Sunroof Exploded!

[3rdGuy]

Sounds like I need to stay off I15!

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[Henry Ford]

I'm pretty sure the headliner will have to come out for the replacement, so not just a 1 hour repair.

That's what I thought too but after checking I now think it's a really simple job. There are three torx screws on either side of the panel and it comes out the top. In the photo below, I've circled two of the three screws on one side.

 

[StevenC56]

That's what I thought too but after checking I now think it's a really simple job. There are three torx screws on either side of the panel and it comes out the top. In the photo below, I've circled two of the three screws on one side.

I though it had been determined that the sunroof is only serviced as a complete assembly? If you can get just the glass, then you may be correct.

 

[John Becker]

Glass has a significant expansion with heat and contraction with cold. If it is restrained the stress builds up rapidly.

I had a glass patio table "explode" on my deck several winters ago. My theory is that the aluminum frame and the glass contracted at different rates on a very cold night. Hence, the frame squeezed the glass until failure.

 

[Grumpy2]

I have a hobby of slumping glass in our kiln. I have experimented mixing solids with glass, and the expansion/contraction of glass makes it nearly impossible. Copper of specific shapes can be embedded in glass as the small copper wire is soft enough to yield. I think the growth of a minor windshield chip into a big crack is at least partially due to thermal stresses.

 

[Henry Ford]

I though it had been determined that the sunroof is only serviced as a complete assembly? If you can get just the glass, then you may be correct.

Maybe. On an older truck I was able to replace the rail system only. If the part number is for the entire assembly it would be ridiculous to spend a day of labor replacing parts that don't need to be replaced. Install the glass and put the rails in storage until they break in 10 years.

 

[Nolander]

I honestly wish they offered Lariat level trims with no sunroof. They are nothing but a problem waiting to happen and have little redeeming value for the driver.

 

[Jamchampnate]

I honestly wish they offered Lariat level trims with no sunroof. They are nothing but a problem waiting to happen and have little redeeming value for the driver.

It should the an option- but I honestly love mine, even though I had the initial issue. I love the extra light and how much bigger it makes the cabin feel. My kids also absolutely love it for road trips. But it should be an option.

 

[John Becker]

I honestly wish they offered Lariat level trims with no sunroof. They are nothing but a problem waiting to happen and have little redeeming value for the driver.

The sunroof was one of the many reasons getting a Lariat SR was a no-brainer.
I saved $10,000, 500 pounds less weight, no sunroof, and plenty of range for my needs.
I've had it for 13 months and have never charged it beyond 80 percent.

 

[Jamchampnate]

The sunroof was one of the many reasons getting a Lariat SR was a no-brainer.
I saved $10,000, 500 pounds less weight, no sunroof, and plenty of range for my needs.
I've had it for 13 months and have never charged it beyond 80 percent.

That's awesome! As someone who dry camps in Utah wilderness far from chargers, the SR would never work for me, but I know lots of people who it works great. I love that the lightning has so many options, especially at incredible price points.

 

[StevenC56]

The sunroof was one of the many reasons getting a Lariat SR was a no-brainer.
I saved $10,000, 500 pounds less weight, no sunroof, and plenty of range for my needs.
I've had it for 13 months and have never charged it beyond 80 percent.

Interesting. So for 22&23, they had a Standard Range Lariat model that was scaled down a bit in features? Me, I love my sunroof.

 

[Dinozero]

I hate little useless sunroofs but love the large Panoramic ones.
My kids love it too

 

[Heliian]

Why would you involve insurance? The sunroof cracking with no impact should be a warranty issue.

Glass has a significant expansion with heat and contraction with cold. If it is restrained the stress builds up rapidly. My opinion, it is a design or fabrication issue related to the temperature.

My Expedition windshield “exploded” when I turned defrosters on during a very cold morning. The glass guy said it was a common occurrence.

While these all may be a possibility, it isn't common.

An impact doesn't have to be seen or heard to cause damage.

This is why glass coverage in your insurance is easier than trying to convince Ford it's a warranty item.

 

[Jamchampnate]

While these all may be a possibility, it isn't common.

An impact doesn't have to be seen or heard to cause damage.

This is why glass coverage in your insurance is easier than trying to convince Ford it's a warranty item.

Wasn’t hard to convince ford at all. They could see zero impact locations and they could tell it was a manufacturing defect in an hour.

 

[NCA Lightning]

No joke. Also an Utah lightning owner here checking in. Had the EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN. ALSO ON I15 heading south about 10 months ago. No impact at all. Same issue.

Called LHM in Provo (they are close to me) and they ended up having it repaired under warranty through Ford directly. Took about 7 days. Reach out to them!

I called the dealer again and told them I need them to replace the track to make sure I don't have bits of glass that will eventually destroy the mechanism. Going in tomorrow for evaluation. I'll report back.

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