I'm trying to remove my sunroof and clean the drains because it is leaking. The problem is that in all the explanations on how to do this the first step is to put the sunroof in the vent position. My sunroof is jammed shut, I bought it that way so I don't know how it got that way and didn't really care until it started leaking.
This is a manual crank sunroof. The crank nor the sunroof will budge in either direction.
So, here's what I have done. I removed the crank itself, and then the piece of plastic covering the gear. Then I removed the screws on either side of the gear and removed the gear. I tested this part and it works fine. I replaced the gear and the crank and tried jiggleing and otherwise coercing it to open including pushing up on the rear of the sunroof while trying to turn the crank. That's as far as I could get. Everything I have read says to vent the sunroof remove the clips and so on and so fourth. Any ideas on how to remove a sunroof that won't budge?
Thanks for your help.

Yarp.
I had the same situation, but with an electric sunroof.
Once you start this, you'll not want to stop and leave it at any point. Thing will rattle, maybe leak. It could be bad.

You need to do the following:
Gently, etc, force up the rear of the sunroof (as it would be if vented) and reach something under it to disconnect the spring-loaded metal catches that hold the vent part to the metal sunroof top.
You may find a dental pick or a metal coat hanger work well.

Once those two clips are removed, you should be able to slide the metal headliner portion back as described in the FAQ.
Basically, push back (pretty hard) to release the clips, but be careful to NOT lift up the vent flap. Once you have it loose the first time (maybe with the vent flap in the way) it's much easier to move it back and forth and finagle the vent flap.

Once you slide the vent flap back, you should have access to the front drains.
The rear drains, however...... I think are covered way back with the headliner pan.
I think the best for the rear drains would be to get into the trunk and clear them from that side with a very long ..something. maybe a toilet snake would work here.

Once you have the headliner panel portion of the sunroof loose, hopefully you can slide it back far enough to remove the rear, side, and front screws. Then you'll have real access to the sunroof to remove and replace the broken bits.
They're pretty cheap from pick and pull. If you don't want to bother, you should be able to just slide the panel back and re-force the rear to vent, and reattach the vent flap... spring loaded retainers. (there must be a better name for them). Keep in mind that you might bend or break something in forcing it to vent, or be unable to reattach the vent hold-downs.

More on fixing the sunroof:
It seems that the most commonly broken items are the metal tracks that vent the sunroof. They're pretty easily replaced (watch out for flying c-clips) though.

You would probably have a much easier time if you went to the junkyard and took one apart there, as you'll need parts eventually, and you will not have to worry about destroying yours.

Good Luck, and I'll answer anything I can, just ask.

-Will
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1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond

It's possible the previous owner sealed it with some sealant because it leaked?
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I don't think so, I can push down on the sunroof from the outside and it's not sealed.

I guess I would remove the gear assembly, and gently try to pull the rear upward. You don't need alot of room to remove the clips. I would use a coat hanger or something like that. The clips just slide rearward and are spring loaded in position.
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