Originally Posted by Levitan

1999 Toyota 4runner Limited, 4x4, 3400, auto, 150k

For starts, I'm the kind of guy that tries to research and fix things on my own, usually not asking questions. This time, I'm lost and hope somebody can give me a path to follow.

Typical situation, driving at night, check engine light comes on, headlights dim, I figure it's the alternator. Go to Advance Auto, get replacement. Install. Start my ride, zero charge. Do the Google machine deep dive and discover that if the "battery light" in the cluster doesn't turn on with the key in the "on" position, it won't allow an "ignitor", I believe, to tell the alternator to charge. So, turn key on, no battery indicator light. Must be blown bulb. Pull the cluster, swap the "battery bulb" with the "seatbelt bulb", seatbelt light comes on, still no "battery light". So, bulbs are good. I checked the fuse in the dash and it is good.

I am absolutely lost with the next steps to take. I'm relatively mechanically inclined. I have plenty of tools, voltmeter, Haynes manual, etc. I just need help from somebody who is fluent in 4runner electrical and is a good teacher. Any help or directions would be much appreciated.