kbdecatur

Hello im tring to find out how can i find out if i need a top switch or if the top motor is bad its a 72 cutlass..

Lady72nRob71

Will jiggling the switch or mashing it harder cause any partial operation of the top (or at least some kind of sound from back there?
If so, switch is bad.
If not, check circuit breaker in fuse block, top left corner (metal can) . Verify 12V on both sides when measured to ground while mashing the top switch in either direction.

Next, jump 12V to the large purple and / or large gray wires coming from the switch. Do this at whatever connector you can get at, either under the dash or behind the rear seat.
However, make sure the motor ground wire is attached and secure first.
For reference, here is what the switch looks like from behind the dash (right-side picture)...

Orange is constant 12V.

The motor has two independent windings for up and down so chances are it should work in at least one direction. I vote main power or switch. In 72 the switch moves all the current to the motor (no relays) so the contacts usually burn and pit, causing failure.
Instructions for getting the switch out and overhauling it can be found here:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...html#post58161

kbdecatur

Thanks for the information this is very helpful...