Car wont start

so the car wont start It was acting like the tumbler was bad at first, only starting if i wiggled the key. but now it appears to not start at all and only clicks once as if the starter cylinoid is trying to start the car but does not turn over. also if i keep at it, it starts smoking for all the wrong reasons. I would like to check the starter but im not sure where to start as its my girls car and im used to working on old cars and honda's.

anyone know a good write up on a "how to" change the starter so i can pull it out and bench test it. (prefferably with pictures and a coloring book) or (maybe a neat pop-up book)

first off.... did you check the battery and alternator to see if they're both working properly?

the starter is located under the intake manifold on the front side of the engine. basically down and left of the oil filter. it's easiest if you take the intake manifold off completely because it gives you a lot of room that way to work. i haven't replaced a starter on my car yet but it should be pretty straight forward once you get all of the other stuff out of the way. google is your friend. How to Replace the Starter in a Chevy Cobalt | eHow.com
down and dirty version of it. otherwise i would suggest going to your local parts store and buying the cobalt haynes or chiltons... they help immensely

If the starter isn't cranking then your battery is dead
If the starter cranks but the engine won't fire then your starter is no good
If the engine turns over then dies after a few minutes then the alternator is bad.

Your situation sounds like a dead battery