1997 Maxima low on freon

check you antifreeze level, if its low you may not get any heat. other then that it can be vapor locked (not great if it hasn't been emptied and refilled recently , could be a bad head gasket) or it can be the control in the dash...if so you may hear what sounds like an air leak(losing vacuum) or the air doors may be stuck towards the cold.......I hope your antifreeze is low, the other things are a pain to fix usually

Possibly , low pressure in the system will prevent the compressor from turning on. Unfortunately several other things could do it as well.

You say the pressures are good?The low side on this vehicle need to be lower than most,because it has a expansion valve,it needs to be around 30 psi,to about 35,if it is not,and the freon level is correct,then the expansion valve is bad.If this was helpful,please rate,thank you.

Yes you can, go to any auto parts store. Putting vacuum on the system to empty is just to make sure any outside moisture didnt enter the system through whatever leak caused some of the freon to discharge.

First line of attack is the A/c Fan and Engine Fan Fuses and Relays.
Second, when starting from COLD, put Blowers and A/c on MAX immediately this may confirm my thoughts.
Next trace the harness for the Coolant Temp. Sensor, [not the thermosat Temp sensor], pull the connection plug, inspect for corrosion or wiring break. Do likewise, for the A/c High and Low Pressure [On the Pipeline] Switches.
Regards,DT

check for system leacks (lines,fittingis,comperssor,dryer,condensor )

simply "adding a can"is a good way to end up with non-functional A/C. the typical system has high/low pressure switches that enable/disable the system. you need to be at the correct volume of refrigerant as specified on the sticker under the hood. i recommend using the proper equipment, evacuating, pulling a vacuum, and then refilling the system with the appropriate amount.

Thats nearly three times too much freon installed in it. Most large cars take less than 2 pounds to fill

You will need R134a, and a filler hose. Charge the system on the low pressure side, it should have a blue cap on the charge point.
Your filler hose will only fit the low pressure side, just in case the cap has been removed.

Are you sure the compressor is engaging? It normally wont engage if the line pressure is to low(meaning the system is out of freon.)