Sunroof stuck open

1. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Push and hold the sunroof switch toward 2 . Once the sunroof has reached the full tilt position, release the switch. Push and hold the switch toward the 2 position again. After a delay of four seconds, the sunroof will make a small movement and backup.
3. Release the switch.
4. Within 5 seconds of releasing the switch, push and continuously hold the switch toward 2 . The sunroof will move from the tilt position to the open position and back to the close position.

check fuse and relay if good than possible motor ot track problem their should be a mechanical bypass that will let you close it if stuck open the following information is courtesy of monte carlo forum

To check the condition of your original sunroof guides:

1. Gl*** in closed position.
2. Locate & remove 3 torx bolts on each side of sunroof glass. Lift glass out of sunroof opening & set aside in a safe place.
3. Locate "J" shaped cover plate at front of sunroof track assembly. Remove 2 torx bolts from each cover plate.
4. Lift up bracket to remove.
5. Inspect the plastic guides on each side. The sunroof cables attach to guides on front outer corner. Inspect this area closely for damage.
6. Do not operate the sunroof with the J plates removed.

Troubleshooting:

If the sunroof guides are not broken & the glass is a uniform height along the rear edge your problem may be a stripped gear inside the motor. The motor has a manual override:

1. Get access to the motor by removing the map light/switch console or lowering the front of the headliner.
2. Insert a large standard screwdriver into the nylon bushing at the center of the motor hub. Push up & turn the screwdriver to manually move the sunroof glass. If the unit will fully open & close manually, you most likely only need a replacement motor.

If your sunroof is stuck in the open position follow these steps to get it closed:

1. Remove the glass.
2. Try to close the unit without the glass. Many times one side will still be operational and close correctly.
3. Try to slide the inoperable lift arm forward. If it moves, slide it forward until it stops.
4. You now need to slide the original plastic guide forward to lower the arm to the closed position. Using a standard screwdriver, push it forward. The lift arm should begin to lower.
5. If the lift arm will still not fully lower, remove the J plate as explained above, sometimes the sunroof cable will need to be lifted up to allow the guide to fully slide forward.
6. Reinstall glass.

First, were the fuses that you replaced the first BLOWN sunroof fuse with the same size? Example, 5 or 10 or 20amps...I am going to assume they were the same or you probably would have burned up the sunroof motor or just blown the replacement fuse real quick. Can you help the motor by pressing the palm of one or both of your hands against the inside of the sunroof glass and push the sunroof button while trying to help the sunroof slide back with your hand or hands. (Obviously if you use both hands someone else will have to push the sunroof button unless you have an extra arm and hand) If it slides back with the help of your hands, either the sunroof is sticking against the slide or the motor is worn down and just doesn't have enough strength to move it anymore. You could try to use a light coating of oil on the slides where the sunroof touches as it slides back and forth. Something like WD-40 preferabley but you could even use any motor oil, worst case "Cooking Oil". Good luck with my suggestions!!

I would check the power at connector to motor, if ok replace switch.

Is there a way to manually close the sunroof in the up position on a 98 Nissan Maxima?

Can't say for sure about this particular model, but most vehicles with sunroofs have a manual crank for situations like this. Generally it is located forward of the sunroof on the roof of the interior of the car, sometimes under a panel or interior light. This at least will get the roof closed until the problem can be fixed. It may also allow the sun roof to realign itself and help the electric crank to start working again.

First off, you should leave it closed. At least you can drive it that way. The grinding could be the motor itself, or a gear inside that has rounded or broken teeth. Another possibility is that it has slipped out of a channel or track. Unless you're pretty handy this sounds like a professional repair job.

It sounds like it just needs to be reinitialized. Turn your key to the on position with motor off and hold the up/full vent button down for at least 30 seconds or until your sunroof either clicks or goes to the full vent position. That should fix your problem.

some times you? can lube the track try to push it open at the same time pushing the switch

tilt the sunroof into vent position as far as possible then press and hold the same switch for 30 seconds until you see it move release the switch and immediately press and hold it again the sunroof will close and open fully then close again do not release the button until it reaches the closed position for the second time.

source: owners manual