I have a 97 Honda civic LX with d16y7 engine. While I am driving I noticed the power cutting in and out and the rpm will change slightly as well, probably about 1/4 increase and decrease. When I come to a stop and idle I notice a low idle and the motor will rev up to about 1200 rpm then drop back down to about 300 rpm and continue to rev up and down within about 20 -30 seconds. So I turn the AC off and the problem goes away and runs perfect but as soon as i turn the AC back on it hesitates at take off then catches up quickly, then the entire time I gain and loose power even while cruising without accelerating. Would low freon cause this issue? What should I do? Thanks for any help.

*BTW new spark plugs and wires, compression is perfect across all cylinders. Ignition timing hasn't been fine tuned and might be off...

 

Check that the condenser fan works. It should be on at all times the compressor is engaged. Does the A/C cool OK at highway speed? "Low freon" won't cause this, but having too much will.

 

The condensor fan does work with ac on and yes it does cool but not very well if its hot outside.

 

I also checked the freon with a gauge from autozone on the low side it show a little low but Ive thought about taking it to get serviced because I dont trust the cheap little gauge.

 

Any more suggestions?

 

You need the real gauges to see if it's an issue of too much high side pressure.