Chrysler Repair: recharge a/c 96 cirrus, haynes shop, snail mail

Question
how hard is it to refill the airconditioner in a 96 cirrus lxi 2.5 litter engine? and do we have to have special tools to do it?  

Answer
Hi Dena,
From what I have read in the Chrysler shop manual it is necessary to have a pressure gauge to refill the unit to the proper level. I have chosen to leave air conditioner manitenance to independent A/C repair shops, on the basis that the cost of a new compressor is such that I would not run the risk of damage due to not having the gauge and perhaps the detailed knowledge to refill it correctly. If the system is not leaking the frequency of needing to add fluid is so low that the cost is very minimal per year of ownership. It may be that you will only have to have the servicing done once every 5 years if you aren't needing to run it everytime you drive the car (which is our experience). If you have to add frequently, then there may be a leak.
On the other hand, the Haynes shop manual also describes the procedure for a do-it-youself refill which seems straightforward and doesn't say there is a need for a gauge, just the refill kit sold at the parts store which is used to attach the can to the system. If you have run so low as the compressor will not engage, then you will need to jumper a switch in order to bypass that issue (I can tell you how to do that).
So I leave it to you, with no recommendation. I can xerox copy and snail mail you the text from the Haynes manual if you would like to see it, no charge.
Roland