The cooling part of the system works like a household refrigerator. The refrigerant vapor enters a belt-driven compressor and is forced into a condenser mounted on the front of the radiator, where it cools and becomes liquid. The liquid passes through a gas reducer to an evaporator where it is converted from a high pressure liquid to a low pressure gas. This change of state is accompanied by the absorption of energy, leading to a decrease in the temperature in the evaporator. The refrigerant returns to the compressor and the cycle starts again.
The air driven through the evaporator passes into the air distributor unit, where it mixes with the hot air released from the heater heat exchanger, thus achieving the desired temperature in the vehicle interior.
The heating part of the system works in the same way as on models without air conditioning (refer to section General description of the heater).
The system is electronically controlled. For any problems related to this system, contact a Renault workshop.
Precautions
If for any reason the system must be depressurized, have this job done by a specialist.
Attention! The cooling portion of the system may contain liquid refrigerant and therefore requires special equipment to separate the system components.
The refrigerant is potentially dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin, causing severe frostbite. The refrigerant itself is not poisonous, but if it gets into an open flame (or when offering a lit cigarette) highly toxic gas is produced.
Do not operate the air conditioning system if it is known to be low on refrigerant as this will damage the compressor.