How to Service a Sunroof in a Dodge Caravan

If you properly maintain your Dodge Caravan's sunroof, you can enjoy the open air in good weather and eliminate the leaks and squeaks. It's generally recommended you clean and inspect the sunroof of your Dodge Caravan at least twice a year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Plastic scraper
• Rustoleum
• New Rubber Gasket
• Level
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Compressed air
• 3-In-One Lubricant
• Lint-free cloth

Replace the Rubber Gasket of a Sunroof

1. Take off the interior trim and the headliner to fully access the sunroof in your Dodge Caravan. Take a photograph of the headliner before you do this, so you can easily return each section to its proper place later on.

2. Find the screws and bolts that hold your sunroof in place and remove them. Unplug the power source from the rear of the sunroof.

3. Ask someone to help you lift the sunroof up and away from the van. Be careful to avoid damaging the van or the sunroof during this process.

4. Use the plastic scraper to remove the existing rubber gasket and any adhesive that may be in the gasket's channel. Inspect the channel and paint it with Rustoleum if you see signs of rust or corrosion.

5. Gently lay the new rubber gasket into place. Place the outer lip in the channel first, then the inner lip. Look for wrinkles or bulges. If you find them, lift the gasket and reinstall it. The gasket needs to sit evenly and smoothly inside the channel to be properly functional.

6. Put the sunroof back and reattach the power supply. Check frequently to make sure the sunroof is level. Return the headliner to its original position and follow that up by replacing the interior trim molding pieces.

Maintain Your Sunroof

7. Inspect the sunroof of your Dodge Caravan to make sure it's seated evenly on your vehicle, not raising or lifting at one corner. Lifting indicates the presence of debris on the tracks, or a damaged seal around the sunroof.

8. Check the sunroof's drain tubes for clogging. Clear the tubes using compressed air and replace them so they can continue to drain excess water.

9. Remove the trim on the interior of your Dodge Caravan and allow the material to drop. Use compressed air to blow dust and debris from the tracks that move your sunroof. Lubricate them using 3-In-One, or the lubricant recommended by your owner's manual. Return the interior materials and the trim to your vehicle.

10. Clean the sunroof's rubber seal with a clean, damp, lint-free cloth. If the seal is cracked or damaged, replace it.

Tips & Warnings

• Your Dodge Caravan has four drain tubes. Two run down the front of your vehicle to the bumpers, and two run to the back, most often by your tail lights. Consult your owner's manual for specific locations, as this can vary slightly year to year.

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