What can I check, besides the fuse, to determine why my 1999 New Jetta power sunroof won't open (there's no indication that it's even getting any power - no sounds or anything)

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category.

No, disconnecting the battery will cause even more problems like the vehicle not starting and running rough for a week.

Just close the sunroof manually and then check the fuses and relays.

https://www.google.com/search?q=1997+Volkswagen+Jetta.+The+sunroof+wont+close

https://www.google.com/search?q=1997+volkswagen+jetta.+sunroof+fuse+location

..

Is there anything else to check before changing the motors ? Yeah , hook up a factory or some other type of professional scanner an check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes,also to see if the scanner will communicate with the modules. Changing batterys without a alternate power supply can cause modules to go to sleep permanently.

Battery Disconnect Problems (aa1car.com)

Power Sunroof System Components
The Power Sunroof and Sunshade System consists of the following components:
• Sunroof control module
• Sunshade control module
• Sunroof switch
• Sunshade switch
• Rail and track assembly upon which the sunroof and sunshade glass rides
• S/ROOF/SUNSHADE Fuse 30 A
• Body control module (BCM)


Don't be a parts changer, learn how to diagnose! So before you go wasting your money on parts not needed see if a professional scanner can communicate with all the modules on the vehicle.

The Power Sunroof System will operate only with the ignition turned to the RUN or Accessory positions, this allows for retained accessory power (RAP) control of the sunroof and sunshade through the body control module (BCM). With the ignition in the run or accessory positions, the BCM supplies the sunroof and sunshade control modules with ignition voltage which allows sunroof and sunshade operation. Once the ignition switch is turned to OFF the sunroof will continue to operate until any door is opened or when the RAP timer reaches its shut-off limit. For a description and operation of the RAP operation, refer to Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Description and Operation.


Circuit/System Description
The sunroof and sunroof shade modules supply each of the switch signal circuits with a 12-volt reference. When a switch is pressed the signal circuit is pulled low signaling the sunroof or sunroof shade open or close request. The modules determine the motor direction based on inputs received from the sunroof switches. When the modules reverse the polarity of the applied voltage, the motors reverse direction. The sunroof shade module contains the logic for opening and closing the sunshade based on Serial Data from the sunroof control module. Ignition voltage is supplied to the sunroof and sunroof shade modules by the BCM. B+ is applied to the sunroof and sunroof shade modules via the S/ROOF fuse.
The sunroof shade module contains the logic for opening and closing the sunshade based on Serial Data from the sunroof control module. The sunroof shade module internally applies voltage and ground to the appropriate circuits of the reversible sunshade motor in order to move the sunshade panel to the open or closed positions.

Check the RAP fuse in the rear fuse box , this fuse powers the sunroof control module ! Fuse Block - Rear , Left rear of the passenger compartment, under the rear seat .
The sunroof module contains the logic for the opening and the closing of the sunroof. The sunroof motor assembly contains the reversible DC drive motor, the gear train, and the limit switch.
The sunroof module determines the sunroof motor direction based on inputs received from the overhead console sunroof switches. When the ignition switch is in the ON position or when retained accessory power (RAP) is active, voltage is applied to the sunroof module via the RAP relay. For a description and operation of the RAP system, refer to Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Description and Operation in Retained Accessory Power. The sunroof module controls the sunroof motor direction by changing the polarity of the applied voltage. The sunroof module remembers the sunroof position whenever the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. The limit switch is used as an input to the sunroof module to indicate that the glass is fully closed, or in the comfort stop positions. The limit switch is grounded when the sunroof glass is in the fully closed or comfort stop positions, otherwise it is open.
The SLIDE CLOSE mode is initiated by moving and holding the sunroof slide switch (ROOF) forward. This applies a ground provided from the sunroof limit switch low reference circuit to the sunroof switch close vent signal input of the sunroof module. The sunroof module controls voltage to the control circuits of the sunroof motor. The sunroof motor will run until the limit switch contacts are closed. The closing of the limit switch will apply the sunroof limit switch low reference circuit to the sunroof limit switch soft stop signal circuit to the sunroof module, indicating the flush closed position has been reached. As the sunroof is approaching the close position the sunroof glass will force the wind deflector downward.
You need to have a factory scan tool hooked up an have it checked for DTC'S in the sunroof control module ! a code reader will not do this , a code reader will only check the engine codes for OBD 2 .
Important: The following must be completed before using the symptom tables.

1. Perform Diagnostic System Check - Power Sunroof in order to verify that all of the following are true:
?€¢
No DTCs are set.



?€¢
The control modules can communicate via the serial data link.


2. Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Sunroof Description and Operation

your better off taking to the dealer !

the motor for the sunroof might be the problem if thats the only time it happens start with the motor circut , fuses ,controle and grounds test motor last

PROBLEM COULD BE IN THE SUNROOF CONTROL UNIT.

you have a failed door latch . you will have to remove door panel and window regulator to get to the latch. you can check this by closing all doors then open one by one when you open one see if you dome lights come on if they do that latch is ok. common issue. water gets into the electrical portion and kills it. most likely just drivers door it is opened the most. 1-2 hours at a shop and problem should be gone.

Some customers may comment that the sunroof will no longer respond to the control switch while in a vented, partially opened, or fully opened position.
Cause A software issue with the sunroof control module may cause the sunroof control module to incorrectly indicate a "closed" position, which may result in no power to the sunroof motor.
Correction Verify the customer concern. If a condition is present, replace the sunroof control module with a new sunroof control module, P/N 15847643. Refer to the Service Procedure in this bulletin.
Service Procedure

1. Verify the customer concern by opening and closing the sunroof. • If the sunroof will not open , check the power windows. - If the power windows are also inoperative, check the fuse. If the fuse has opened, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 05-08-64-004 to install 30A circuit breaker. - If the power windows are fully functional, refer to "Power Sunroof Inoperative" diagnostics (SI Document ID# 1392967) in the Body section of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox or Saturn VUE Service Manual. • If the sunroof will open (or is already open), but will not close , proceed to Step 2.
2. Replace the sunroof control module. Refer to "Sunroof Control Module Replacement" procedure in the Body section of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual (SI Document ID# 1196049) or Saturn VUE Service Manual (SI Document ID# 1710479).
3. Open and close the sunroof in order to confirm that the customer concern has been resolved.

Parts Information Part Number
Description
Qty
15847643
Sunroof Control Module
1

i cant help you with anything but the radio, but dont just check the fuse-you have to actually remove it for about one minute and put it back in. it shuold then work! ughhhhh VW!!!! thank god for sites like these!

The motor is accessed after removing the interior roof light console. I have to warn you that Freelander sunroofs have a lot of problems. To change the motor, I think you will have to remove the roof lining as well with all that entails. The Land Rover Workshop manual has all the detail whereas the Haynes manual does not.
Try www.myfreelander.co.uk/Body/sunroof5door.htm for an exploded view of the sunroof.

you can open and close you sunroof "manually" remove the plastic cover next to your sunroof and dome light buttons (above your rearview mirror) there is an allen wrench stored inside... insert the wrench into the corresponding hole and you can close or open you sunroof by turning the wrench