[canx2k]

Hey all, finally got around to buying another 01' Sentra SE (my 4th). I just noticed a few things that need to be done on the car (holy crap the whole front end needs a redo!) and one of the most important for my wife and newborn is the A/C is totally shot.

I have ZERO experience with A/C, but am very good with my hands, as long as I have the right information to help. Since y'all are sentra loving crazies like me, I figured I'd start here.

So here's my plan:
I have no money to get it professionally done.
I have a lot of time to diagnose it
I have you (you're key!)

Please help me figure out what's wrong, where do I start?

 

[i68k]

i would check all the hoses just to be sure none of them are leaking, the ac fluid is oily and flourescent green in color like antifreeze. so if you see an oily line it maybe leaking, which would be pointless to recharge if its just going to leak all out again. also, if the is no fluid, there is no lubrication for the ac compressor which uses the oily green fluid so it doesnt seize up.

you can get yourself a can of refrigerant, and a pressure gauge. be sure to read the fsm, its has many precautions and stuff you should read, and of course you can download the fsm for free. be sure to read the directions and precautions on the can of refrigerant, the only exception i noticed was the actual pressure in the lines. be sure to fill thru the low pressure side, the thicker ac line, as the thin ac line is high pressure.

DO NOT go over 27psi on the lower pressure side, regardless of what the can says. if its already over, you may need the ac machine/technician to replace the fluid in the system, instead of just a recharge.

EDIT: this is assuming your ac compressor still kicks on. if its acting funny, like kicking on and off fast, you have to check the pressure so it is within tolerances in the fsm. make sure to wash your hands well if you get ac fluid on them, or use gloves