Okay. Yesterday my truck just died in a parking lot. It drove there just fine but wouldn't start after that. It doesn't even click. I replaced the coil because it was so corroded that the wire wouldn't even stay on anymore. I didn't know it was that bad. It still doesn't work. It tries to weld my ammeter lead to the battery post if I put it positive to ground. Would this be a battery problem or just a short somewhere? Starter? I don't really know where to start. I hate electrical problems.

An ammeter placed between positive and ground on the battery will make a short circuit. You want to put an ammeter in series with the circuit, that is between the positive terminal on the battery and the positive battery cable, for example. Use a volt meter across the battery to see what is going on. If the voltage drops way low when you try to start, likely the battery is bad. If the battery voltage stays high, then a power/ground cable/connection may be bad.

Sorry! I was using a multimeter with DC voltage test and it was arching. Couldn't get a reading on it at all. I tried checking the battery voltage and it was doing the same thing.

Maybe a bad meter or you had it connected incorrectly. I know on my meter you have to both select the proper measurement and range as well as move the red probe to the right plug to switch between amps, volts and ohms:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/TPS/index.shtml#HowToUseAnOhmMeter

You might try testing on a know good battery, even a 1.5volt dry cell, just to see if you can get a reading that makes sense. A volt meter should not arc unless you are exceeding it's internal breakdown voltage, probably like 1000 volts or so.

Hmm... I just changed the battery in my meter since the other one seemed dead. Maybe the cheap battery fried the meter. Haven't used it much either so maybe I just don't know how. Guess I had better get it towed to a place I can work on it before I do much more. Thanks for the help so far. I'll be back.

Okay, tow complete and I'm an idiot! My multimeter has a plug for testing 10amp on the hot side and that is what it was still plugged into <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> Might help if I knew my own equipment. The battery is fine and the coil has power with the ignition on so I would assume it is the starter. I do have another question though. Would it be better to get an alternator at the same time to replace the whole charging/starting system since everything else is new too? I don't want to have this happen again if the alternator goes soon.

Probably worth doing a simple test at the starter solenoid before condenming it:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml#EasyTest

Several years ago I had a similar problem, drove into a parking lot, went to leave and no starter, I couldn't even roll/jump start it. The problem was the power lead from the battery to the starter had come loose(not fallen off just loose). Check the main power lead and all of the ground wires to make sure none of them have come loose.

To check the starter try tapping the starter housing, if the truck turns over your starter is starting to go bad.

If the alternator was working well before, there isn't any real reason to replace it now.

Whoa whoa-- don't be just slingin' parts at it. Cripes.

I'm amazed you didn't totally fry your meter.

You can pull your starter and your alternator out and go get 'em bench checked at the parts store. If it makes you feel better, get new contacts and brushes for 'em, even if ya just toss 'em in the glovebox.

4crawler, thanks for the test instructions. I will be looking into that and loose connections soon (hopefully).

Kewlynx, you should know by now that throwing money at my yota is was I love to do! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Wish there were more places around here that sold better yota parts. Chain stores sell crap replacements (in my opinion) and there aren't many small stores that sell decent parts or yota parts at all. As far as the meter, guess it must be pretty quality since it tested the battery fine once I plugged it into the right place.