GWM Tank 300 Sunroof Guide: Drainage, Seal Care and the Reset Procedure
The GWM Tank 300 sunroof closes automatically above 120 km/h, and closes by itself when the rain and light sensor detects rain or snow while the power supply is off. Dust and impurities in the seal strip, mechanical parts or rails cause abnormal noise, malfunction and a clogged drainage system, so the seals need regular cleaning and the mechanical parts need grease. If the sunroof behaves oddly, an initialisation procedure resets it.
Operating it properly
The same two buttons handle slide and tilt, and the difference is whether you hold or release.
Slide open and close
- Press and hold the open button to slide it gradually open, or the close button to close it, and release to stop midway
- Press and release the open button for automatic operation: it opens to a comfortable position, and pressing again opens it fully
- Press and release the close button to close automatically, and press again to stop halfway
Tilt open and close
- Press and hold the close button and the sunroof tilts open; press and hold the open button and it closes
- Press and release the close button for automatic tilt to the maximum angle, and the open button to close it
That reversal is deliberate rather than a typo. The close button tilts it open, which is exactly why owners think their sunroof is faulty on the first attempt.
The visor rule that causes real injuries
When you slide the sunroof open, the visor opens automatically in proportion to the opening angle. If the sunroof is closed and only the visor is open, you pull the visor back manually to close it.
Never close the sun visor while the sunroof is open or not fully closed. The visor can come off and cause serious injury.
Two more: do not squeeze the visor with force, because it can fall off or be damaged, and when parking for long periods close the visor so the interior trim is not damaged by heat and sun exposure.
What the anti-pinch function does not cover
The anti-pinch function stops the sunroof during automatic closing when it meets an obstruction, and returns it a certain distance.
Three situations where it will not save you:
- Thin obstructions. The closing process may not be interrupted at all
- At the moment of full closure. If something is stuck right at that point, anti-pinch does not work
- Manual closing. Holding the button down bypasses it entirely
Never test the function with any part of your body, and keep the closing area clear regardless of what the system is meant to do. Children should not operate the sunroof or the visor, and nobody should put hands or head out through an open sunroof while the vehicle is moving.
Automatic behaviour you should know about
| Attribute | High speed closing | Rain sensing | Thermal protection | Anti-pinch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Vehicle speed | Rain or snow detected with power off | Repeated switch operation | Obstruction during auto close |
| Measurement (threshold) | Above 120 km/h | Sensor detection, power OFF mode | After repeated cycling | Auto closing only |
| What happens | Sunroof closes automatically | Sunroof closes automatically | Sunroof is temporarily disabled | Closing stops and reverses |
| Reliable | Yes | Not in light rain | Resolves on its own | With limits, see above |
| Your action | None | Confirm it is fully closed before leaving | Wait for the motor to cool | Keep the area clear |
The rain sensing limitation is worth repeating. In light rain the sunroof may not close automatically, so confirm it is completely closed before you walk away.
Thermal protection is not a fault. After repeated operation of the switch, the motor protects itself and the sunroof stops responding. It returns to normal once the motor cools.
Maintenance that prevents leaks
Dust and impurities concentrate in the seal strip, mechanical parts and rails. That causes abnormal noise, sunroof malfunction, and a clogged drainage system, which is where the leak stories begin.
The routine is straightforward:
- Open the sunroof regularly and remove dust and impurities
- Wipe the seal strip surface with a clean cloth and water
- Apply grease to the mechanical parts on a regular basis
- Watch it operate and check for signs of obstruction. If it seems obstructed, take it to an authorised service centre
In the rainy season, step up the checks for sand or dust on the seal strips and remove them promptly so the sealing performance stays good.
Car washes, high pressure water and cold weather
Before a car wash facility, the sunroof must be fully closed.
Do not allow water jets to point directly at the seal strips. High pressure water deforms the seal strip, and a deformed seal is a leak waiting for the next storm. Keep pressure washers away from that area entirely, which is the same advice our post off-road care guide gives for sensors and lamp covers.
In cold, icing conditions:
- Do not force the sunroof open. Forcing it damages the motor and the seals. Wait for the interior temperature to rise and for the seals and opening to defrost
- Open the sunroof after washing the vehicle in icing conditions, and wipe the seal strips dry with a soft, dry cloth before driving
The bumpy road rule most owners break
On bumpy roads or in hilly areas, do not leave the sunroof fully open for extended periods. The vibration can damage internal sunroof components.
This is the rule that matters most for a four wheel drive. A long corrugated gravel road with the roof fully open is exactly the scenario described, and our harsh environment driving guide covers the other habits that rough surfaces punish.
Open it at the campsite, not for the three hours of washboard on the way there.
The initialisation procedure
If errors appear in the sunroof system, this resets it.
- Set the power supply to ON mode, press the sunroof closing button, and release once the sunroof has tilted to its maximum position
- Press the closing button again and hold it for more than 5 seconds. The sunroof moves with a click, which is normal
- When the sunroof returns to its maximum tilting position, release the button. Initialisation is complete
If the sunroof still malfunctions after this, take it to an authorised service centre promptly rather than continuing to cycle it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sunroof tilt when I press the close button? That is the designed behaviour. Holding or pressing the close button tilts it open, and the open button closes the tilt.
Does the sunroof close by itself in the rain? It closes when the rain and light sensor detects rain or snow with the power supply in OFF mode, but in light rain it may not. Always confirm it is fully closed before leaving the vehicle.
My sunroof has stopped responding. Is the motor dead? Check whether you have been cycling the switch repeatedly. Thermal protection temporarily disables it, and it recovers once the motor cools.
Can I pressure wash around the sunroof? No. High pressure water deforms the seal strip, and the sunroof must be fully closed before entering a car wash facility.
Why is water getting into the cabin when the glass looks sealed? Clogged drainage is the usual cause, and dust and impurities in the seal strip and rails are what clog it. Regular cleaning is the preventative measure.