Pontiac Repair: 97 Grand Am, pontiac grand am, ac compressor

Question
Hi Harold,
I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, 3100 V6 engine.127,000 miles
My car seemed to be running fine with the exception of an occasional clicking noise (4-5 consecutive clicks)coming from the front of the car shortly after being started. While driving it one day, the check engine light, ABS light and brake light came on and the car began to lose power but continued to run, never losing all power...just felt like some resistance when accelerating. I immediately turned around and was able to drive it back home, which was about 3-4 miles. After shifting it into park, I was unable to remove it from park but the engine would still turn over and run. So, I had it towed to the dealership and they replaced one of the main fuses, charged me almost $200.00 and they said it was fixed....
Less than 20 miles later, the exact same thing happens...I call the dealership, they pick up the car and now tell me that the A/C Compressor needs to be replaced and with labor, parts, etc. it will cost me an additional $850.00....
So, they still have the car but are waiting for me to give them the "green light" on doing this work. Please tell me what you think....does this sound right? and if so, is the price reasonable or can I get it done cheaper? I live in Oklahoma.
If the A/C compressor DOES need to be replaced, what does this entail? Would it be best for the dealership to do the work or could I find an independant mechanic that could do just as good a job but possibly charge less?
Please let me know and thank you, in advance....
Angela Brislane

Answer
Well first of all, the compressor will not cause the problem that you described. The most probable cause is a bad ignition switch. It is a fairly common problem on Grand AMs. You may also have a problem with your AC compressor, but It should not have anything to do with the problem you desribed. Ask them why you need a compressor and how it is causing the problem.