F150 Panoramic Sun Roof Maintenance | Lubrication and Cleaning | MUST DO!

[@SmackeysGarage]

Krytox is found here: amzn.to/3uyM7hY As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@kevinmeyer6095]

I was in panic mode when my sunroof began making noise and I couldn't find the source. I used your process and it worked flawlessly... no more noise. Thanks a million!

[@SmackeysGarage]

Hey Kevin, Really glad it worked for you!

[@chrisdavis6309]

Thank you! This worked like a charm on my 2016 with pano roof. It was sticking and would only open every 3rd or 4th time. Now it slides open and closed with no issues at all!

[@SmackeysGarage]

You are welcome! Glad I could help! I find it works best if you do it yearly.

[@Brian_195]

Never heard about this until your video. I use my panoramic sunroof all the time. I’ll definitely be keeping up with this maintenance. Thanks for the video.

[@SmackeysGarage]

No problem Brian. Definitely something to keep up on so that it doesn't get damaged. Thanks for watching!

[@patriot9713]

I was aware of the moon roof issues when I bought my 2019 F250 new. As such, I NEVER opened it until a few weeks ago (nervously). It did not break but the seal did "pop" from sticking. I have only riskily opened it 4 times since and just today followed this service update. Even with the roof remaining closed for years, the seals were filthy. I can immediately see an improvement. No more sticking seals. Smooth open and closing operation. Wish I did this years ago and rolled the dice.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I have the same experience when I open my sunroof for the first time after winter. Even when left closed it becomes a mess and needs to be cleaned. I usually wait for a pretty hot day to pop it open for the first time of the year. I’d say the lubrication and cleaning will most likely help avoid any issues. Glad you’re seeing such an improvement.

[@icelink992]

Thank you for educating and not hating on the product

[@SmackeysGarage]

No problem. I really like my sunroof in my truck.

[@jagman2962]

Watched it a year ago and watching it again now. About to do my pano moonroof again. Great video man!👍

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks! Appreciate it! I do the same with other DIY videos.

[@MG-wv7un]

Totally worked. I tried the RV slide lubricant solution but that didn't work. This stuff worked perfect. Thanks for posting.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Great to hear!

[@marksvoboda3219]

this process and grease works wonders, the roof works so nice now.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Glad to hear it worked well for you!

[@craiga9570]

Thanks for the tip! Great looking truck. It's very apparent that you take good care of it 👍🏻

[@SmackeysGarage]

Glad I could help! Thanks. I've tried. It has 70k on it now and still looks almost new (when it is clean)!

[@joshuameachum1064]

Thanks for the video it helped me solve the rattling that has been driving me crazy. As a suggestion, I’d recommend to clean with water first and then with alcohol once all the residue is removed. I’m my case I had a lot of build up as it hadn’t been cleaned for 60k miles. Alcohol had a hard time removing the build up, or rather it was more difficult to clean it completely with just alcohol.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Glad it was able to help you Joshua. I like your tip on cleaning with water first and then alcohol for extreme buildup. I'll pin this comment so others can see the tip!

[@samhouston1483]

Thank you for this video. I had a sunroof issue a few months ago and I have a warranty w a $200 deductible. Took it in and they supposedly fixed it by installing new tracks (and I paid them the $200 plus they got whatever the full bill actually was) well that wasn’t all it needed and it’s still sticking when I open. Took it back to dealer and they wanted to try and charge me another $150 just to do this when they were supposed to have already fixed it. Told them not to do anything and I’ll take my truck back and do it myself. Just ordered this lube. Doesn’t seem too difficult!

[@SmackeysGarage]

It really isn’t that difficult and doesn’t take much time at all. You’re lucky that you had the warranty for the fix. I’ve heard it can get really expensive. I do this yearly on my truck and it operates smoothly now and doesn’t stick. Glad you find it helpful!

[@larryjackson5673]

This video was dead on. My sunroof hasn’t worked for 1.5 years and once I followed these steps, it started to work immediately.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Glad to hear!

[@stevenkidwell2417]

Very helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to make this instruction vid.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks Steven!

[@Shanesphone]

Thank you! This stopped the creaking and groaning of my sunroof.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Glad I was able to help!

[@Alex-mw9un]

Great video I will be doing this. Thank you!

[@SmackeysGarage]

You are welcome! It’s helped my sunroof run flawlessly over the years. Keeping the seals clean and lubed has minimized the chances of breakage.

[@leocardenas7306]

Very important to keep up with the maintenance with panoramic sunroofs. My Lincoln MKZ repair cost would’ve been $1,200 if I didn’t keep up with the maintenance. CLEAN and lubricate depending on how much you use the sunroof and depending on environment. Dusty environments I recommend every month.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I'm glad you are reinforcing that. I don't believe people realize that they need to maintain them until they are starting to stick or are broken.

[@kayleebou65]

It’s $8500 to have it fixed at the Ford dealership (I did that once under warranty). They only sell it as a whole roof unit. If it does go out the replacement arms are under $40 on Amazon but it’s a huge hassle!

[@SmackeysGarage]

That’s crazy. That’s exactly why it’s important to keep up with maintenance on it.

[@67Stang]

This is good to know. I have had to have two motors replaced on the sunroof in my 2016 F150. The plastic gears had gotten stripped.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Was it starting to stick beforehand? That’s what I was worried about with my truck.

[@67Stang]

@@SmackeysGarage Honestly I don't use it much. So it sat closed for several months. I think that had more to cause it than anything. Mechanical stuff does not like to sit as you know

[@SmackeysGarage]

@@67Stang Oh yes I do know that! That could do it.

[@MCSgt117]

I'm going through the nightmare of having to replace the sunroof track because I didn't know I needed to re-initialize (aka re-program) the sunroof after replacing the battery. It's going to cost about $4,500 - $5,000 in parts and labor. I'd do it myself but you have to remove the airbags to remove the old track system. If you have one of these vista sunroofs please do this maintenance and check out the video on re-initializing the system! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHu3qHV7jt91hLs

[@67Stang]

@@MCSgt117 Good to know

[@bradk.1342]

The alcohol will continue to dry out the seals. I use WD-40 which lubricates them as well as keeping them supple before adding SIL Glyde lubricating compound.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks for the info. Always happy to hear what others do!

[@TrustGodFearNothing]

What did you use for the tracks?

[@mountainmike1685]

Have ever had any leaks? I'm concerned about mine leaking. Thanks for the video

[@SmackeysGarage]

No, I've never had any issues with leaking. Always kept the seals cleaned and lubricated with Krytox.

[@mountainmike1685]

Yeah my concern is what I've heard is they leak at the rivets in the tracks not the seals

[@SmackeysGarage]

@@mountainmike1685 Haven't heard that. All I can say is mine has been fine over the years.

[@mountainmike1685]

That is so good to hear because I'm a little paranoid about mine, I've heard some horror stories

[@SmackeysGarage]

@@mountainmike1685 They stay good as long as you keep up with the maintenance on them and use the right lube. The majority of the time when they break its because the gasket gets sticky/dirty and doesn't allow it to open and breaks the plastic.

[@josephr4christ]

Nice job. Thanks for posting. Use sone lithium grease on all the moving arms and track. It comes in a can also. 👍

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks! I've seen people use lithium grease there as well.

[@MrBenchpress7]

I did the same thing this past weekend and the difference is night and day.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I know! Did all the sticking go away? Mine was so much better. Almost like new!

[@MrBenchpress7]

@@SmackeysGarage yes the stickiness went away. So awesome. I do think I will have to replace my right rail. I found some broken plastic.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Ah that's too bad about the right rail. I've heard mine make some bad noises before I did this TSB.

[@MrBenchpress7]

@@SmackeysGarage forget to mention, your video was well done.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@bobbymiller8563]

What about using this on the sunroof. CAIG Laboratories, DeoxIT L260-C1, Lithium Grease, Copper Particles.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I wouldn’t use a grease. Has the potential to capture dirt particles and cause issues. I’d recommend using the Krytox which has a link in the video description. It’s what Ford recommends in the Technical Service Bulletin. It is expensive, but you get multiple applications or years from one tube.

[@JesusCabrera-n3m]

Is the gpl206 okay to use ? My job provides us with them for free lol

[@SmackeysGarage]

it is probably worth the shot. So close in numbers, probably part of the same family?

[@TheMessersmiths]

this is a 500 at a minimum repair for the ford shop...they aren't gonna broadcast this anywhere....plus the "diagnosis"fee. lol

[@SmackeysGarage]

I can’t find the 4wd hub retail price but the 2wd hub is $503 alone.

[@tomanderson3279]

Up until now I've been reading that you should use dielectric, the TSB suggested Krytox. I wonder if the grease suggested varies by manufacturer, and was it suggested to use GPL205 specifically? There are many options for Krytox

[@SmackeysGarage]

One of the Ford TSBs does specifically call out the GPL205. This is from the NHTSA static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10153936-9999.pdf

[@jamesvitale7132]

Have to desperately do this service to my 2018. Having sticking issue. What did you do to unstick before service? Just ordered the lube from Amazon.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Is it completely shut and won't open? I'd leave it out in the sun and warm everything up if possible. When mine started sticking, I would always tilt the rear up first to break the seal.

[@jamesvitale7132]

@@SmackeysGarage I've had to do that step a few times. But now it just doesn't want to slide open. It starts/sounds like it wants to... I'm thinking of trying to get something very thin to get in-between & a greaseless lube just to soften it up 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@jamesvitale7132]

@@SmackeysGarage the venting pops open.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Good luck! Let me know it turns out. In the TSB they talk about using a credit card to spread some lube in the gaskets.

[@jamesvitale7132]

@@SmackeysGarage will do & thank you 👍🏼

[@l.skywalker6547]

Hello, can you help me with a problem I have with my roof? I have a 2017 I just purchased and it has real bad wind noise between the glasses where they meet. If I push up on the plastic middle bar inside the truck while driving it goes away. Any suggestions on how to make this noise go away? Also I took it through a drive through car wash and water flooded inside through the glass in the middle where they come together, any idea why or is that normal for a panoramic roof?

[@SmackeysGarage]

Are the glasses lined up on the top of the roof? There should be a gasket on either side of the glass that come in contact when closed I believe. That is definitely not normal for a panoramic roof.

[@l.skywalker6547]

@@SmackeysGarage I will take a look shortly. So there’s two gaskets that butt together when closed?

[@shannonedhanani119]

any advice for the screen part? its clicking on max while closing just bought it out of warranty

[@SmackeysGarage]

The front screen which goes up and down? I haven't seen that with mine. I'd poke your head up and see if it is making contact or bent anywhere.

[@cobiebevly9965]

if im getting a wind noise will this help eliminate that?

[@SmackeysGarage]

The only way I could see it helping eliminate it is if there is a lot of buildup that needs to be cleaned off.

[@mikeproducts7039]

I had a friend replace the broken rail on my 2018 F150 Now the only button that works is the pop up which only opens a little, then when you try to slide the sunroof open and all it does is chatter!! Now it wont even close ! Any help is appreciated!

[@SmackeysGarage]

It sounds like it isn’t installed correctly if it isn’t catching and moving. On the tracks, doesn’t an arm come from the motor and loop in? Is that out of place? I haven’t taken a sunroof apart myself.

[@9thavenuefrenchies]

Thanks

[@SmackeysGarage]

No problem!

[@SJSOmar]

Can I just use any normal ptfe silicon grease ? Like superlube ?

[@SmackeysGarage]

There have been lots of discussions around avoiding lubricants that have silicon on the sunroof. Krytox is pure PTFE. I would suggest finding a pure PTFE lubricant if you can.

[@304trails8]

have you had the leaking issue during a hard rain you go back out hop in your truck and water has came into the cab through the rear seatbelt opening and then you find that your entire rocker is full of water as well as that entire side of carpet is soaked and mildewed. happens in mine every time it rains. all drain tubes are clear the water just overflows the gutter system and comes right down the pillar. i leave mine closed with the sunshade closed 99 percent of the time mostly because the fear of it braking and having to do a 3k or more repair on it haha. if anyone has experienced the leaking issue and has fixed it feel free to let everyone know what magic you worked on this poor design. luckily i love the truck enough to deal with all the leaking.

[@SmackeysGarage]

What year truck is it? Have you checked the rear third brake light seal? Those are known to fail and cause issues with water in the vehicle. Otherwise I haven’t had the same issue with water getting in.

[@304trails8]

@@SmackeysGarage yea third brake light is fine I've back out of the driveway and heard the water run to the back and it just overflows the gutter and comes into the cab through the seatbelt hole in the pillar. mine is a 2016.

[@jacobvanderbrink2406]

Have you been exposed to failed electric power steering issues?

[@SmackeysGarage]

No I haven't. So far my power steering has been great for the past 85,000 miles.

[@litoaykiu]

Avoid using alcohol to clean rubber!! Alcohol will clean nicely but will lead to dry rodding the rubber. Use water, you can add mild soap if needed.

[@SmackeysGarage]

For this, I am calling out specifically what Ford's TSB says to do: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10160817-0001.pdf I agree with you excess alcohol on rubber will degrade it. I only use a minimal amount and then lubricate back up with Krytox.

[@Tell90]

Can you use white lithium grease for this??

[@SmackeysGarage]

Hey Tel, If you have the option between Krytox at white lithium grease, I would go Krytox. I am able to do my sunroof for 3+ years with the small size packaging. Now, there are plenty of forum posts where people have used other greases. I'd use at your own risk but the risk of damaging is probably not that high. I have used white lithium grease on the sunroof tracks.

[@lordjaashin]

white lithium grease is not recommended because it attracts dust and becomes gritty after few weeks. get 100% PTFE grease as they repel dirt and dust, which prevents it from contamination and becoming gritty

[@chrisgaming5306]

What about some white lithium grease?

[@SmackeysGarage]

It may degrade the rubber seals over time. People do use it, I wouldn't recommend it and would recommend what Ford suggests in the TSB. (Krytox linked in pinned comment). It is much more expensive than lithium grease, but you won't use a full tube on the sunroof. I'm still on my original tube from 2 years ago.

[@Dirty03gt]

What kind of service is done on the tracks?

[@SmackeysGarage]

I typically just wipe clean and lubricate the tracks once a year. I haven't done anything mechanical to them other than that.

[@Dirty03gt]

@@SmackeysGarage what do you lubricate the tracks with?

[@SmackeysGarage]

It's recommended to use some Krytox on the TSB, but I have also used white lithium grease on the rails.

[@geraldnau425]

That alcohol doesn’t dry it out. I am surprised.

[@SmackeysGarage]

It’s what is recommended in the TSB. I haven’t had an issue with it.

[@rayspeakmon2954]

Am I the only one who isn't able to tell where exactly he was applying the grease? I see two different tracks up there.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Should be on the seals of the sunroof. The biggest issue I have seen with these sunroofs is the seals become stuck together then the tracks break causing the issue. Make sure you deep clean the seals and then use Krytox on them to keep them from sticking together.

[@silvertad3833]

do this "pretty frequently" "semi regularly" lol. please tell us the conversion to normal time

[@SmackeysGarage]

Many a time

[@beri232]

This is dumb. I’ve never had to do anything like this on any other vehicle I’ve ever owned with a sunroof! Do better Ford.

[@SmackeysGarage]

To be fair, I think a lot of it has to do with the size of the panels and the amount of surface area that contacts the seals.

[@beri232]

@@SmackeysGarage no. I’d expect leaky moonroofs from European brands before North American. They love putting their SUV’s in the shop for months with garbage like this. Those moonroof panels aren’t any larger than others on the market. There’s truly no excuse other than poor engineering on Fords part. Not to mention…. it seems to be an ongoing issue so why isn’t it fixed?

[@billpeirce7127]

Definitely don't agree with using the alcohol to clean yr rubber seals.😮😮😮👎👎👎👎👎

[@SmackeysGarage]

What would you recommend? I’ve been doing it for years without issue.

[@billpeirce7127]

Alcohol will remove paint. Don't think that's good to clean yr rubber seals.😮😮😮

[@SmackeysGarage]

I’ve never had an issue and my sunroof works flawlessly.

[@mikeproducts7039]

I had a friend replace the broken rail on my 2018 F150 Now the only button that works is the pop up which only opens a little, then when you try to slide the sunroof open and all it does is chatter!! Now it wont even close ! Any help is appreciated!

[@SmackeysGarage]

See my other message. Doesn’t sound like it was installed correctly. After it’s installed correctly look up sunroof initialization procedure.

[@mikeproducts7039]

last fall the plastic rails needed replacing as the plastic broke and the glass would not move any further than part way open then stopped and would not move. We replaced the rails and set is to fully closed. Attempted to re-innitialize, the glass popped up (vent) about 1in and stopped. I pushed the button again and it began chattering until I took my finger off the button. each time I pushed the button it would chatter until I removed my finger from said button.