'99 Civic A/C troubleshoot

[tmarsh]

My wife's Civic has been blowing less than cool air lately. It seems to be worse when at a stop, so I thought it might be the fan, but in my garage, when the A/C is on full, the fan comes on. So:

I checked the Freon pressure in the "Low valve" and it was a little low, approx. 30, when it should have read 45-55. I added freon, and all seemed well (though I never could seem to get the pressure guage to read the appropriate pressure) ; air was cold, wife stopped complaining, etc. For one night.

The next day it was noticed that the engined felt like it was surging/getting power drawn, only when A/C is on. That was yesterday.

This morning, the A/C was not blowing cold air at all. My wife said she does not hear the A/C turn on, or draw power when turned on, and no surging is occurring. Does anyone have any ideas? I gotta cool the temper of my wife down!

Is it possible it is as simple as a fuse? Or, do I have a leak and need to go to a mechanic? I would love to solve this one. Thanks for any help!

Aaron

[tmarsh]

Just spoke to my wife, who neglected to mention there was a high pitched noise happening last night. Not sure if this helps in any diagnoses.

Thanks again!

[maxassassin]

kinda sounds like maybe the pump is starting to seeze up. if its not turning on you either have no r-134a refrigerant or your pump/ clutch its done. check to make sure it spins somewhat freely and make sure your belts are tight. i would recommend have a technician do and evacuation and leak down test on it to make sure your not leaking all your refrigerant out.