Instead the smell has to do with the overheating of thecontrol panel

General Motors is asking owner’s permission to inspect a generatorcontrol module inside their vehicles to see if it’s functioning properly. They aresuggesting that they may need to inspect approximately 38,197 Year 2012 and2013 model Chevy Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans equipped witheAssist that were sold in the United States and built before December 2012. Vehicles affected have a malfunctioning generator controlmodule that could slowly drain the battery and cause the indicator to light upin the dash. According to the Plastic Automobile Mould Factory automaker, if that indicator is ignored, thedriver may experience a stalling engine. And in some cases, "a burning ormelting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk," canoccur. After inspecting the burnt smell, GM has come to agree thatthe burnt smell that people say they are picking up has nothing to do with thedAssist battery pack.

Instead the smell has to do with the overheating of thecontrol panel. It is important that owners address the problem with theirdealers. There has been at least on reported trunk fire as a result but nopersonal injuries or crashes.  Most ofthe control board incidents happen within first 1,000 miles of operation, GMsays. Vehicles made after December 2012 are not part of the recalland should not be affected but if you suspect that your vehicle may be havingmanufacturer-related problems report it as soon as you can. eAssist is a system designed for hybrid vehicles to improvethe way a vehicle is powered. In some vehicles, the system is powered by anadvanced lithium-ion battery and a 15kW motor-generator.

Depending on thecircumstances, the system also helps add various aerodynamic tweaks to achievebetter levels of fuel efficiency.Some of the vehicles equipped with the eAssist system arepaired with a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatictransmission. Driving is optimized depending on the driving conditions and whenneeded, the lithium-ion battery can give the car extra boost. Depending on theacceleration, the battery and motor-generator unit can provide up to a 15 hpboost. This system also helps the regenerative braking system to capture energythat would be otherwise lost.Per various reports, the system is designed to give drivers abetter environmental driving experience while saving the driver money. Not onlyis energy use more efficiently, it also helps reduce emissions. If you were affected by the recall don’t wait, take care ofthe problem as soon as you can before it puts you in harm’s way or costs youextra in repairs.