Cranked then stopped cranking, dash lights went out

Went to start my 95 Tacoma the other day and the motor cranked about a time n a half and then stopped. All the lights went out on the dash as well. Tried jumping it for shits n giggles and nothing. I'm starting at fuses. I'm thinking a mouse may have gotten and hold of some wires and they got together. Any ideas that may be able to help me out?! Thanks!

 

First thing I'd check is the battery terminals for corrosion, clean them.

 

They are tight and clean

 

Bad battery or alternator?

 

I don't see how the battery and or the alternator would all the sudden just go bad. If I put a brand new $200 jump box I should get at least lights on the dash and I have nothing

 

A Shorted battery can drive you crazy. Put another battery in it and if it cranks, the original battery is shorted.

 

Hmm i have never experienced that. I will try it out thank you

 

Yeah if you do get it up and running, take it to your local O'reilleys or Autozone and have them test both for free

 

I have had that shorted battery situation also. It is suprising. The battery turns into a huge resistor. Is there any chance you blew fusible link. Do these trucks even have them? Back in the day it was a fusable section of wire that would need replacement if blown. I think in some situations, that was the only problem-meaning no other fuses blew. It was not easy to find on some vehicles.

 

alternator may be bad and you used the last bit of DC power to try and start it. Check voltage first

 

And? What was it?