AC Compressor Running?

[cdn navy]

I suspect that the a/c compressor on my 1999 Mercury Sable is running even though the a/c switch on the dashboard is in the off position. Does anybody know how to determine if it is in fact active?

Thanks

[DeltaP]

Yeah, open the hood and look at the a/c compressor with the engine running and a/c controls off! The front pulley,with the belt going around it will be turning and the front hub of that pulley will be stationary if the a/c is off. HTH

[aleekat]

Most cars, if you are in the windshield defrost mode, the a/c runs.

[DeltaP]

And that too. But if the a/c is in the off/off position that will eliminate that as well.

[cdn navy]

I checked to see if the front hub of the compressor is turning and in fact it's not. I double checked by turning on the a/c and found that it still does not turn. It's cool outside, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do about it or not. I suspect not.

The reason I think the A/C is running is because after I park the car, there is a puddle of water (not coolant) under where there a/c is located.

Any thoughts?