Ford Repair: 97 Ford Explorer XLT Moonroof Stuck Opened, ford explorer xlt, factory sunroof

Question
'97 Explorer XLT 4door 4x4 V8 Automatic Loaded everything working great for 3 years then one day upon arriving home, the moon roof would not close. All fuses are ok. We messed with the switch for a long time and finally got it to close part way. The switch always works to open further but not to close. Is there an emergency closing proceedure or any advice on how to diagnose and repair?

Answer
It sounds like the switch is bad.  If this is a factory sunroof and not an aftermarket, like an ASC, this is a common repair.  I don't believe you can easily close this roof.  The motor may be accessible through a small cover in the headliner, and it may have a square hole to insert a quarter-inch ratchet extension, but I think they stopped using that type of motor before '97.  Try pushing up hard and wiggling the switch.  Don't EVER push or force a sunroof, almost everything attached to the glass is small and plastic (and expensive).  The upper console snaps into the roof with metal clips, and should be gently pried down.  The switch can then be easily tested with a test light or meter.

I hope this helps,
Dave