Okay, I figured out I was mis-testing. I found that if I connect the negative on my meter to the negative clip on the charger I find my 12VDC on the metal plate not on any of wires or tabs. I eventually traced the 12 VDC though the back of the amp meter on the battery charger. Last place to look was on the positive lead/clip of the battery charger, and I had no current there. Found out I had a frayed or cut wire right where the wire ties onto the chargers positive clamp. Sorry about the confusion, I'm just not really used to using my meter. Anyhow I got the charger from my grandfather who probably had it for 50 years, so I'm happy to report it lives on, and now he can stop rolling over in his grave. Thank you all. Bob