mrbassman,
I'm quickly learning that you are right about the help on this board.
I found this board yesterday and have given many answers to problems, not one person came back with a reply. I posted my problem, with 9 views and not one reply. This board isn't worth the time I've put into it!
As far as your b-i-l's car is concerned, the butterflys common shaft get connected to the Intake Manifold Runner Control Cable (IMRC).
His must be missing some part.
These open up at higher RPM to give a shorter air path and increased torque and power.
At low RPM they are closed, giving a longer path, which results in more torque and power for this RPM range.
If one set isn't working, that could explain the un even running.
I haven't had this section apart on my 99 Sable, so I don't know exactly what parts are missing, seeing that this is a fairly new car, his best bet would probably be the dealer, the factory manual, or maybe the dealer could pull it up on his microfisch and he could get the part that was missing and see how it is suppose to connect.