2004 Tacoma: Insert Ignition Key & All Electrical Goes Dead

never a problem for 11 years, until this past weekend. I went to put the key in the ignition and heard a little "snap or pop" sound and when I turned the switch to start I realized everything was dead, no lights, nothing. Turned the key and still nothing, I got out and went to raise the hood and the door chime came on and everything worked and drove to the top of the driveway. Ow today, this again happened twice, once when leaving work and again when I stopped at our mailbox. If I put the key in the ignition I can hear a faint sound like something popping or a static spark sound. After about 15 seconds, Put the key in again and it started. Just don't want to be up in the mountains and have it really give it up and be stranded.
Anyone ever had this happen to them? Or do I need to go to the local dealer and fork out hundreds of dollars that I'm sure they would want to charge? Hopefully not!!
Thanks for any feedback and or suggestions regarding this strange problem.

 

Did you check your battery cables to make sure they are tight ??

 

Is there an aftermarket alarm? Maybe a mis-behaving kill switch.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, the cables are clean and tight. My Tacoma is pure stock, no wires, alarms or aftermarket goodies added....yet. I suspect the ignition assembly where the key is inserted may be the problem but can't be sure.

 

Well, it turned out the battery cable on the positive side was actually the culprit after all, so egg on my face! When I checked it and pulled on it it all seemed tight, the mechanic at the dealer put a little pressure on it and it would rotate on the terminal. The stock Toyota positive cable clamp is different from the others I've seen, it had been tightened to the point it was stretched and no amount of further tightening would have any effect, except to allow intermittent contact, which explained the go-no go problem. I'm slowly learning. Thanks for the replies and suggestions.