Strange electrical problem

[kansasboy001]

I have a 1983 cherokee which I was driving yesterday and everything was good. Turned off the car in a parking lot and then it wouldn't start again. Can hear the starter click but not enough juice to turn like the batt was dead, other accessories that depend on the ignition like the rear window didn't work either. I checked 12v at the battery terminals so battery looks good. I replaced the ignition switch but the same problem still occurs. I pulled all the fuses and checked voltage and when the key is on voltage at the fuse box (dome light socket since its hot all the time) is 12v with the ignition switch off but drops down to 6 when the key is tuned on.

I can't figure this out. makes no since

[REDONE]

Try a jump start. Your symptoms sound like low voltage. A dead battery can still give you 12v under no load conditions, but still have dead cells under load.

[letank]

X2, as said above, it is surprising, but it happens. I had a battery failed on the 4 banger Honda, the indicator circle on top of the battery said fine, but I was getting the clicking... connected a voltmeter and upon cranking the voltage dropped from 12.3 to 2.5 volts. New battery and it is back to normal.

[will e]

Do the headlights work?

[kansasboy001]

Yeah headlights work but they are very dim. I'll try to get a jump and see. I've had trouble with this junk Walmart battery before

[SJTD]

Did you try removing and cleaning the clamps? And cables from the clamps if removable?

[kansasboy001]

Turned out to be a bad positive battery cable. It was one of the ones where the plug was attached and the cable got really corroded inside.