2018-2025 Jeep Wrangler Sky One-Touch Top Motor: Diagnosis and Buyer's Guide

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

While the motors themselves are generally reliable, the Sky One-Touch Power Top system can have issues. Many problems are not with the motor itself, but with other parts of the system causing the motors to strain or stop working.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

TSB 23-046-22 / RSU 23-190: This bulletin addresses a rattle noise from the roof area when driving over bumps. The cause is identified as loose power top fasteners. The repair involves checking the torque on 16 attaching screws and replacing them if necessary. This applies to 2020-2023 Jeep Wranglers built on or before April 15, 2023. While not a motor failure, the vibration and movement from loose components can put extra stress on the drive system over time.

Recalls

There are no specific recalls for the Sky One-Touch motors at this time. However, there are several recalls for fire risk on 2020-2025 Wrangler 4xe (plug-in hybrid) models related to the high-voltage battery system. There is also a recall for the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP) on some 2021-2025 Wranglers. These do not directly involve the convertible top motor but are important for owners to be aware of.

Symptoms of a Failing Sky Top Motor

Before assuming a motor is bad, it's important to check for simple fixes. Many symptoms can be caused by debris in the tracks, loose fuses, or the need for recalibration.

• Top is completely dead: If nothing happens when you press the button, the first step is to check the fuses. In many cases, fuses for the power top can become loose from the factory and simply need to be pushed in securely.
• "Power Top Obstacle Detected" Message: If the top moves a small amount and then stops or reverses, the system believes something is blocking its path. This can be caused by actual debris in the guide rails, binding in the mechanism, or a system glitch. Performing a recalibration procedure often resolves this.
• Grinding or Popping Noises: Loud mechanical noises during operation can indicate a problem with the drive cables or the motor's internal gears. It can also be caused by damaged guide rails.
• Uneven or Crooked Operation: If one side of the top moves faster than the other, it can cause the panel to bind in the tracks. This may point to one motor failing or a synchronization issue between the two motors. A recalibration should be attempted first.
• Slow or Strained Movement: If the top struggles to open or close, it could be a sign of a weakening motor, but it's more often caused by dirt and debris in the tracks creating excessive friction. Cleaning the tracks is the first diagnostic step.

Diagnosing the Problem

1. Check the Fuses: Open the fuse box in the engine bay. Locate the fuses for the power top (often F72/F73 or F102/F103, check your owner's manual) and ensure they are pushed in all the way. Many owners have found these loose from the factory.
2. Clean the Tracks: Thoroughly inspect and clean the guide rails on both sides of the roof opening. Remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris that could cause the top to bind.
3. Perform a System Recalibration: A recalibration can fix many issues, especially those involving obstacle detection errors or uneven movement. To recalibrate:
   1. Manually close the top completely by pressing and holding the 'close' button.
   2. Once fully closed, continue to hold the 'close' button for an additional 10 seconds.
   3. Release the button. The system should now be recalibrated, and one-touch operation should be restored.
   🎬 Watch this quick guide to calibrating the Sky One-Touch top
4. Listen to the Motors: Have a helper operate the switch while you listen near the rear of the roof on both sides. If you hear one motor running but not the other, it points to a failure of the silent motor or its wiring. If you hear a click but no movement, the motor may be seized or receiving a signal but unable to move.

Buying a Used Sky Top Motor: A Buyer's Guide

Given the high cost of a new OEM motor, a used motor from a reputable recycler is often the best value. Here’s what to look for.

1. Verify Compatibility Above All Else

This is the most critical step. The motors are side-specific and only fit the Sky One-Touch Power Top.

• Right (Passenger) Side: Look for part number 68371772AB. This part supersedes the older 68371772AA.
• Left (Driver) Side: Look for part number 68371773AB. This part supersedes the older 68371773AA.

2. Physical Inspection

• Electrical Connector: Inspect the connector pins for any signs of corrosion, bending, or damage. A clean connector is crucial.
• Motor Housing: Look for cracks, heavy corrosion, or signs of water intrusion. The motor lives in a relatively protected area, so significant damage may indicate a larger problem with the donor vehicle.
• Gear and Drive Cable: If visible, check the condition of the motor's gear. Ensure the teeth are not stripped or worn.

3. Ask About the Donor Vehicle

When buying used, information is valuable. Ask the seller for:

• Mileage: Lower mileage is always better.
• Reason for Salvage: Was the vehicle in a front-end collision? A rollover? A vehicle taken out of service due to a collision unrelated to the roof is an ideal donor. Avoid parts from flood-damaged vehicles.
• Functionality: Ask if the top was tested and confirmed to be working before the part was removed. Reputable sellers will test major components.

Cost of Replacement

Replacing a Sky One-Touch motor can be expensive, especially at a dealership where they may recommend replacing the entire assembly for thousands of dollars. Sourcing a used motor can provide significant savings.

Replacement Overview (Difficulty: 3/5)

Replacing the motor is feasible for a DIYer with moderate experience. It primarily involves removing interior trim to gain access. The entire top assembly does not need to be removed to replace a motor.

The basic steps involve:

1. Disconnecting the vehicle's battery.
2. Removing interior trim panels along the roll bar and roofline to expose the motor.
3. Unplugging the motor's electrical harness.
4. Unbolting the motor from the top's frame.
🎬 Watch a step-by-step Sky One-Touch power top installation
5. Installation is the reverse of removal. Pay close attention to bolt lengths and locations, as using the wrong bolt can cause damage.

After installation, you will need to perform the recalibration procedure mentioned in the diagnosis section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)