I ended up buying a can of refrigerant with the gauge on it. Nothing read on the gauge when I connected it. I added about half the can, and at that point the compressor engaged. I filled it to the proper amount on the gauge, and I have somewhat cold air. I'm now thinking I should spend the money and have a shop properly evacuate and recharge the system. also curious if there is a decent sized leak somewhere, which would be apparent when they vacuum the system.

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Black Sapphire Metallic 2002 4.6is