Chrysler Repair: 1995 new yorker: A/C-heater control problem, air distribution system, automatic temperature control

Question
i have 1995 new Yorker and the heat and ac controls are intermittent coming on and off, no power on the control buttons, not even rear defrost. car seems to be in a default heat defrost mode. sometimes all is ok sometimes not

Answer
Hi Tony,
Because the term "buttons" came up I suspect that the automatic temperature control system is the type of ventilation that you have. The "computer" is a part of that control panel in the dash. Before concluding a new panel is needed a test should be done to see if the computer has recognized any problems and described them in the form of two digit fault codes stored in its memory. Did someone do such a inquiry? If so, what numbers did they get? If not you can do the readout yourself:
The unit does have a self-diagnostic capability. The engine has to be running and the car not in motion to do the test. Simultaneously press the floor, mix, and defrost buttons, (the 1st,2nd and 4th on the top row) and see if the display unit begins to blink. Release the buttons when it has started to do that and then after it blinks for a while longer watch for two digit numbers to appear on the readout. Those are the fault codes. If the first number appears and stays in place, push on the first button in the bottom row (panel) to continue the readout. At the end of the readout the unit will return to normal settings.
Then write back with the number(s) and also tell me more about exactly what is wrong with the function of the unit.*
If the head unit doesn't respond at all, then check fuse #6 under the dash. There is also a 12V supply line to the control that is directly connected to the battery on a black/pink wire on the green plug (pin 1) on the rear of the control unit that should be checked to verify that you are getting that power to the control unit.  
I would do a thorough readout before buying a new control unit. It may be a part in the air distribution system itself rather than the computer that is the problem. And you also might find a working used unit at a wrecking yard.

Roland
*The code numbers range from 23-36. You can also get a decoder list at www.allpar.com/fix/codes_climate.html