Chrysler Repair: Control Head - Repair or Replace, 2000 chrysler 300m, chrysler 300m

Question
Greetings Roland,

I own a 2000 Chrysler 300M and the in-dash control head for the AC/heater/defrosters no longer lights up on the rightmost side.  My local dealership wants $270 plus over $200 labor to replace it.  Can this be repaired?  If not, do you know where I can obtain it aftermarket?

Answer
Hi Reg,
I don't know of a place to get it repaired, not for an aftermarket replacement. But you might try doing an internet search for such a service/source. My inclination would be to open the unit and looking at the printed circuit of the display and check/reheat the soldering connection of the wires to the edge of the display board. Also try flexing the board while the unit is powered by a jumper from a 12v source to see if you can locate a cracked trace and repair it. I can tell you about the voltage supply to the unit if you want to try to repair this yourself on your bench. Use the "thank and rate" tab where there is a space for comments. Also tell me if this is a manual or an automatice temp control type unit.
Roland