89 sidekick, solenoid clicks but car wont start

if it cranks when hot, then I would say to look at the ignition components (coil, ign module, ignitor module, etc) first, then start looking to the fuel system (fuel pump, fuel rail, etc.)

if it won't crank, then it is likely the starter or solenoid

Not the coil, wouldn't affect or be affected by the slow starter. I would double check grounds and battery, starter, and alternator connections for a clean tight connection. I would be looking at doing voltage drop tests to look for high resistance in the start circuit.
You may have to get under the dash and find the source of the smoke. Sometimes the back of the fuse panel where the wiring connects in will get so hot the plastic starts to melt. Then the wires and connections go bad, and you can even have current cross feeding into another circuit-like your wipers are doing. So I would pull off the fuse box and check for that. Keep looking for something that burned. It's got to be electrical.
Starter and solenoid being only 2 years old, should be good. But if starter to battery positive post has no high resistance in that connection, and battery ground is known good, and if the small (?purple?) wire to starter solenoid has battery voltage or very close to it, when checked with a voltmeter while the key was held in crank, then you might want to have the starter taken off and tested. The solenoid will be tested as well. If when you checked the small wire to solenoid with key in crank, and had much less than battery voltage, like 5 or 6 volts, then problem is in start circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid.
Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

nevr replace parts til u kno the issue--wiring does age in cars-it can gain resistence along with components-sounds like ther r bad or corroded connections too--u wud need a specialist in car harness work and individual models---u shud titen batt connects and inspect wher they attach to the starter--batt must read 12.6volts always-test it--alternator mite not be chargn--change the distributer cap-ther cheap--ignition coil may be worn--its most likely somethin simple--asian cars are bulletproof--a diagnostic scan is also helpful

It sounds like a fault in the starter circuit. It could be a defective neutral safety switch, starter solenoid, or possible a defective ignition switch but I doubt it. Can you hear the starter solenoid??? I'm willing to bet the problem is either with starter relay, neutral safety switch, or starter solenoid.

I would start by ensuring that the battery is fully charged, and that all the battery and starter connections are clean and tight. If the problem persists, the starter solenoid is probably faulty.

sounds like coil problem, coils will start cold then get hot and stop. when coil cools will crank up and run till it gets hot, try to replace the ignition coil,dont think it would be a crank sensor, try a coil,thanks robert b.

ignition coil bad

There is either a cable not getting a very good connection, solenoid has problems, or there is a wiring leading to a relay that has a bad connections. How is your ignition? Is it loose or have loose wires?

also check the magnetic switch mounted on the starter housing, is supplied by current from the starting switch circuit of the ignition switch. This magnetic action of the switch mechanically engages the starter clutch assembly and electrically closes the heavy switch which connects it to the battery. The starting switch circuit consists of the starting switch contained within the ignition switch, a transmission neutral safety switch or clutch pedal switch, and the wiring necessary to connect these in series with the starter solenoid or relay.

It sounds as if the crank position sensor is bad.When the engine heats up,it cases the sensor not to work.After the sensor cools it will work again.

Ken

Low voltage to solenoid. Try cleaning your bat cables ends inside where they attach to battery , if you're sure battery is good. terms should be shiny where they touch battery terms.