A couple of basics first:
A. Are your certain the AC cycle is working, and the issue is in the HVAC position controls?
B. Have you run a VCDS scan? Any codes & what does it show is occurring when the HVAC control setting are changed?
To me, this would be the first steps. If the above appeared to be operating normally, and no errant codes are being thrown, before diving into the center console, I suggest you try cleaning:
1. All the grounds in the car, especially the large one with the peach colored ground connector located one under the engine box. Each this forum, there are posts on it.
2. The battery cable connections; & all the connections.
3. All the fusible links & terminals located on the front, exterior face of the engine bay fuse/relay box.
I know the above does not make sense. But please know that voltage irregulars on the buss and in the system will cause many, many strange issues. The above is much much easier compared to accessing the HVAC control drive motors & sensors.