Moonroof wind deflector pics

One of the springy arms that hold up the wind deflector was missing on my 2020 ST so the dealer salesman brought me one off another car and helped me replace it (terrifying thought, I know). Turns out there are no tools required but I couldn't find any pics online so I'm posting mine here for future users who may be intimidated. Also attaching the re-initialize / reset procedure which I needed because once the new deflector was on, the glass panel wouldn't close because apparently it wasn't used to the resistance from two spring arms. All is working well now–the glass closes all the way with one touch of the button.
Since this was done off the books I didn't get an invoice with the deflector part number on it but the online parts sites suggest that it's LB5Z-78500A26-A.

Finished installation


Close-up of where the lower deflector wire ends go in


View with the deflector removed, you can see the four hooks at the front for the lower wire but in this pic you cannot see the rectangular holes for the spring arms


The broken deflector. I found the right-hand attachment screw in the drain/gutter, and the left-hand screw was loose. Screws were tight on the replacement part


Installing the deflector is fairly straightforward; hook the spring arm ends into the rectangular slots (it is very easy to push the arm in beyond the s-bend and you have to start over if you realize it after the front lower wire is clipped in), then insert the ends of the lower wire into the holes seen above, then hook the lower wire into the four clips along the front of the opening.

Here is the text from the procedure for re-initializing the moonroof and the sun shade ("shield"). Posted as information only; please use extreme care or hire a professional.


501-17 Roof Opening Panel 2020 Explorer, Police Interceptor
General Procedures Procedure revision date: 04/26/2019
Power Roof Opening Panel Initialization

WARNING: Keep objects and body parts clear of the glass panel when carrying out the initialization procedure.
During the initialization procedure, the glass panel closes with high force and cannot detect objects in its path. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
NOTE: The roof opening panel motor must be initialized when repairs are carried out on the roof opening panel system, including: any time the roof opening panel motor has been removed, the roof opening panel glass (fixed panoramic or front sliding) has been removed or adjusted, or if the roof opening panel frame has been removed.
NOTE: Initializing includes both the roof opening panel glass motor and the shield (sunshade) motor.
1. NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the shield CLOSE button down until the shield fully closes. If in the open position, fully close the roof opening panel shield or as close as possible.
2. Press the roof opening panel VENT switch and open the glass to the full vent position or as close as possible.
3. NOTE: Front Sliding Glass Panel Initialization
NOTE: Complete the following within 60 seconds:
1. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Open the driver's door and keep open for the rest of the procedure.
3. NOTE: Vehicles with push button start, a single press and release of the START/STOP button changes the ignition to the OFF mode. Press and release the START/STOP button again to turn the ignition to ON mode. Cycle the ignition to the OFF position and then back to the ON position.
4. Press and release then press and hold the VENT switch until the glass panel moves to vent stall and pauses 1 second, then moves to the fully open position and pauses 1 second, then moves to the fully closed position.
5. Release the VENT switch.
4. NOTE: Shield (Sunshade) initialization
NOTE: Complete the following within 60 seconds.
1. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Open the driver's door and keep open for the rest of the procedure.
3. NOTE: Vehicles with push button start, a single press and release of the START/STOP button changes the ignition to the OFF mode. Press and release the START/STOP button again to turn the ignition to ON mode. Cycle the ignition to the OFF position and then back to the ON position.
4. Press and release then press and hold the shield CLOSE switch until the shield moves to fully closed and stalls for 1 second, then moves to fully open and stalls for 1 second and finally moves to the fully closed position.
5. Release the shield CLOSE switch.
5. Test the system for normal
operation. If the roof opening panel does not operate correctly, repeat the procedure.

I've had four vehicles with sun/moon roofs. Every single one had some sort of problem. I'll pass.

Thanks for sharing.

I hear ya, but I sure like 'em. My Mustang has the ultimate sun roof.

I've had a moon/sun roof on every single vehicle I've ever owned (13 now) and never had 1 issue with any of them.... mine works great, couldn't imagine a vehicle without one!

For 20 years I've had 4 vehicles with sunroofs. All except one were problem free. My 2013 MKZ had the big panaromic one piece glass roof and after 4 years started making a grinding noise. The dealership sent it to a specialist shop and it took 42 days for it to be diagnosed and repaired under warranty. That was an ordeal! I still don't regret getting one on any vehicle so far. I rarely open the one in my Explorer but like to keep the shade open most of the time to let light in.

I was planning to order mine without the MR but found mine just coming off the truck and a dealer that was willing (barely) to deal off MSRP and so I have one with a MR and in AZ - it never gets used for MANY months so could end up getting more life out of this one...

I think there was a recall on that. One of the screws fell out of the windscreen on mine and it was pointing at the sky. I used blue loctite and fixed it, never had another issue