Started my Toyota Camry t let it warm up. It starts making a "wurrring" sound, the dash lights started to go dim, the sound got louder. I shut off the car, the "wurrring" sound continued for another 3 or 4 seconds during which white smoke came rolling from under the hood. I've replaced the alternator and went to jump start the car and burnt up the jumper cables. Any ideas what to check next???p

Was the smoke steam or actual smoke from something burning? Why did the jumper cables burn up? Were they too light weight or did the car refuse to turn over at all? I am wondering if your engine is seized up. Check the engine oil and see if it is low or has water in it. Also check the radiator when it is cool to see if the coolant has oil in it.

The smoke was smoke, smelled of burning rubber/plastic. Don't know why the jumper cables burnt up, and/or shorted out. The car did try to turn over. The coolant is not low, nor is the oil low. Oil doesn't appear to have water in it, nor does the radiator have oil in it. The engine is not seized up.

Suggested you visually check the drive belt for cracks and burn marks. Also ...have some one attempt to start this vehicle with a VOLTMETER connected across the battery. Voltage should read 12-13 volts DC. When the engine is CRANKED...voltage should be no less than 9.5 volts DC. This simple test using a voltmeter is a preliminary test of the CRANKING CIRCUIT. BTW...When you attempted to "jump start" this vehicle.....did you by chance hook up the cables backwards? Get back to us with the results.