How To Fix Audi Sunroof Shade [5 Different Ways!]

To fix the Audi sunroof shade, you need to reset it or clean the sunroof. In addition, replacing the motor, switch, and glass and repairing any leaks are also necessary to fix the shade. These fixes depend on specific problem categories, so regular and proper maintenance is required. 

How To Fix Audi Sunroof Shade – 5 Different Scenarios

When your Audi car’s sunroof shade is not working correctly, make sure that the sunroof shade is completely closed. If it is not, close it all the way and try to calibrate it.

There are five scenarios to look after to understand what kind of fix the broken sunroof shade requires.

If There Are Any Mechanical Issues

Mechanical issues can result in the sunroof shade not opening and closing correctly. It indicates a broken or jammed sunroof shade, a malfunctioning sunroof shade switch, or a problem with the sunroof relay. 

So, you must ensure that the mechanical function is working correctly and the motor is not bound up. 

Solution: Reset The Sunroof

You may need to reset the sunroof’s electric mechanism for the shade to work. There can be some mechanical tension present in the system. To reset the sunroof of your Audi Q5, here is what you need to do:

1. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position.
2. Then, close the sunroof; press and hold the sunroof button forward until it is closed, then release the button.
3. Press and hold the Sunroof button forward until the sunroof tilts and moves slightly, then release. This won’t take more than 10 seconds.
4. Press and hold the Sunroof button for 3 seconds. The sunroof will tilt closed, slide open, and then slide closed before you can release the button.

After that, release the switch and check for calibration. Overall, the sunroof shade takes 15 seconds to reset itself. If this solution doesn’t work, you may need to replace the sunroof shade. Then take your car directly to the service center. 

Summary:

If the sunroof does not respond, it has a mechanical error and should be reset. 

If There Is Dirt And Rust

When the car gets old, it begins to attract clogged-up dirt and rust at any parts. This can be the case with the sunroof shade, where you will also see some rust cluttering up around the edges. 

Solution: Clean The Sunroof Shade

First, check to ensure the sunroof shade is adequately secured in the sunroof opening. If not, gently push it up into place for cleaning up (1). 

Use a toothbrush to clean off the crunchy dust. You may also use lint rollers to clean off the clitters. Or you can gently vacuum the shade and then dampen an all-purpose cleaner to rinse or wipe it.  

Inspect the sunroof shade’s tracks for obstructions that may come about with debris. If you find anything blocking the tracks, use a soft cloth like a microfiber towel to remove it.

Lubrication is a good option as well to secure a long-term solution. You will need a silicone-based lubricant that assures the finest track lubrication. These cleaning sprays are very good at making the surface smooth and polished. 

If the problem persists, see what the user’s manual says about the situation (2). Or, it is best to take your car to a qualified Audi dealer. 

Summary:

The sunroof shade can be stuck due to clogged-up dirt and requires an extensive cleaning process involving automotive cleaners to fix it. 

Motor Is Malfunctioning

The main cause of the malfunction could be attributed to faulty motors (3), such as when sunshade calibration fails due to the motor being jammed or not functioning properly.

You can do a few things to identify a broken or malfunctioning sunroof motor inside the car. 

1. Check if the sunroof is making noise when operated or,
2. Check if the sunroof moves freely when it’s operated. 

If the gears or the sunroof motor are jammed, the shade won’t operate. Therefore, you can assess if there is an issue with the sunroof motor by inspecting these components.

Solution: Replace The Motor

Considering a few important points, the motor’s entire replacement process would work. Here they are:

1. Start by lowering or opening the headliner to remove the old motor. 
2. Next, locate the four screws that are holding the motor in place and unscrew them. After that, the motor should come right out.
3. Secure the new motor where it should be attached and fasten it with the four screws.

We recommend that a professional replace the motor in your sunroof shade, as the process involves removing the headliner assembly, which can be tricky. Once the replacement is complete, test it out by opening and closing the sunroof shade.

To fix an Audi Q5 sunroof shade motor, the cost of motor replacement, including parts and labor, is estimated at between $1200-$1400.

Summary:

The sunroof shade can malfunction due to a faulty motor or gear problem. Replacing the motor with a new one should fix the problem.

If The Sunroof Shade Rattles

The main reason for a sunroof shade to rattle is due to the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track or guide in which the sunroof shade is mounted. This can cause the guide to become misaligned, which can then cause the shade to rattle when the car is moving.

In some cases, a sunroof shade can also rattle due to wear and tear from age. Over time, the shade and its components can become worn down and loosen, leading to an uncomfortable rattling sound.

Solution: Tighten Up The Shade

The process of tightening up the sunroof shade of the Audi to fix the shade rattling issue is quite straightforward. Here are some points to follow:

• Open the sunroof shade and locate the screws used to secure the shade. With a Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the screws until they are loose enough to move the shade. 

• Then, adjust the sunroof shade to ensure it fits snugly in the opening of the sunroof. This may require trial and error, as you will need to adjust the screws until you can securely fit the shade in the opening.

• Tighten the screws once the sade is fitted securely. This is to ensure that the shade does not rattle or move around. Make sure to tighten the screws appropriately, as overtightening can cause damage to the sunroof shade.

Once the screws are tightened, you should be able to close the sunroof shade, and it should no longer rattle or move. You may need to consult a professional for further assistance if the issue persists.

Summary:

It is important to ensure that tightening the screws on the sunroof shade frame lasts as long as possible. Take professional assistance for better work efficiency. 

If There Is A Leakage

A water leak in a sunroof can occur when a seal or gasket becomes worn or damaged, allowing water to seep into the interior of the vehicle. This can cause water to accumulate in the sunroof shade, which can eventually cause the shade to become stuck or jammed.

The easy solution is a good repair of the leakage. 

Solution: Repair The Leak

There are a few things you can do to repair the leak. First, try sealing the leak with silicone caulk. To do so, you must clean the area around the leak with a rag and rubbing alcohol. 

Then, apply a sufficient amount of caulk around the surface of the shade. To do this, you will need the following:

1. Caulk gun
2. Caulk
3. Razor blade
4. Thin cardboard or poster board
5. Newspaper

And to move forward with the process, here is what you need to do:

1. Cut a piece of cardboard or poster board about the size of the sunroof.
2. Tape the cardboard or poster board to the inside of the sunroof to place it in the same position as the sunroof.
3. Apply caulking around the edges of the cardboard or poster board.
4. Let the caulking dry for 24 hours.
5. Remove the cardboard or poster board.
6. Tape the newspaper over the caulking.
7. Weight down the newspaper with something heavy.

Once the caulk is dry, you can close the sunroof shade and enjoy a leak-free ride.

Summary:

Leakage of rainwater can develop rust that can hinder the shade’s function. You can use a brush to even out silicon caulk to fix the leakage. 

When Does the Sunroof Shade Need Replacement

The sunroof shade needs replacement when it becomes torn, faded, or discolored. It is an essential component of your vehicle’s sunroof system, which protects against harmful sun rays. 

As time moves on in terms of, let’s say, 5 to 6 years, the sunroof shade fades with damaged surfaces. It’s fragile, so it can also get damaged easily. And so, proper functionality will be hampered, suggesting the need for replacement.

Moreover, if you have practices like leaving the sunroof open in the rain or not cleaning the sunroof drain tubes properly, the shelf-life of your sunroof shade might decrease more.

To replace your sunroof shade for your Audi, you must open the headliner first. Here is a video for the sunroof shade replacement process for your Audi Q5.

Summary:

Installing a new sunroof shade is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. The auto service shop will do the work in no time. 

Sunroof Shade Maintenance Guide For Durability

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that sunroofs remain functional and safe for extended periods of time.

Here are some tips for maintaining your Audi’s sunroof shade:

1. Regularly check the sunroof shade for rips or tears; if any are found, take the car to the service center as soon as possible to repair it.
2. Clean the sunroof shade with a soft cloth. Avoid using strong cleaning chemicals, as they could damage the surface.
3. When not in use, close the sunroof shade to keep it free from dust.

These easy steps are straightforward to implement, allowing you to ensure that your sunroof will remain in good condition for a long time to come.

FAQs

Bottomline

To know how to fix the Audi sunroof shade, you must understand how all the different parts work. The problems could appear from different angles, so the solutions depend on the issues for fixing them.

Hopefully, the suggestions will work for you.

Bye for now!