93 Passat VR6 A/C, melted dials

I just bought a 93 Passat VR6 GLX and can't get the A/C to work. Followed most of the threads and check all suggestions. The fuses seem to be all ok.
I have noticed that the temp dials (above the A/C on/of switch) are a little bit melted. before i take the dash out- can there be an old short in there that causes the A/C not to respond?
The lights on the on/of switch doesn't even light up when pressed "on" (both max and norm).
the cigarette light doesn't work or light up either, neither does the instrument light for the temp dial and blower.
Thanks

Look at the cooling fan control module under the hood near the left strut tower. It has a 50Amp strip fuse & 20Amp plug in fuse. Pull the elecrical connectors that come in from the bottom & see if corrosion is leaking out.

Look at the cooling fan control module under the hood near the left strut tower. It has a 50Amp strip fuse & 20Amp plug in fuse. Pull the elecrical connectors that come in from the bottom & see if corrosion is leaking out.

thanks, boschman. i'll check it out and let you know.

hi boschman,
the fuse and connections look fine- no corrosion.
i'm trying to remove the panel where the dials are to have a look if there is some damage or a loose connection but i'm having trouble getting any further than popping off the panel around the dials. do i really have to remove the whole dash? is it even worth looking behind there? are there any other fuses or modules i can check besides the ones under the steering wheel?
i would like to find out if the compressor is working or not- if it's dead i would stop trying.
thanks for helping

Have you hooked up a set of gauges to see if there's any freon in the system? You can run a power wire to the compressor clutch to make the compressor engage, but it is advised you ensure there is freon in the system first.

i was able to pull the dash and figured out quickly that the switch was disconnected. easy fix. the a/c is running fine now.
in order for the compressor to kick in the system needs to be fully charged, right? any advise regarding recharging the system? is it necessary or does freon stay "fresh" forever?
thanks for your help