phantom battery drain / alternator question

[majicwrench]

Something changed. Odd of messing with black rubber cover doing it are about nil. That ground cable if bad will create all sorts of issues STARTING when it has to carry lots of current. Ground Cable is not your charging problem.
Belt tight??

I would be keeping an eye on that idiot light when I start it. Key on, light on, start engine light go out. See if it always does that.
Good luck,
Keith

[btoran]

belt is tight. will keep an eye on it and test it over the next week or so and see what's happening.