Chrysler Repair: ac/heat cluster?, control knobs, chrysler cirrus

Question
This is a conventional control unit.  Regular Dial switches
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Followup To
Question -
Mr. Finston,
My question concerns our 2000 Chrysler Cirrus.  We have had the ac/heat cluster repaired 3 times now.  The last time in 2003 they were supposed to replace the entire thing (I am not sure that actully happened).  Anyhow, the problem is that the switches no longer switch (from heat to ac and the temp from cool to hot).  Only one switch out of the three works (to control the output from the fan).  I am beginning to wonder if it is just the cluster that is in need of repair or if there is something causing it to stop working.
Any ideas?  
P.S. What is the actual name of the part? I have just been calling it the ac/heat cluster.
Thank you so very much.
Michelle
Answer -
Hi Michelle,
Is this an automatic temp control unit (digital readout) or a conventional control unit? Let me know and we'll take it from there.
Roland

Answer
Hi Michelle,
It may well be that the only problem you have is that the cable that is attached to each of the knobs that don't work is out of adjustment. I am a bit limited in that I have not personally seen the unit and am instead working from the Chrysler shop manual for the Cirrus ('96 model) which is very likely identical to your 2000. The manual describes the need to adjust the cables so that the adjusters are actually accomplishing what they intend. The cable has 2 parts: the central wire (called the cable) and the outer shell (called the jacket). To accomplish the motion of the levers of the AC/heater unit, the cables have to be taut when the control knobs are fully counterclockwise. The cable of course has to be attached at both ends to the knob lever and to the lever of the AC/heater unit door that it operates.  You make the adjustment by unclipping the jacket from the module after having turned the knob fully counerclockwise, then pull the jacket away from the cable end until it is taut, then reclip the jacket in the new position. The knob should still rotate a full half turn, but now its motion will fully effectuate the movement of the control door at the other end of the cable. Probably you have too much slack in the cable/sheath and thus your problem.  
Here is the instruction on how to get to the cable and jacket of each knob by removing the control unit sufficiently to see what you need to do:
There are actually two cables: one for the recirc door and one for the temp control door. I'll give you the steps for the temp door but it is identical for recirc door. I quote from the manual:
"1.Make sure the ignition switch if OFF
2. Remove trim bezel from around the heater/AC module
3. Remove the 3 cluster hood bezel retaining screws at the edge of the trim bezel opening (bottom, one on each side.)
4. Pry up the cluster hood bezel a few inches to expose the cubby bin/cigar lighter bezel screws.
5. Remove the cb/cl bezel and wiring.
6. Remove 2 control module retaining screws (lower left, mid-right side). Drop the control module in the cb/cl module bezel opening. Disconnect the wiring on the rear of the module.
7. Release the temp cable retaining clip from the top of the control module. Retain the clip for future use."
(This last part is not necessary unless you have to remove the cable to replace it): "Then disconnect the temp control cable.
Disconnect cable at A/C housing
8.Remove cable core end from the temperature actuator lever."
Let me know if you need a few drawings showing some of these steps and I'll xerox copy and snail mail them to you.
Roland