I started my 08 V8 4Runner this morning and noticed the battery light was on. NBD, I turned it off and drove the other car in. When I got back home, I started the 4runner, heard a bit of whine which I presumed to be the alternator, smelled a bit of burning in that area and turned it off. It was registering 11.9-12V while running.

I shut it off and went to the Toyota dealership to pick up a reman alternator. I returned about an hour later and went to hit the unlock button on my fob with nothing happening. I turned the key, and nothing at all. Not a single light on or anything at all. Battery has been replaced within last 2 years.

At first, with the battery light and low voltage, I just assumed a simple alternator. I haven't gotten to do any formal diagnosis but the fact that everything died and had a burning smell is making me freak out a bit thinking it may be worse. I've gotta find my multimeter and see if the battery has anything in it. Shouldn't I still be seeing some dash lights? It's odd that the battery had enough to start and turn off, then nothing an hour later with the burning smell.

Anyone had similar and what else was it? Alternator job was looking like a pain on the daily but I was going to do it. If it's significant electrical, I'm afraid I may have to get it towed somewhere.

I've had the squeal and burning smell, my alternator seized up from sitting. I was able to break it free but eventually it happened again so I replaced it. Yours may have seized from an electrical issue which drained the battery. Put the battery on a charger for a few hours while you are swapping the alternator. Probably a good idea to replace the belt while in there and check the other moving parts the belt touches.

That's a good idea to check if what I was hearing and smelling was belt whine from a seized pulley. I think it would have been more rubber burning smell and squealing as opposed to whining but I'll have a look at the belt.

Looking into this more, I'm wondering if it's the 140A fuse. Would this cause a complete no power situation? Looks like a total pain to get to and replace. No idea why they would do this kind of foolish rubix cube for a fuse. Between that and the process to replace the alternator, I'm questioning how easy these 4th gens are to work on. 3rd gen was pretty straight forward.

2003-2009 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner 140 Amp Alternator Fuse Replacement DIY - YouTube

The sound with a seized alternator was not what I would have expected.

As for the fuse, it's possible but best bet is to get a cheap meter or test light and probe around. Start at the battery and work your way out.

I am hoping it is a stuck pulley! It would make sense that your battery would be completely dead as that first run cycle would've been 100% powered by the battery itself. The main reason I think alternator is because our charging ranges from 13.1v-14.2v a bit higher than what readings you acquired.

If it is totally dead, no dash lights would power on and your door locks wouldn't function. On my last 4Runner, I had a whopping 4v in my battery due to a similar situation and I couldn't cycle my locks or even get the dash lights on for less than a second.

I wish I could smell what the burning smell actually smelled like as a belt burning is different from an overheated electrical component smell! But alas, this is what a fuse block is for! It should contain the electrical issue to the engine bay side if there is an issue there and protect the components inside the vehicle. It may be of benefit anyway to replace the 140 fuse and belt as maintenance items any-who regardless of its possible problem solution.

I hope you can get it figured out!!!