1996 accord. just recently after running the a/c for a minute both of the engine fans cut off and the a/c blows warm air. idle also drops to almost 0 and returns to normal when a/c is off.

Sounds like either low freon, a bad compressor (especially from the dropped rpms) or both.

I just added refrigerant. How do I know if it's a bad compressor?

Did the refrig. fix the problem? If not, I'd strongly suspect the compressor. Dunno how to check it - I always have a shop work on my a/c.

I just added refrigerant. How do I know if it's a bad compressor?
Take it to a local shop that has a A/c sniffer.. most of them do this for nothing. If you see liquid around your compressor at all more then likely it is a leaking compressor. A/C systems are pretty simple in accords. I just replaced my whole system last weekend.. you can pickup a reconditioned compressor on ebay for like $185. Well worth it! Before you do anything though.....take it to a sniffer and let me know...

Take it to a local shop that has a A/c sniffer.. most of them do this for nothing. If you see liquid around your compressor at all more then likely it is a leaking compressor. A/C systems are pretty simple in accords. I just replaced my whole system last weekend.. you can pickup a reconditioned compressor on ebay for like $185. Well worth it! Before you do anything though.....take it to a sniffer and let me know...

Forgot to mention... most mechanics would do this.. but depending if they are lazy or not make sure they check the following with the sniffer:

compressor
high side line
low side line
drier
firewall (where lines go into car cabin)
THEN have the check the evaporator behind the glovebox inside the car.