Solving the Leaky Roof / Sunroof

Someone has probably done this already but I thought I would share with you my fault findings and how I overcame them with regards to a leaking sunroof and so on. So here goes.

With regards to removing the headlining and fixings, first port of call is that looking in manuals for the Skoda Octavia MkI or MK II is perfectly fine. However, they only state the obvious that all fixings have to be removed which is easy enough. They will also state that the job is difficult, requires skill and that it is best left to a Skoda technician. In all honesty, my two year old could do this job and removing the headlining is not something that requires special skills.

1) Pull door seals so that they detach from the door frames, headlining and trims. You only need to partly remove them.

2) All grab handles and sun visor fixings are held by normal Philip screws including the middle sun visor (behind rear view mirror) if fitted

3) the spring loaded fixings that hold the sun visor have covers that unclip which will give you access to the screws. These are tight and do need persuasion.

4) The sunroof switch and light fixing is held with no screw at all. Instead it attaches to the headlining which can be simply pulled off. The light and sunroof instrument can detach from the plastic trim.

5) The whole sunroof apparatus is complete with four drain pipes at each corner front and back. The front drain pipes run down inside the A pillars and is then attached to a rubber grommet which hangs from the side of the door frame in-between the hinges. The rear draining pipes run down rear wings of the car and are attached to a rubber grommet situated in the two compartments in the boot left and right. Obviously, if any of these drain pipes block with debris then rain water backs up which causes the sunroof apparatus to flood and soak the headlining.

6) Unblocking these drain pipes is simple. Use a piece of wire small enough to go down inside the drain pipes and down to the rubber grommet and push out any debris that may be there. Next flush them with clean water and reattach to the sunroof apparatus.

*****Word of Caution******

When rain water reaches the drain pipes, they will do their job that was intended. The problem with the sunroof apparatus is that the water travels along the paths leading to the pipes and the paths are not sealed. Therefore, forcing water through the sunroof to test it will flood the apparatus and water will over spill from these paths and will leak onto the headlining and then into the car itself. Normal weather conditions should not cause this problem unless the sunroof seals are severely worn.

Once you have unblocked the drain pipes the process for reattaching the headlining and fixings is reverse to removal.

*****Another word of caution******

If water has the chance to enter the motor for the sunroof (which it did on mine) the whole unit will short and will stop working. Don’t panic!!!

1) Remove any plugs and switches attached to the motor unit

2) Unscrew the motor which is held on by 4 star screws. Maybe, more or less screws depending on model.

3) Gently pull the motor from the sunroof apparatus

4) Remove surclip and remove the cog.

5) The unit case is held by clips including one metal clip. Once clips have been undone the case will open.

6) Simply spray WD40 on the circuitry and motor and gently dab with clean cloth to remove excess moisture / liquid.

7) Refitting of motor, switches and plugs is reverse process

Hopefully, my findings and problem solving may help you if you experience issues that I had. I will upload images to further help.