OK, I haven't checked anything yet, but these are the symptoms:

1. Nothing at all noticed until I was leaving a dinner today. Vehicle was sitting for about 1.5 hrs. Didn't notice anything on the way there.

2. Started the vehicle and the battery light and the brake light came on.
3. Volt indicator (??) needle was still in the normal range, but on the lower side. It has never been there before.

4. On my way home I noticed that the needle would fluctuate as I played with the window switches.

5. The battery and brake warning lights would occasionally go off and then back on, always together.

6. The battery is at least 5 years old, but was checked last year at some point, with the cables cleaned, etc.

After doing some reading, I suspect the alternator. I am not a DIYer on auto stuff, I just want to know what to expect Maybe some pointer on what to diagnose.

Thanks!

 

Oh, after reading another thread about blinker, the volt gauge needle fluctuates when turn signals are on.

 

My gauge will fluctuate when the blinker light is on as well. I think this is normal. Do not know about the rest of your symptoms. I would have the charging system checked to see if your alternator has gone out. I think Sears still does this for free, as well as some auto parts such as Autozone.

 

I had a similar issue. it wound up being the voltage regulator in the alternator.

 

So maybe I will take it to the local auto parts store tomorrow to get an idea.

I have a multimeter, just not sure how to test the alternator without killing myself or the Runner.

 

Well, I figured out the problem, at least it is a guess...

I checked the battery, and the multimeter reads 12.4. Seems fine. So then I grabbed the flashlight (garage needs a light just above the hood of the Runner), and to my surprise the is a belt that is all shredded. I am guessing it is from the alternator. It is stuck under another belt, so I couldn't even get it out. Gots BIG teeth, this belt does, not one of the smoother kinds.

Anyway, good thing I checked before driving it again

 

OK, for those interested:

Turns out the belt that was cut and all messed up was the AC belt.

Since it was in the shop, I asked to check the other belts. Three were replaced: AC, PS, and Alternator belts.

He charged me for the cost of the belts (non-toyota), ranging from $15ish, $25ish and $32ish (sorry, do not have the receipt in front of me) and labor for a total of$112.

Lot better than I was expecting.