Yes, my connector is cheap (I did have the vehicle running, thanks for checking coolvette01), I'm not the most intelligent person when it comes to vehicles but I can do a few things. I did push the plastic connector quick connect back to push it onto the accumulator port, but I couldn't get it to snap back when I put it on, this is probably why nothing would go into the system. I don't remember if the compressor kicked on or not since the system is so low. I haven't had a chance to try it again, but if my connector hose quick-connect won't snap in place I will have to either purchase another refill system or invest in some brass ones. Anyone know a good place to get these? Hopefully they're not expensive.

 

There might be quick fill hoses with brass fittings, I think I received one in a kit from Wal-Mart as part of a R-12 to R-134a conversion kit I bought years ago. Only way to tell is open the box and look (or have a friendly sales guy at the counter who'll do it for you) Gauges come with brass fittings but they don't attach to those little 16oz cans. When you charge with gauges you're using a 30lb (or bigger) bottle of refrigerant. Not really cost effective for the annual charge.
Then again I might be wrong, maybe the gauges will attach to the can adapter if you can remove the hose? Never tried it, I have 30lb bottles of refrigerants. Maybe someone else can weigh in who's tried it.

 

I have the same problem sometimes with my brass connector. It seems that it has to be lined up exactly in order for the locking ring to snap back into place. I was having trouble because the low side port was in a bad spot and I couldn't get the hose to bend enough to line up the connector. There was only enough room for one hand (I was working on a Pontiac Aztek) so I had to bend the hose, pull back the snap ring and get it all aligned while I'm losing feeling in my hand from having it wedged in a tiny hole all crooked.

Take you time, use two hands (one on the hose and one on snap ring) and move the hose around a bit to see if it slides on. When it does the snap ring will close all by itself. Now give it a bit of a tug to make sure. Now you're in business!

Joe