SF 2004 3.5L - jump start and plastic smoke
 

Greets all, new to forum but have owned my ole SF since it came out in 2004.

For the most part I've had no problems except for the last few years: Battery drains/dies about every 9 months (been swapping them at the auto parts store for a new one). They did a hook up and look about a year ago and saw no starter problems, etc.

About 4 months ago I had the to get the throttle body computer and relay replaced (that hurt me $$$). Been running ok since then.

This morning the truck started sluggishly, I knew battery was dying again.
Same on way home from work.

Tried just a bit ago to start for a run to the store, and no joy. (slow turn at first, then just clicks)
Tried to jump it with my emergency pack jumper (which I keep charged and in the SF just in case), and not only did it not jump, but a puff of white smoke with an electrical tang/smell came up from below the right side of the engine (facing engine from front - right side and to the left of the A/T Fluid dipstick - under the hoses and below the sensors on the engine side).

Anyone have a clue what would be causing that?

I have a Kia and I would look under the battery case for a loose ground wire. I would also shut off headlights manually at night some have a computer programming problem causing head lights to turn on in the middle of the night.