How much would it be to charge the AC system?

 

Cost me $75-$100

 

It cost me about $60 a few years ago. I called Pepboys to get a quote and they said about $140 for 2001 Altima. That's including "Performance Check".

 

you can charge it on your own. it's much cheaper. go to autozone or whatever and get a can of R134a refridgerant with a valve to hook to your low end port.

just read the directions and you'll do it in no time.

cost 30 bucks.

 

Thats what I did. Cost: $20.

 

so with the recharge kit from the autoparts store did it work to make the system cooler? My AC blows cold for a minute or two, then warmer air for a few minutes, then back to cold.

Dont know if this is just a low refrigerant symptom, or a problem with something else...

On the top stickies however, it says how the 4th gen uses a variable compressor, where the low side pressure port ( where you hook up the DIY refrigerant kits ) wont show a noticable change in pressure if the system is under or overcharged...

so anyway, what was your experience with the DIY kits? Did it actually work? And where is the low side port in the 4th gen? Thanks

 

The low side port is near by the passenger side strut tower. It has a plastic cap with the letter L on it. The high side and low side ports are different sizes. The charging kit connector is sized for the low pressure port. You can't use the wrong one accidentally.