Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda Civic: How to Replace Sunroof/Moonroof Motor

In order to replace the motor, you must be able to access it. And to do this, you first need to remove the headliner. Continue reading to learn how to do that, and how to replace the sunroof or moonroof motor on your Honda Civic.

By Richard Bowen - March 25, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Here's how to replace the motor that allows your sunroof or moonroof to slide open and close. But before you can get into that, what's the difference between the two terms? A "sunroof" was the original term used to describe glass panels installed between the car roof and headliner, allowing the air or sunshine to enter the cabin. A "moonroof" is essentially the same thing. However, the difference is that sunroofs were designed to also pop up or come off with a section of the roof panel. Since modern cars no longer incorporate this "sunroof" design, the term "moonroof" prevailed.

Follow the steps below to replace the Civic's moonroof yourself.

Materials Required

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Ratchet with 8mm socket

Pro Tips

  • When ordering a new moonroof motor, be sure to order the correct motor (model and year) for your Honda Civic.
  • Before starting, disconnect the negative (black) lead from your car's battery terminal.
  • Remember to save the screws and covers because they will be used to re-install the headliner.

Step 1 – Remove the sun visors and cornering handles

  • With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the sun visor to the cabin ceiling.
  • Remove both the driver's and passenger's side visors.
  • Then, use your finger to flip open the covers on each end of a cornering handle.
  • With your Phillips screwdriver, remove both screws from the handle and pull it right out.
  • Remove all handles attached to the cabin ceiling.
  • Figure 1. Remove the two screws from each sun visor.
  • Figure 2. Remove the two screws from each cornering handle.

Step 2 – Remove the rear view mirror

  • Hold the rear view mirror by its extension, which is attached to the bracket on the headliner.
  • Carefully pry it off with your hands. It should snap right out.
  • Then with the Phillips screwdriver, remove the three screws holding the bracket up.
Figure 3. Remove the three screws from the rear view mirror bracket.

Step 3 – Remove the dome light

  • With a flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the dome light cover.
  • Using an 8mm socket and ratchet, remove the two nuts that hold up the dome light assembly. It should drop right out.
Figure 4. Remove the two 8mm bolts from the dome light assembly.

Step 4 – Remove the headliner

Once all of the accessories and components attached to the cabin ceiling have been removed, the only things holding the headliner in place are the side panels, rear windshield panel, and the edges of the sunroof.

  • Carefully pry down one side panel with your hands.
  • Slide that same side of headliner out towards the center of the car.
  • Repeat this process with the other side panel and the rear windshield.
  • The headliner should now be hanging from the edges of the sunroof.
  • Gently tug the headliner down, and it should fall right off.
  • Figure 5. Carefully tug the headliner down.
  • Figure 6. Removed headliner from the Honda Civic.

Step 5 – Remove the old motor assembly

  • Locate and access the motor directly in front of the moonroof.
  • Unplug the motor harnesses.
  • Remove the mounting bolts and nuts. Set them aside as they will be needed for the new motor.
  • Carefully remove the moonroof motor.
  • Figure 7. Location of sunroof motor between the front windshield and moonroof window (part #31).
  • Figure 8. Example of a moonroof motor for the Honda Civic.

Step 6 – Install new motor and re-install headliner

  • Install the new moonroof motor in place of the old one.
  • Secure it in place with the old bolts and the fasteners provided in the moonroof motor package.
  • Plug in the motor harnesses.
  • Then, re-install the headliner (in reverse order of the removal process).
  • Reattach the dome light, rear view mirror, cornering handles, and sun visors.

Related Article, Discussion, and Site