Well... So, my truck burned down

So, just this past early Sunday night, I was driving back home with a few friends in a caravan with me being the first car in the stack... Out of nowhere, my truck decides its had enough and the entire engine bay engulfs itself in flames. Realizing what was happening, I started to brake and sure enough my brakes were gone, so I resorted to using my hand brake to stop myself from careening into a construction site at the end of the road ahead of me. I was coming up at a 3 way stop light in Valencia... I still have no idea what would have caused it, I didn't do any new mods, add any lights, take away any lights, I literally did nothing different than what I had already been doing for the last 3 years... Regular maintenance and driving it.

I did some research to see if I could find any other 3rd Gens that had burned, found 2 videos on YouTube so far and not much to read...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmxbPRh6U9g (looked a lot like what happened with me)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0OQWaLbyo (this one looks like it was parked)

Here's the news link (eulogy to my truck)
https://signalscv.com/2019/09/calgrove-car-fire-prompts-quick-response/

May she rest in peace

 

Wow. Close call. Glad you’re ok. Wonder what caused the fire

 

was there an impact or is that buckling from the heat? nobody harmed?

 

I've heard of the high pressure fuel pump leaking in the engine bay. Spitballing that that's what caused it because the first time I heard of it by a 3rd gen Tacoma owner I was surprised they smelled fuel inside the vehicle and was able to tell about it after getting it fixed.

 

Wow. That just sucks. I hate to hear that. Hopefully the dealership or insurance will cover it. Good luck

 

Nope, I barely got out myself with the seat belt in place combined with the panic and left all my belongings in there before realizing I'd need them, at which point it was too late...

 

That’s crazy op... glad you were alone and no kids inside the truck (car seats). I can’t imagine it happening to me with my 1 YO kid inside...

Hope you get it totaled soon and get you another one with LED headlights and height adjustable seat!

 

I hope the same, although I have full insurance, I am sure they are going to try to dodge it

 

Oh damn man, that sucks sorry to hear that but at least your unharmed. Was like, the temp gauge any different or something? Did u notice anything off or smelt/heard anything weird?

 

Holy shit! That is crazy! Please let us all know what the cause was when you find out...

 

That is an AWESOME pic!!

 

As nice as that sounds... i think I am ready for a full sized truck now... Kinda looking at the GMC Sierra AT4 with the Duramax or something along those lines considering Diesel is relatively safer

 

Glad your ok

Sometimes I dream of that happening to mine

 

Your post history says otherwise. If I were you, I'd take down the prior posts showing you made multiple mods involving electrical in the truck.

 

Glad you got out in time and managed to stop without hitting something else. BTW, it doesn’t have to be any “new” mods, bad wiring can take years to show it’s ugly head. Obviously not saying it was any mod you had done. From your description, to loose brakes as soon as you noticed, probably means something was smoldering for a long time, so doesn’t sound fuel related that started it, but that was definitely what finished it from the pics.

Anyone know if insurance companies do some form of analysis on vehicle fires like they do house fires?

 

Sweet! That’s a SICK picture!!! Make that your avatar.

 

Those damn sport hoods man. I kept telling y’all to trade me.





Really thought I’m sorry This happened buddy. I hope insurance takes care of you.

 

In b4 Toyota says this is normal

 

i put a fire extinguisher in my garage when i bought the truck hanging on the wall. Im going to be super pissed if this ever happens to my truck.

 

Glad you’re okay. Everything can be replaced but you can’t. Couldn’t imagine this happen to me with my toddler in the truck.