Turn the key, get no crank... Power to everything else...

[johnequickiii]

OK I've searched, and I find posts about what seem to be the exact problem I'm having, but there aren't answers to the ones I've seen, so here goes mine...

I bought this car about 2 months ago, and have been driving it since with no issues in starting it. I even went to the store the other night with no issues.

I go to start it yesterday, and I get nothing. The engine doesn't attempt to crank at all. It is exactly like the alarm is on and not allowing the engine to start. The strange thing is, there is power to EVERYTHING else in the car, from the lights to the radio and sunroof.

I read up on this issue, and followed the guide to remove/bypass the alarm box in the dash behind the headlight switch, and jumped the 2 hot wires from the 6 wire harness as per the guide, since I was sure it had something to do with the alarm. Nothing changed. Power to everything, but no crank attempt.

Not sure what else it could possibly be, considering it just decided to happen all of a sudden, out of nowhere.

There is something I need to mention though. The first few times I started it up, and a few times since, there was a very small quantity of white smoke coming from the steering column while I had the key turned starting the car. Only happened a couple times, and none of the wires in there look at all melted or anything, nor does it smell like anything burnt out.

Anyone have any ideas of what I could check on it that may cause this problem besides the alarm box, since that is now removed? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don't have money to buy ANY replacement parts, so I am hoping it's something I can do myself to fix it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Davez69gto]

If you're not 100% sure it is the alarm i would check the starter itself. To do so jack the front of the car up. You should see the starter near the back or the engine. Grab a multimeter or a 12 car power detector. Ground 1 end to any metal on the car and touch the other end to the small wire on the starter. Then have someone turn it over once or twice. If you see voltage coming up on the meter/light then you prob have a bad spot in your starter. Replace it and all is well!
Remember to make sure that the car is stable on jackstands before you turn it over and get under it and such.