Buy a cheap 12 volt test light. The kind without batteries inside.
When reconnecting the tested-good or new battery connect the POSITIVE FIRST. Leave the negative disconnected.
Clip the test light clamp onto the ground wires that lay disconnected from the battery terminal.
Grab the test light and touch the tip to the positive post, the one that remained disconnected.
Does the light light up?
Yes. You have a draw somewhere. Your disconnect switch is bypassed or shorted somewhere. Leave the negative wire disconnected until you get around to fixing what's wrong.
I am confused about this test.
You say to connect the positive terminal (first), and leave the negative disconnected.
Then you say "touch the tip to the positive post, the one that remained disconnected."
But you said to connect the positive terminal.
Can you please explain?
Thanks,
Steve