Electrical Glitch Burnt Smell...?
 

Yesterday while sitting at a stop sign I noticed a burnt smell which lasted no more than a few seconds. Then noticed some of the gauge lights went out, specifically the fuel temperature gauge. Within seconds the dash lights came back on and the smell disappeared. I tried to replicate the event a couple of times but nothing unusual was elicited. I have made no electrical or radio modifications. I had the ignition lock switch changed last year under the recall. This is obviously not normal. The car has the warranty, but not sure if the dealership will be able to diagnose the problem. Any ideas?

Check all of your fuses.

I'd take it to the dealer but they may not be able to figure it out as the fault sounds like it has cleared itself. Double-check all electrical systems (lights, windows, &c) and make sure they are working - may help shop with troubleshooting.

Do a visual check under the dash and hood, looking for burnt/dark places on the wiring and connectors.

If everything is working, it's probably not a fuse but the fuses in the panel in the left footwell are pretty easy to check (use a voltmeter/ohmmeter, don't eyeball it). To check the fuses under the hood, see one of the ESCL/SLU fuse removal DIYs on this site for instructions on how to get the IPDM out.

The Factory Service Manual (FSM) may be of some help, especially if you find a problem. Link to download page in my sig.

If you can't replicate it, the dealer won't be able to either so no point to bring it there. They will probably just tell you your car is working fine. Its probably just a loose connection somewhere for that gauge and arc'd a little when it came loose making the burnt smell.
You can go looking for it but it's going to take a while.

:confused:

what gauge?

Thanks for the excellent feedback. I will investigate under the dash later this week. Regarding the linear horizontal fuel/temp, those were the ones that momentarily went out.

ahhhhh i gotcha.