I hear you about last Summer - never did get warm for long. Your A/C still would have kicked on if you ever asked for defrost - that happens year round but only when there's at least 45psi in the system - doesn't know whether that's air or what just pressure.
Ok: There are lot of things you can do and test for short bucks. Perhaps even get the Summer out of it.
You need at a bare minimum a gauge that will tap the 12 oz PURE 134a (Freon if you will) with a quick connect hose to low side port. Don't get anything with a can and gauge on it already you want separate stuff and may need to go to a parts store - not just what you'll see at department stores - that stuff can work but can also wipe out all chances of ever fixing some unknown problem if used by clogging it all up. Consider that junk "Fix a Flat" and you don't even know if you have a flat!
$$ Guess investment: Hosetap with gauge $15-20 (this will only fit low side ports)
12oz can of virgin R-134a $7.00 + or -
Just that can get you a lot of info on your own. Don't peirce the new can but you need it as a plug for the can tap so you can just take pressures. You may need it later or it's always worth that much - got it?
T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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