DIY recharging the AC: is that possible?

[Forcerouge]

Hello Everyone,
The Air conditioning is not working on my dad's car for a while. I've checked the fuses and basically everything easily accessible, but didn't find anything weird.
Basically, the clutch doesn't engage, which, I think, leaves me with only these possible options:
-Blown relay or fuse: already checked
-Pressure too low in the system: I'd like to check that
-Broken clutch or broken pump: I hope it's not that...
-Some defective sensor: I'll check the error codes first

What seems more likely to me is that the pressure is too low, the circuit might be empty since it didn't work for a long time already. So I'd simply like to make sure that this is indeed the cause, before making an actual recharge by an actual pro.
Basically, I think that if I can recharge the system a bit I should see the compressor engage and should be able to see if the system can sustain pressure for a few hours, this way I could check that there are no major leaks and that the compressor is still ok.

Some recharge kits exist and they seem pretty easy to use, but I wonder if this is actually a standard and if these would work on a 4200GT?
Something like that, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/ACP-100CA-Pr...8&qid=1452804346&sr=1-1&keywords=ac+dispenser

If yes, does anyone know where are located the ports? Did anyone try that? Any tips?
Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[conaero]

Take it to any garage that does AC recharge, its only $50 to have done and they will leak test it and check everything for you.

Its not worth spending on DIY for this job.

 

[Forcerouge]

Take it to any garage that does AC recharge, its only $50 to have done and they will leak test it and check everything for you.

Its not worth spending on DIY for this job.

Thanks for the alternative solution, but that doesn't really answer my questions.
There are a few reasons why I can't do that, mainly because of a bad timing, it won't be possible for me to schedule for that kind of stuff during the very short time window I'll be in France.

 

[davy83]

You do get DIY AC recharge stuff. problem is its not that easy to use. you need to be very careful with it. It is restricted to just topping up the regfrigerant, and i have tried it and it does work as long as there are no problems with the AC other than just a little low on refrigerant, check e-bay plenty of choices there. The commercial AC units that the garages use checks your system for leaks, drains all the refrigerant and refills it with the precise amount of refrigerant, and lubricant so the garages do a lot more than just top up the refrigerant and its worth the money i reckon. Its up to you. There is a relay which is prone to failure for the AC unit be sure you have tried that.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Even environmentally friendly refrigerant is controlled an has to be 'recovered' by an approved garage. You can fingers deals on Groupon for £30 to take it to a local garages. Just make sure you know how much refrigerant it needs.