1996 Dodge Ram Do I need to replace my compressor

Do I understand that since the compressor was obviously still working, you need to replace it? Sure, that makes sense.

It's true the compressor will run in defrost mode to remove moisture from the air before blowing it onto the cold windshield, but there's also a low-pressure cutout switch in the system. When enough refrigerant leaks out to where the low side pressure drops too much, the low pressure cutout switch stops the compressor from turning on. This is done to prevent it from sucking the low side into a vacuum which could draw in moisture through the leak.

There may be other reasons someone recommended replacing the compressor, but not simply because there's a leak. It IS smart to replace the receiver / drier whenever the system is opened for service.

caradiodoc