I would do same as JohnHere posted.

JohnHere wrote:You could recover the charge through the low side only

This

Sounds like your gauge set holds vacuum.

bazzy - you stated that the compressor drive plate stops turning after a while. I suggest to concentrate on THAT.

I have noticed when this does happen the compressor does appear to have stopped so perhaps i could try that with the indicator light even if it is just a temporary addition to see what is going on. Yes, would be of GREAT value to know if the AC clutch is getting voltage when the drive plate (center...

I doubt refrigerant level would cause cycling between hot and cold unless the level was so low that it stopped the compressor engagement due to low pressures. Make sure the fan clutch or electric fans in the engine compartment are all working properly, especially if cooling is better on the highway ...

Similar symptoms to my 1998 Frontier AC about 1.5 years ago. I had soldered on a wire to the compressor wire on mine, which I routed to a blue indicator light on the dashboard. So I noticed that when my cooling stopped that the compressor was still getting positive voltage. So when the air went warm...

Another reason for manufacturing to be in China is that their environmental rules are more lax...

Daniel wrote:How to remove an expansion valve on a 2008 BMW 328i

Al9 wrote:Trying to source a brand new one for such an old vehicle will likely yield poorly assembled, and who knows what's inside the power head , Chinese garbage.

Wow - all 6 of my vehicles are 2005 or older !!!!

Step 1. Disconnect negative battery terminal

Step 2. Recover refrigerant

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