Honda Repair: smoke from under the glove box, battery cables, auto parts store

Question
my car (98 honda civic) wouldnt turn over, i could hear clicking, idk from where, and my frind tried to jumpstart me but nothing worked, then we noticed it was smoking under the glove box, it looked like it was melting on this big black round thing on the righthand side under the glove box. what is this about? we have since disconnected the battery and the car is just sitting there.

Answer
I think the big black round thing would be your blower motor. This may or may not have anything to do with the starting problem.

The first thing to do is remove the battery cables and clean them and the battery posts. Then check the cables to see if they are loose or too corroded. Then put the cables back on and tighten them until you can't turn them anymore.

If this doesn't work, then you need to get a voltmeter (you can get them at any auto parts store) and check the voltage on the battery. It should be at least 12.6 volts. If it is not then it needs to be charged. If it is, then you might have a starter problem.