2005 Lincoln LS need to recharge AC

You don't need to engage the compressor to fill the system. Just hook up the bottle to the correct port and shake the can as it charges the system. The compressor will kick in as soon as it detects a charge. (Assuming it functions in the first place)

But if the charge is low, then there's probably a leak in it.

If you don't get that fixed the new charge will just leak back out.