Chrysler Repair: Air conditioning question, ac unit, climate control

Question
Hi, I have a 1988 5th ave. with the 5.2 engine and I have question about the ac unit. I just got the car last week and was noticing that the compressor was trying to cycle but it would kick on for a few seconds then off. It did this for a while and then finally it ran continually. However today I changed the belts and ran the car for a bit to check out that work, and I tried the defrost, and ac but the compressor did not start. The temp here today was around 30. This car does have the climate control feature in the dash control. Am I low on freon, or do I have another problem. The compressor does not squeal or make noise as some seized up units I have heard in the past. That makes me wonder if it is a freon issue. Thanks for your help Brian.


Answer
Take the cap off the low side service valve ( the bigger of the 2) and carefully push down on the valve. If it hisses, you are going to need a pound or two of freon to get her going again. If it doesn't, there is a leak somewhere in the system that needs attention.