Bought a used 97 Maxima with 207k miles on it two months ago. I've got a list of things I've fixed on it and things to be fixed. Anyways, since I've had it, and I turn on the AC, no matter what mode I turn it on it would only blow out of the defrost vents. I did some research, here, and replaced a part I've read called the "Mode door motor" or "blend door actuator." Pulled it from a junk yard, got the part for $7, and r^2 it. Now my AC modes function and can switch between blowing at my face or feet or defrost.

So I got all exicted, thinking "Yay now all I'll have to do is recharge the AC and I'll finally have cold air for the summer" but nope. I put the gauge up to the Low port and the PSI read over 80 So I squeezed the trigger and blew out a bunch of lukewarm air and the pressure dipped down to around 65 PSI and stayed there. The temperature blowing inside the cabin didn't change.

What can I do to get cold AC in my car? I didn't try to add refrigerant to it; figured I'd do my research first. Did I do something wrong?

 

Does the compressor clutch engage? I am assuming the low pressure line is warm to the touch. It should be cold to the touch.

Does the cooling fans turn on when the AC buttons is ON?

If neither turns on then replace.

If its not the fan or the compressor, then its either the hot/cold door stopped working or the AC expansion valve/chamber inside the cabin is shot. Pain in the butt to get to.