When sitting in a parking lot waiting for my wife for approx 5 mins, I
had the car engine off, but the vent/AC was in the on position. I
then started the car after 5 mins to get the A/C cold again. At that
point I noticed a burning electrical type smell and small amount of
smoke coming from the area near the alternator after I popped the
hood. I immediately shut things down until the smoke stopped and
quickly drove home. Last week the check engine light went on
Wednesday and I setup a service appt for Friday, but no symptoms of a
problem were occurring. Thursday the check engine light went off and
I cancelled the appointment.

I plan to drop the car off for service tomorrow AM for diagnosis, but
am curious what could cause those symptoms. It is a 2004 with the 3.5
Liter V6 engine, automatic and 46,000 miles. Thanks ahead of time for
any info.

 

I'm guessing it was either the alternator (which could also cause a check
engine lamp) or the a/c compressor, which is underneath the alternator.