Rusty, we've ll been there at one time or another where a cable can look good on the outside, but corrosion can be hidden on the inside under the insulation . A voltage drop test will reveal if that is the case, or sometimes if the cable has a lot of age we routinely replace it.

 

That positive cable is short. I will replace it tomorrow and see what happens.

 

Rusty if the weather is cooperative and you feel like trying it, why not do a voltage drop test on that small cable. It's easy to get at and it will answer a lot of questions for you once you try it. Then you will know if you need to replace it or not. Then once you do the small one , you can do the same test on the solenoid and the cable going down to the starter. All you need to remember is the engine has to be cranking to get accurate test results. You have the meter and there are some good videos on u tube showing exactly how to do the test. Its a nice feeling of accomplishment to know you either do or do not have to replace a cable or component. The guess work is out of the picture. What do you think?

 

I've seen it when someone would replace the whole charging system and still have the same problem. then they wouldn't have a bulb in the dome lite and that they wouldn't know it was left on and do the same thing. I don't know if rusty has working dome lights or not but there is that possibility. and if that battery is new then the amps that's in the battery should be up as well. one can't tell what the amps are in a battery but there's the other problem we have with used batteries or one that's been in the vehicle for a while.

 

I pulled the fuse to the dome lights/clock a couple weeks ago. It was the only one showing a parasitic draw, but that was within acceptable limits.

 

Haven't had time to do the voltage test. I did change the positive battery cable and so far the battery is checking at 12.5 after 3 days connected.

 

there's the draw that you've been looking for. now that it's fixed drive it at least once every two days and it will keep the battery charged enough to start it when you need it to

 

Well, I did something right. Don't know if it was the alternator, the fuse or the battery cable, but at least it seems to be fixed. Thanks everyone.

 

Sure , now that the weather is getting nice the problem is gone, just kidding !
Glad you found the problem and fixed it. Don't get lost on us looking forward to hearing from you helping us out , thanks.