Just wanted to say thanks for posting the pics and the description about how you worked around the sunroof issue with your 2004 Highlander. I have an '04 Highlander and the same exact thing happened to me.
I bought the vehicle new and have opened/closed the sun roof less than 20 times in the last 5 years. On a whim I opened it yesterday and it got part way and then stopped. I followed your directions and sure enough, the cable was damaged. Clipped the cable, manually closed to the roof, and it
started raining within 20 minutes after I finished.
Thank you!!! 