In a message dated 98-07-20 20:43:18 EDT, MrVital@AOL.COM writes:

<<  I know virtually nothing about the particulars of VW A/C. Can
 anyone tell me (hopefully this evening) whether I can safely/confidently have
 the system recharged at my local Wal-mart? Or is this a job for VW
 specialists? Right now, the fan switch seems to operate just fine and the
fuse
 is good. I can hear the compressor kick on when I turn the thermostat.  >>

IF the compressor kicks on without a recharge, that  is a GOOD sign, that mean
that the pressure in the system has not dropped below the tollerance of the
"low pressure" tollerance switch. Good.

Wal-mart (Hell-mart) would not be my choice to work on a lawn tractor, but
their hired-off-the-street-last-Wednesday pros may be able to recharge your
system without long-term damage. After three glasses of wine, I say "go for
it."

Let us know how it goes.

gmbulley
cary, nc