My sunroof will not open but when I've tried the button I've had it barely open and barely shut again. Is this a sign of the motor or switch having an issue?

Any suggestions to debugging this would be greatlly appreciated.

I've got the same problem. Although Volvo switches tend to go out more often than others, they can be easily taken apart and cleaned. Just be careful not to break the tabs off when taking it apart. Once you've got it apart, you can clean the contacts. Unfortunately, mine has failed due to lack of lube I think b/c the plaster roller inside has a flat spot worn in it. The result is that when you press on the switch, the roller doesn't push on the contacts hard enough and there is no contact. The great part is that it will open but won't close!
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Lance '92 965 w/ 180K miles

I agree. Try cleaning the switch. It's cheap and easy. If it doesn't work, then go from there.

When mine went bad, I replaced the motor first... of course it didn't work (and cost $300). I cleaned the switch (for free) and that did the job. (Dohw!)

Jeff Pierce
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'93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow

More than likely its the switch. I had the same problem with my 965 sunroof. The switch retails for around $40.00. For some reason Volvo switches are not very durable. I've had to replace most all of my window switches at one time or another. Hope this helps.

As the other post notes the switches can be taken apart with care. I've done this to clean COKE out of the seat heater switches.

The switches are not very resistant to vapors and liquids and therefor are easily contaminated to the point where they don't work well. I've restored many by taking them apart and cleaning the crud out of them.
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'96 965 with 16' wheels at 112K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

I had a similar event last week with my 96 960. It would open though not fully, and close within 3". Found the "c" clip had departed the clevis pin for the right side cable drive, pin fell out and jammed the track. Upon disassembly discovered the selector gates (previously replaced under warranty - See Volvo S/B 900-8-83-0013) plastic insert missing, chipped, broken, cracked and deteriorated. Replaced all bad parts works satisfactory again. This sunroof was a total redesign in 1995. Motor checked out good though.