Peugeot 205 - Manual (Page 106)

2 The refrigeration side of the air conditioning
system functions in a similar way to a
domestic refrigerator. A compressor, belt-
driven from the crankshaft pulley, draws
refrigerant in its gaseous phase from an
evaporator. The compound refrigerant passes
through a condenser where it loses heat and
enters its liquid phase. After dehydration the
refrigerant returns to the evaporator where it
absorbs heat from air passing over the
evaporator fins. The refrigerant becomes a
gas again and the cycle is repeated.
3 Various subsidiary controls and sensors
protect the system against excessive
temperature and pressures. Additionally,
engine idle speed is increased when the
system is in use to compensate for the
additional load imposed by the compressor. Precautions
4 When an air conditioning system is fitted, it
is necessary to observe special precautions
whenever dealing with any part of the system,
or its associated components. If for any
reason the system must be discharged,
entrust this task to your Peugeot dealer or air
conditioning specialist.
Warning: The refrigeration
circuit may contain a liquid
refrigerant (Freon), and it is
therefore dangerous to
disconnect any part of the system without
specialised knowledge and equipment.
5 The refrigerant is potentially dangerous,
and should only be handled by qualified
persons. If it is splashed onto the skin, it can
cause frostbite. It is not itself poisonous, but
in the presence of a naked flame (including a
cigarette) it forms a poisonous gas.
Uncontrolled discharging of the refrigerant is
dangerous, and potentially damaging to the
environment.
6 Components of the air conditioning system
may obstruct work being undertaken in other
areas on or around the engine. In many
instances, it may be possible to unbolt and
move these components aside, within the
limits of their flexible connecting pipes, to gain
the necessary access. Apart from this,
complete removal and refitting or fault
diagnosis, of any air conditioning system
components, must be left to a specialist.
3•8 Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems