[s-cars] A/C Recharging and Recirculation question

[Jim Fleischer]

Hey guys,

So, I'm going in this week to get my A/C recharged.  It has been blowing "cool," not cold since I've owned the car, about 4 years now.  Steadily decreasing as the years have gone by.  Now it blows ambient air temperature.  While it was blowing "cool" the recirculation flap always worked.  Now that the A/C seems to have lost all it's charge, the recirculation flap does not stay "on."  Are these two things related, for instance, will I get my recirculation back when it gets recharged?  Or is it another problem with the system?

Also, I was quoted about $200 for a recharge, including some dye to locate a current or future leak in the system.  Is this a fair price, or should I shop around a bit more?

Thanks!

Jim Fleischer
'95 s6 avant