# AC Maintenance **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** airconditioning, toyota, 4runner\ **Created:** [July 28, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608 "2010-07-28T16:14:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jhesedahl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@jhesedahl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jhesedahl)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608/1 "2010-07-28T16:14:35Z")
Last week during stop & go traffic, the air-conditioning light in our 2003 Toyota 4Runner started blinking and the fans began blowing hot air, the first and only occurance. Since then, the air-conditioning has been working normally with cold air and no blinking light. The driver’s manual says that the air-conditioning is not working and we should take it to a mechanic. We are inclined not to take our car to a mechanic until the air-conditioning is not working correctly on a regular basis but are concerned that we may inflict additional damage to the system. Is it important to get this fixed right away or can we put off AC maintenance? ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2010, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608/2 "2010-07-28T16:43:01Z")
I would at least take it in to a good AC shop and have the system tested. It’s probably something simple and spending a little now will probably save you a lot in the long run. Something triggered the “blinking” light so don’t ignore it and simply go on your way. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2010, 5:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608/3 "2010-07-28T17:15:04Z")
I agree with missileman. Do it now and you could save some money. Find a real A/C shop if possible, not a chain. You local independent mechanic, may be able to handle it. Not all do. ---
**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2010, 6:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608/4 "2010-07-28T18:01:09Z")
It may be as simple as a slipping belt. ---
**Author:** ![jhesedahl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@jhesedahl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jhesedahl)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ac-maintenance/52608/5 "2010-07-28T21:25:39Z")
Thanks for the great responses…I’ll make an appointment today to have it looked at.