If I recall, you have three knobs for AC/Heat. No sliding lever.
One knob is the fan speed, one knob is Temperature Control, the other knob is Function selector (Defrost, AC ducts, Vent, etc).
The fan is electrical switch, the Temp Control has the cable attached, and the Function control is vacuum operated (opens/closes blend door and vent/defrost doors).
Does this describe your setup?