many thanks saumil. i printed out all the info you directed me to and will take it to another mechanic and let him look at it. if i do have to replace the compressor, should i put new clutch, speed sensor and even dryer to take care of things for the long haul? i was told that the evaporator was not leaking, but should it be cleaned? i was told that these evaporators are prone to leak and they were surprised that mine did not. i only have 115,000 miles on this car.

thanks, hoss260e