hey, im not the best at wiring diagrams, but, do both of the thick battery cables go to the starter? ive got one on the starter and one on the block. so i didnt know if the other cable was supposed to go to the other post of the starter (the one with the short 2 inch cable going to the starter solenoid.
i just ask because i have a short to ground (or something) that makes the car keep running even after i turn the key off. and all the gauges stay on. and if i dont undo the neg. cable on the batt. the car will die in like 5 hours. so when i go somewhere, if i stay for a long time, i have to pull the neg. cable, or else the car will die.

 

Next time it keeps running, reach behind the alternator and pull the small plug off. I suspect the engine will die.

And yes, the negative battery cable will attach to the long starter bolt (or any transmission/engine attach bolt), and the positive will go on the starter solenoid.

 

I would suspect your ignition switch. Does your heater turn off when you turn off the key? If you need a schematic (or picture of the actual switch describing voltages at each key position), I can get those for you from my car. Unplugging the switch down under the dash and using an ohmmeter is the most accurate mean of checking the switch.

Does your steering wheel lock work with the key off? Do the power windows and radio work? These things won't necessarily implicate the ignition switch, but it is useful to know.

 

was the alternator replaced recently?