Again to all on the BB, thanks for your patience.

As I understand it, the last suggestion of hotwiring the compressor would make it kick on. At that point I could then get an accurate charge reading on the gauge. Without the compressor engaging, the reading I get is 45. If it drops into the 20s then it is low and would need to be recharged. I have read that if the compressor does not engage, then the system cannot be charged.

Hopefully, these are my last two questions: 1) To hotwire the compressor, I think I need to pull apart the inline fuse looking thing on the compressor and hook one of the wires up to the positive side of the battery. Do I hook up the wire that goes to the front of the compressor to the positive end of the battery or do I hook up the wire that goes to the back of the compressor to the positive side of the battery? 2) If this kicks the compressor on and the gauge drops to show a low charge, can I charge the system with the compressor still hotwired?

I guess in all of this my prayer is that the system was too low on freon to kick on the clutch. Apparently, this is a safety measure.

This will probably be my last effort before going to a mechanic. Is this worth a shot?

Again, thanks to all!