Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes it is a climate control model. I took it down to my friend's garage (they just put the new transmission in last week), and sure enough the coolant level is low, and the o rings at the compressor and condenser are leaking too.
Going to replace the rings, flush the system and refill with R134.
Next will be to fix the trip odometer--it sticks and affects the odometer as well...but I understand that's a known issue.
Thanks again for the guidance-you were right on the money.