load on battery when amp is off

I disconnected the ground from my battery (Red Top) and hooked one side of my meter to the battery post and the other side to the wire I took off. From what I understand, there should only be a small amount of voltage present. My meter reads 11.8V. When I unhook the amp power lead from the battery the meter drops to 0.5v, which means NO SHORT. I have 2 amps and either one being hooked up has the same result on the meter. I unhooked the RCA's, speaker leads, remote ignition and remote bass control from both amps and still see the same numbers on the meter. If im wrong and aftermarket amps just look like a short on the meter, someone please tell me. Also my headlight switch does the same thing untill unkooked and my moonroof. please help me before I throw a grenade in my car.Never half-step, if you're gonna do it go all the way.

How is your meter set up? You want to test for current draw (amperes), not voltage. btw, your amplifiers should show zero current draw when off. ~wirewise~

I didn't test for current but im about to right now. thanks sometimes I work too hard and become stupidNever half-step, if you're gonna do it go all the way.

You're welcome. Let us know what you find. ~wirewise~

It was this stupid power distributer I got from Auto Zone. For some reason it's very thirsty. With it switched off and nothing hooked up to it I get .02amps and with it on I get .07 .05 is the limit right? I thought it would make a simple power connection for my under car neon. Im going to try to find a better dist. unless .07 is no big deal. Thanks for the help wirewise and I hope people can learn from my mistake and your help. CURRENT NOT VOLTAGE lmaoNever half-step, if you're gonna do it go all the way.

I did all that testing and my car still wouldn't start. So I asked myself a question; Is it possible for a battery to show 12v on a meter, rebound after the car is shut off and have virtually no amperage draw on it? YES believe it or not. I decided to take my battery to Pep Boys and have it tested. I asked the parts guy my question and after about 2mins. of talking to himself he said YES. He tested my Optima Red Top and couldn't believe it failed at only 2 years old. I think the whole thing is my fault because I've been too busy (lazy) to install a Yellow Top (or two) in the trunk for massive current draw. I can gaurantee my amps pull way more than the battery and altenater can put out. wirewise thanks again for helping me move in the right direction. TO ALL ELSE...learn from my mistake cause it rarely happens May the force of electrons be with you all. wtf? lol Never half-step, if you're gonna do it go all the way.

I can't spellNever half-step, if you're gonna do it go all the way.

What kind of car do you have?