Roof Opening Panel Frame: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Lincoln MKX and 2014 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The gearing on the shade motor (white label) is different than the sliding glass motor (blue label). If the shade motor or the sliding glass motor is installed in the incorrect location, the sunshade and/or glass panel travel distance will be affected and damage to some of the components may result.

NOTE: If installing a new roof opening panel frame, the following components will need to be transferred from the original assembly: concertina blinds, front and rear shade assemblies, roof opening panel sliding glass, roof opening panel shade motor and roof opening panel sliding glass motor.

Remove the ditch mouldings and clip strips.
Remove the concertina blinds. For additional information, refer to ROOF OPENING PANEL BLIND .
Remove the roof opening sliding glass panel. For additional information, refer to ROOF OPENING PANEL GLASS - FRONT SLIDING .
Remove the air deflector assembly. For additional information, refer to AIR DEFLECTOR .
Remove the headliner. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Remove the roof opening panel front trim. For additional information, refer to ROOF OPENING PANEL TRIM - FRONT .
Remove the roof opening panel side trim panels. For additional information, refer to ROOF OPENING PANEL TRIM - SIDE .
Disconnect the roof opening panel electrical harness connector.
WARNING: Wear eye and ear protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling components or parts that have pointed or sharp edges. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Make sure the cutting blades are changed where the cutting depth changes to avoid damage to the body and trim panels. When using the Deluxe Windshield Removal Tool, place the flat side of the knife against the roof module.

NOTE: To avoid rust formation, use extreme care not to scratch the paint or primer, or otherwise damage the body during removal.

NOTE: Lubricate the urethane adhesive with water to aid the Deluxe Windshield Removal Tool when cutting the urethane adhesive.

NOTE: Add wedges as necessary to separate the roof opening panel frame from the body to relieve pressure on the cutting blade.

NOTE: Do not open the liftgate during this procedure.

Refer to the urethane adhesive path illustration in and cut as follows:
1. NOTE: Use caution when cutting to prevent damage to the windshield glass seal.
  
  From the outside of the vehicle, start at the center and work towards the front corners and around the locator pin.
2. From the outside of the vehicle, continue working along the side and towards the rear corners.
3. From the inside of the vehicle, work from the center towards the rear corners and around the rear locator pin.
Fig 1: Identifying Windshield Glass Seal Cutting Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
With the aid of an assistant, remove the roof opening panel frame.