i parked my 97 Sunfire 2.2 auto in my garage for 2 months while i was away. it started fine before it was parked, never had a problem cranking. when i went to start it, it would make one turn and then click. i suspected it was a weak battery so i got my new battery from my other sunfire and same problem, but no clicking. it would just make 1-2 slow cranks, just like if the engine was seized. i kept trying to crank but the engine would never turn fast enough to catch, i went to take the battery off and noticed smoke coming from around the starter.

Any ideas?

Just sounds like ur starter is seized. If its smoking, then its either that, or you burned ur wiring going to it. I would try a new starter with a fresh battery, and that should solve the issue.

check the wiring that goes onto the posts of the starter, alot of times they get hot and just weeken and the strands break/crack inside of the insulation.. it wont look like theyre broken, cut,strip,new ring connectors and heat shrink insulators... that should also help with the weak current..

if the starter is seized..well, then you know what ya gotta do..

If it did that I would try tapping the starter with a hammer,solenoid probably stuck.If it did this once it means time for a new starter as stated.Clean your terminals and def make sure your battery is fully charged prior to trying to crank it with your NEW starter.Good fun.