this somewhere we can call our own.

It hadn't been driven in a few years so I knew some small stuff would be in 
need of attention as soon as it started to loosen-up.  Bushings all the way 
around, motor mounts, t-belt, water pump, thermostat, vacuum hoses, oil 
line, rack, bomb, manifold, injectors & injector lines, distributor, plug 
wires a couple of wheel bearings, plus a few electrical problems here and 
there...a typical older Audi buy it for $2k add $3k in parts.

On Monday evening, I went out for a drive with the dog (no, not the wife), 
opened the sunroof to suck in that clear fall air and enjoy a fine Cuban 
cigar (wife won't let me enjoy them at home).  Needless to say 70 km from 
home cruising the country roads I couldn't get the sucker closed and yes it 
rained.  No tarp, piece of plastic or for that matter roll of duct tape in 
the car.  I finally found a store that was open, bought a package of 
garbage bags and a roll of tape then the dog and I whimpered home.  I spent 
last evening drying out the interior and trying to get rid of the wet dog 
smell.  I whipped out Mr. Multi-meter checked everything from the panel to 
the switch and motor.  Everything should be working.   I'm tired, so I 
started the engine to move the car from the shop to the garage when the 
manifold I replaced not 3 weeks ago, cracked on the inside of the small 
rise before waste gate.  As I'm sitting there mulling over the meaning of 
life, trying to remember where I put the receipt from the wreckers for the 
manifold, I flipped the sunroof switch which of course healed itself and 
worked like a charm.

Ignoring all a the aforementioned whining, I don't want to arbitrarily 
start replacing parts for the sunroof until the sucker decides not to work 
again so if you've been down this road let me know what you ended up doing 
so at least I can be somewhat prepared.

Thanks
Don
pack of coupes,
one sick type 44,
token '93 S4