If the AC isn't entirely cold and is running on a high fan speed, that's low freon. It's normal for it to cycle at cooler outside temps or low fan speeds - this is not a variable-displacement compressor like many new-model cars use.But after reading more I suspect it might be the clutch, as it is cycling ever 15-30 seconds
Yep. Rock chips, etc are common, and if you can see the dye from there, that may be what it leaking (though the evaporator may be too). You need to get a air dam/belly shield for the underside of the car - that thing can bottom out on stuff.And I mis-typed above, the mechanic it looked like the CONDENSER was leaking (as evidenced by the dye that had been injected a while ago). Would an almost empty condenser cause cycling because it doesn't have enough refrigerant?
Is it worth trying to refill the refrigerant on our own to see if that helps before paying for work? Or is it too risky to do without the proper monitoring equipment?
Sure, it's easy. As long as there's still refrigerant in there, buy a can at the auto parts store and fill 'er up (to the pressures on the back of the can). Blower fan on full, engine idling for at least 3 minutes, inside the car on max cold/recirculate. When it appears full on the gauge, rev it up to 2000 RPM and make sure that the pressure holds steady, or add more as appropriate. Then see how long it holds the charge before it starts cycling again/
Yay!And, we agreed to $2800 on the car!! The lady just wanted to be rid of it, and her insurance runs out next week and doesn't want to make another payment on it. So we put a deposit on it, and are trying to sell our Versa private party between now and next Monday. No bites though.
Compared to a Versa...you're going to love this car.