2004 Tacoma Pre-runner Problems

Hey guys, so lately I've had some problems with my truck,
I had to replace my battery because the truck was dying all the time and there was a lot of corrosion on the battery itself but whenever I put the new battery in and turned it on, the dashboard no longer turns on when I switch it on to the night mode. None of the electronic, except the outside lights.
The engine also creates a high-pitched noise. I've looked online about what this might be and the internet has absolutely nothing. It sounds like it may be coming from the alternator and it may be so because the higher the rpm the higher the pitch it gets.
Also, after I finally got my truck, a 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, what out-of-factory parts do y'all recommend? I was planning on getting it straight pipped, new intake, injectors, and maybe a turbo because I'm fiscally irresponsible. Any suggestions?

 

Have you tried simply checking the fuses? Next step would be to have the alternator tested.

The single most important item to change on a 1st gen tacoma are the lower ball joints. Just look at the countless threads here for examples of what happens if you don't.

There are many threads that detail out the performance work you want to do. Keep in mind though, that intake and exhaust modifications are only helpful if you've got forced induction, they won't do anything on an NA motor.

 

Skip the turbo.

No offense but if you can't diagnose what sounds like an alternator, bad grounds, and a few other misc. little things then a turbo is definitely not for you.

Bad battery would have me wanting to replace it as you did, then measure for any parasitic draw when off. Measure voltage when it's running. Check all grounds, fuses, etc.

 

The whining noise also sounds like it could be an idler pulley. You oughta go pick up an automotive stethoscope from your local parts store (O'Reilly's, AutoZone, NAPA, etc.). That tool is invaluable when it comes to finding pesky noises like this one you're describing.

And some more generalized advice: ensure your truck is up to date on all the replaceable wear and tear components/maintenance (ball joints, bushings, shocks/springs, tires, wheel bearings, fluid flushes, filters, etc) then start looking into things like a turbo, exhaust modifications, etc. It'd be a shame to blow $10k on a turbo project, then to have the truck be unusable because of neglected easy preventative maintenance items.

 

Pull the field connector from the alternator and see if the noise goes away

 

All my wear and tear parts are all up to date with my oldest being the fuel injectors which are only 5 years old. Thanks for telling me about the automotive stethoscope. didn't know that was even a tool but definitely going to buy it. Do you have any idea why my lights aren't working?

 

Check the alternator output with a voltmeter, should be somewhere between 13.5 and 14 volts. Turn a few electrical loads on like headlights and fan blower

I see battery failures and alternator failures happen around the same time a lot

 

I don't know for sure. But I would suggest checking battery terminals and the cables for corrosion. And then like others have said, you're gonna wanna check fuses. If those don't get you anywhere then what @b_r_o said about the alternator check would be your next best bet to check.

 

I'm guessing you have a bad ground. There are several. The one that gave me grief was the ground behind the intake. It's hard find.

 

I'll bite.
Do the tail lights work?
Not the brake lights, but the TAIL lights. (The ones that come on with the head lights.)
If not, check the tail fuse. The tail fuse powers the dash lights when you turn the headlights on.