A/C charge

Dear 2CarPros,
I am having some sort of electrical issue with my 2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe. Today, while idling, the ABS light turned on. Simultaneously, my headlights and other lighting dimmed, the radio reset, and there was some sort of dull "popping" through the car speakers. The A/C was on max cool also. However, when I turned the A/C off, everything went back to normal, including the ABS light turning off. Realizing this was some sort of electrical issue, I tested other loads on the system. I turned my headlights off and turned on the A/C again. Nothing happened until I rolled down the driver's side window. Again, the condition reappeared in the exact same manner. I am sure that other load combinations would produce the same effect, but all have one thing in common, the A/C. Now, some recent background, which may or may not be relevant. About two weeks ago, I had the A/C recharged by a nation-wide, ASE certified total care care establishment. No problems were reported to me concerning the A/C system, other than the low refrigerant level. Also, when starting the car, over the last couple of days, the cranking has been very weak, as if the battery is dying. This is the second battery in the vehicle, and is relatively new. I have tested the battery, under no load, and it registers 12+ volts. I am no "expert" in car repair, but I am very handy. I am sure it is not the underlying issue. I feel something deeper is at fault for the electrical problems, but I am not sure where to start with a diagnosis. Like many these days, I do not have the money to make a number of trips to the repair shop, ending up with several, unnecessary repairs until finally, the root cause is discovered and remedied. I would much rather have a "ballpark" idea about the issue before proceeding with repairs. Any advice you can provide is very much appreciated!

I bought my 1.6 (2001)honda civic last year. When I bought, the ac gas was empty, then I regas my ac with a dealer nearby. On that time it works well. After one hour I tried again the ac, there is no gas. I return back to the dealer he recharge again and he told it may have some problem, ie leaking sound from the front (radiator or somewhere). He told me it might happen due to thrown chips due to the travel. There is no other bad sounds from the ac. Can u assume that the problem is from the radiator or the condensor, if it is how much roughly to repair cost. How to rectify this problem by replacing or repairing. Please give my an advise as soon.

Hai friend,

thanks very much for your advise. I thought the radiator needs to be changed for curing and it comes around  100 and is feasible. As per your reply, if its condenser, I am ttotaly desperite, costs should be more than  300. Anyway try to find one ac mechanic for diagnosing. Thanks once again

vivian