my car has burned 3 batteries in the last few months. when this happens when im trying to start it. the motor will turn over but sort of drag. when I turn the key to the off position it continues to crank. I have to unhook the battery to get it to stop. the battery was hot to the touch. I noticed there are no grounding straps. it sounds like it could be a grounding issue to me. once this happens the battery is no good. I can hook it up and it will give me enough power to use the power locks but wont try at all to engage the starter or turn over the motor. does anyone know if this is a ground issue or have other ideas? the car runs great once it starts. its just every now and then when im starting it that this happens.

 

I would change out the starter motor and see if problem goes away-must be something wrong with the starter if it pulls enough current to ruin the battery.

 

I think your right. the starter has gone the way of the payphone. I will replace it.

 

If the alternator is over-charging the battery, that would be a problem and cause the battery to overheat, and the fix is a replacement alternator.

If the solenoid is sticking and the engine continues to crank even after you have let go the switch, either you have a bad ignition switch or the starter is bad.

I'd start with a new starter (no pun intended).