Charging system not working?

If your question is "What made the light come on" You need to use a scan tool to read the codes from the PCM or go to a parts store that offers free scans and see what the code numbers are and those may give you an idea of what to look at to find the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

There are hundreds of items that can set codes, the coolant smell may be related but it may not be. The first step is getting the codes.
Being this is a 2001 you don't need to get a really high-end tool either, the $20 HT100 that Wal-Mart sells should be able to pull the codes or if you want a tool that has lifetime free updates and a few more features they also have the Autel AL319 for about $40.00.

Okay, thank you. I was scared something catastrophic was wrong even though it has the service engine soon light on I was still nervous about it. thank you for your help.

Just found out it was the intake gasket that needs to be changed and I also will need a new radiator after a while so I'm going to go ahead and do the gasket first and then in a week or two get a new radiator I hope this solves everything it's a very good reliable car I keep up on the maintenance so hopefully it'll last me a lot longer.

Good to hear you found the issue. Intake gaskets could easily cause a CEL. Let us know how you make out.

Yes, most definitely. I hope it's not too hard of a fix and cost too much money but I love my grand prix, so I feel like it's worth it.

STEVE W. is one of our best! Please let us know what happens.