1997 Honda Civic air conditioning problem

Idle drops with A/C on, the comp. is putting a load on engine. W/comp. off, idle goes up. In your case it sounds like an adjustment is needed, the idle is way out of spec. . Idle should not be way up to 1500. Load detector informs P.C.M. when a load is put on motor & P.C.M. makes the idle adjustment. If I remember correctly, there is an adjustment for the load detector. You may also have a problem w/mode cable {hot/cold control}. I would also have it hooked up to a A/C machine & ck. freon. It will have to be taken to a Honda Dealer or repair shop.{ If you are machanicly inclined yourself, order Mitchell 1 service manual on-line. It will give you every bit of info you need to fix your problem }. It's 13.00 after tax for 1 week & even gives you Recalls & T.S.B.'S on vehicle. If you take it to a non-Honda shop, I reccomend you ask questions about their Honda experience. Some places will take your car in having absolutely no knowllage of the vehicle what-so-ever. Although they will know how to make up a story. For that matter, no matter where you take it, ASK QUESTIONS ! Ask to talk with the mechanic, ask them to show you how they found out their diognosis, why they are doing whatever they are doing. Ask to see old parts. Good Luck !

thanks a lot for your fast reply, your suggestions and opinions is much appreciated. :-)