sunroof problem on 1999 beetle

[nordshopper]

We recently purchased a 1999 beetle. All of the sudden the sunroof has a problem. When you try and open it, the motor goes, or tries to. It kind of grinds and half opens and then when you shut it, it grinds shut. I don't klnow if it can go off track or if something is broken. The nearest VW dealership is about 300 miles away. Took it to a local shop that services VWs, say they've never worked on sunroofs. Any ideas!?

[veedubmechanic]

Unforfunately looks like you might need a new sunroof track. You can inspect your motor by pulling off the pannel where the switch is and unbolting the motor. You can then look at the gears and see if the gears are messed up. Just make sure the sunroof is in the closed position or the motor will not move correctly.