I had assumed the button to the left would be for the drivers door. It’s actually the one farthest to the right. If you flip the switch around, moving the switch up makes the window go down. Is that the way they are supposed to be???

 

When installed, the driver's window should be the button furthest forward, such that when actuated upward the driver's window goes up. When actuated downward the driver's window goes down. In this orientation, the first two buttons toward the front of the vehicle are the two front door windows. The two rearward buttons control the rear windows. Buttons from front to back are Driver, Front passenger, Left Rear, Right Rear.

 

^^^^ X2 What he said.

 

Ok, just wondering. I assumed the drivers door window switch would be the one closest to the driver. Thanks

 

Good point, matt69olds! I thought something didn't sound right so I just now went out and checked my '69 4-4-2 with power windows and its original wire harness and original 4-button switch. The button closest to the driver controls the driver window, the next button forward the passenger door window, the third button forward the driver side rear window, and the 4th button (forward-most button) the passenger rear window. For all buttons, push up to make the window go up and down for the window to go down. Accordingly, I'm pretty sure the driver door window button is the furthest one aft, not forward.

Randy C.

'68 4-4-2 convertible (Best in Class at the 2011 OCA Reno Nationals)
'69 4-4-2 convertible (a nice driver)

 

Interesting. I guess I’m not going to worry about repinning the master switch if it’s the way is supposed to be. Just strange that it appears either way is the “correct” way.

I suppose it doesn’t matter, I get use to whatever the switch layout is when it’s all done.

 

I have a 71 Cutlass with factory P.W and it is set up just like Randy’s 69. Somethings odd about your set up

 

Things that make you go "hmm...." It could be possible that my door was reassembled incorrectly by the previous owner. Perhaps it was different in 1968 VS 1969 and 1971.

This got me thinking, and I'm pretty sure I got it wrong going from memory - Sorry 'bout that! My car is still on jack-stands and it's been a few years since I last moved the windows up or down. So I dug out the Body Service Manual and checked. Lo and Behold, Randy and BFG's experience matches the drawing in the manual. Either my memory is out of whack - completely possible - or my harness has been altered.

 

IIRC, it was changed somewhere along the line at the factory.

 

Matt, or Anyone - Your thread is timely. My 1971 CS convertible driver door electric window master switch has finally gone South. Individual switches at each power window work flawlessly (Front Passenger, Rear Right Passenger, Left Rear Passenger and the Front Driver). The master switch is inoperable for both rear windows. Therefore, I need to replace the driver's door Master Switch (most likely); however, before I purchase a new switch I will remove the current inoperable switch to ensure the contacts, pins, cables are secure and can't be reconditioned by me.

QUESTION: I am assuming I need to remove the entire door panel to remove the switch to gain access to the switch, wiring, pins & connectors. I have the Fisher Body Manual, the Factory Assembly Manual & the CSS. Did you use one of these manuals to visualize the removal of the door panel? I haven't removed a door panel off this car previously. Thank You!

EDIT: I believe I found the required section in the Fisher Body Service Manual at the beginning of Chapter 13.

 

Norm, You probably know this, the switch can be dissembled. There are 2 or 4 tabs with tangs on them that secure the switch body into the housing. It takes a little doing but the tangs have to be pushed in at the same time pulling out the tab. Usually the problem is dirt on the contacts. Or, check that the wiring in the door boot is OK, this was a trouble spot for all GM cars with power windows. Karl

 

Karl - Thank you very much!

 

My ‘71 4-4-2 factory power windows are the same set up as Randy’s and BFG’s, furthest aft is drivers window.

And Norm when reassembled make sure the switch wiring inside of the drivers door doesn’t interfere with the operation of the window glass - seems obvious I know, but can happen

 

I agree with the multiple replies on the subject. On My 70 SX power windows - the rearmost button is driver door, next one forward is passenger door, next one is driver rear and Forward most button is right rear window. Is it possible you have switch backwards or upside down?

 

^^This is same orientation as my 1971 CS convertible.^^

 

The only way for the switch to be backwards is to push the button down, to make the window go up.

I moved the pins around so it works the way I want it to (button closest to the driver is for the drivers door). To me it seems logical to have the switch closet to me controlling the most used window.

 

I've had several 4 door GM cars (6 to be exact), late 60's to '88 and all had power windows, all had the drivers window switch closest to the driver, just like oldsconv mentions.