AC is a specialty on its own. I am no expert but I have done some work on some, not all, successful.
AC work requires a bunch of specialized tools. Some parts stores will loan or rent AC tools. Beats having lots of expensive tools sitting on the shelf unused for years.
All that being said, yes, low refrigerant can cause the compressor to cycle. On the receiver dryer, there is a switch which usually has two leads. If you pull the connector off, and short the two leads using a wire, the compressor should run. Don't let it run for long like that or you can fry your compressor. If it runs with it shorted then you are probably low on refrigerant. Or you can stick a set of AC gauges on the high/low ports but you have to know how to read them to tell if you are low.
Don't just add refrigerant as you probably have a leak. Best way to find the leak is an electronic leak detector. Die is ok, but if the leak is hidden from view, die is useless. If you have a leak there is sometimes a wet spot where the oil comes out also. And so you might have to add the right amount of oil as well as refrigerant.
This does not help you. Just trying to let you know what you are in for if you DIY.