What Is a Power Moonroof?

A moonroof panel generally consists of a square-shaped piece of thick glass that sits in the center of the roof. The glass can have a slight curved profile that follows the roofline, or it can be uniformly flat. The glass comes in various stages of sun tint, depending upon the make and model of the vehicle. Some moonroofs are equipped with chrome, one-way panels that reflect heat but let in light.

Moonroof panels have a gasket ring that seals the glass against the roof frame, to protect against the intrusion of water and air. The gasket material can be made of silicone, EPDM-type rubber or brand materials. The pliable gaskets have a maintenance-free design and construction, requiring only periodic cleaning with a cloth and water. The gasket ring also serves as a noise damper, keeping the glass panel from vibrating in the channel tracks.

Moonroof glass panels sit inside a double trackway system, which extends from the front of the glass edge, in the full closed position, to a distance at the rear of the roof structure, hidden between the headliner and roof skin. The tracks, usually made of lightweight metal, have water channels that lead to small drainage hoses. The glass panel slides back and forth on the tracks for either the open or closed position.

An electric 12-volt motor powers the moonroof glass panel, for either the open or closed position. Two cables, which connect to the motor drive gear, attach to each rear section of the glass panel. The motor winds the cables rearward to pull the glass open and pushes the cables to close the glass in a locked, forward position. The control for the motor is located near the driver's seat, in the form of a rocker button or toggle switch. The glass panel can be partially opened to any position.