Chrysler Repair: HVAC problem: 96 T&C, control actuators, calibration tests

Question
I have a 1996 Chrysler T%26C LXI with 148k miles. I noticed last Summer that the A/C was taking a long time (15+ minutes) for the cool air to be delivered, even though the compressor came on right away. Now, the heater is acting the same way, taking at least 15 minutes (after the engine has warmed up) before I get warm air. Also, although the blower seems to work at all speeds it doesn't seem to be delivering the force it should. Even after the heater starts to work If I turn off the engine for a  few minutes it still takes a long time to get heat back.

Answer
Hi Bob,
I am handicapped in only having a manual for the '98 model, but that one has a self-diagnostic capability to test the calibration of all the ventilation control actuators and assess the cooldown capability of the system. The test may well be available also in your 1996, but I can't guarantee it.
Starting the tests is fairly straight forward, but following up on any faults requires further action/interprestation of the way the lights are flashing at the conclusion of the first test. All the possibilities cover about 6+ pages in the manual.
But let us give it a try. The engine must be running. Set the blower on HIGH, set mode to the PANEL position, open all AC outlets, Set temperature slide pot(s) to COLD, Depress WASH and REAR WIPER simultaneously for 5 seconds (Until all LED's light). The LED's will stay on for 5 seconds. Calibration tests are running when the rear wiper and intermittent are alternatively flashing. Cooldown test is running when the A/C and recirc lights are flashing.
Acceptable result is when the rear wiper only LED is flashing.
Push rear wiper button to exit.
Interpretation of codes (presumably stored if you don't get the above result) is an involved process for which it would be better to xerox copy and postal mail you the pages.
So see whether your unit seems to behave according to what I have described, and please let me know.
The problems could be a low degree of a/c refrigerant charge and a slow flow of heated engine water through the heater core, but begin by checking the self-diagnostics.
Roland