99 Pathfinder AC doesnt blow cold.

[guht]

I dont have a lot of wrenching or mechanical experience, but I am good with electronics, a DIYer at heart, and Im a quick learner. That being said Im looking for some detailed suggestions and information on what I can try.

I guess the obivious place to start would be the refridgerant. Is there anyway I can test to see if this needs to be done first? If I bring it in to a professional, what is the going rate for such a service? Or in other words what should I pay without taking it in the arse? Will the professional check for leaks when they check refridgerant? Is that included in price?

If its not the simple things Im assuming its the compressor, which that part alone is 300$ wholesale. Im sure a shop would charge close to 500$ for the part, and 300-400$ for the labor? Is that about right?

Is there any simple maintainence or quick fix that can be done to a compressor without having to fork over the big bucks? By simple I mean something a beginner like myself could do?

Any detailed advice or links to online resources would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[fueler]

is the compressor engaging? (does it get louder when you engage it)? if so, adding freon is the way to go you can just add some yourself for around $15 for the can and the special tube (dont get the stuff with slime in it - it will ruin your ac system) the right way to go, if the freon did indeed leak out, is to have a professional find the leak, they put a safe dye in the system and search with a UV light. But car AC is pretty tough, I know tons of car guys who dont touch it.... i do refrigeration for a living and I dont like messing with car AC either! Do you see any major punctures in the front of the condensor (looks like radiator)? It is real easy for a rock to fly in your grill and puncture the condensor (happened to me in baja once) and then it was really easy to see. I have since installed black chicken wire all in the grill to hopefully stop or slow down future rocks....

and no our compressor is not rebuildable, the pulley and compressor is all one assembly so if its your compressor that died, just replace it