Ok, i took a trip the other day and there were two problems
first off I have a 1997 Audi a4 1.8t automatice with 118k
i bought it with 105k (at an auction, i don't know any history) and have done no major service since.

The two problems may or may not be related.

The first thing i noticed was the climate control was not working, the AC was slightly on, but the display was blinking red with no numbers lighting up.

towards the end of my trip, i noticed at highway speeds, driving at about 3000 rpms, I was not maintinaing RPMs, they kept dropping to 2500 and then going back up.

Any one have any ideas of whats wrong?
are the problems related?

i don't have much money to spend, so i'm trying to figure out what's wrong before i take it anywhere

thanks!!