Everyone with a sunroof: I know all the 2nd Gen's have this stupid little lockout button for closing the sunroof. Not sure of the purpose of it other than to annoy me. Mine is getting harder and harder to depress. Feels like it's worn out or binding sometimes. Half the time it is stuck down, defeating what I guess was it's intended purpose originally?

Do the 3rd Gen Runners have this? Anyone know if I could swap in a switch from a 3rd Gen? Maybe just eliminate that button somehow?

 

I have a 2001 4runner with sunroof. I do not think I have a lockout button. I just have the one switch to open/close/tilt.

 

No lockout on mine. It does have a safety stop on closing (stops about 3/4), then you have to press it again for a complete shut.

 

My guess is the lockout button is supposed to prevent people from smashing their fingers. Your natural tendency is to use your thumb to push the button, but that places your other 4 fingers right where the sunroof wants to be. The lockout button forces you to use your index and middle finger to close the sunroof, keeping your fingers out of harms way.

I looked at the 3rd gen sunroof button and it's in a different place all together so no need for the lockout button. If you want to bypass the lockout button, I'm sure you can do it. Take it apart and take a look at the mechanism. My button tends to stick too.

 

Why not get another rear window switch (or similar) and wire it up in one of the spare cutouts on the dash. Then you won't be reaching over your head to open or close the roof.......

 

I dont remember how it went but there was a clip that once you depress that button you are able to depress and be able to close the sunroof. I just opend it up and removed that piece, so now i able to close the sunroof without having to press both buttons, still has the stock look features but the button is out of commission.

 

I actually have the opposite problem, my gets stuck in the unlocked position...cool with me! I have a '95 and it still has the switch...if it becomes a problem I will just bypass it.