It's a 1995 with a 3800 Series II engine, all original. I knew my battery was dying so I got it replaced. While I was inside purchasing the battery, the car cut off. I'm think alternator, but I the car won't crank over to turn on. I've tried jumping the battery to make sure that in all of my attempts to start the car, I didn't burn out the new battery.

When I crank it too hard, though, smoke comes out from behind the engine. It may be emminating from the coil pack, but it's too hard to tell. It's not oil burning, but it has a rubber smell. I'm thinking that some of the insulation wore off the wires and I'm getting an electrical short.

I'm just looking for someone to point me in the right direction. If I'm going to get it towed to a shop, I at least want to know what I need to tell them to look at.

Thanks

 

you might have a faulty starter

 

True. The starter is on the same side at the coil packs. Not sure how you crank the engine to hard though. I cranks or it doesn't.