Charging System Error msg... when the car engine was running then I noticed smoke coming from engine compartment, so I opened the hood and used fire extinguisher on the area. It did not stop (engine was turned off) and I had to call fire dept. They solved problem by taking a battery clamp off which cut the power. Car windows were all down and had to lock the car so had to connect battery in order to do that. Had the car towed to repair facility the next day. However to unlock the doors had to have battery connected again because using the key in the door lock would not work without power.

Prior to all this several times I had to jump and charge the battery...thought it was a battery past the due date so bought a new battery... But I later found out from the previous owner that the old battery due date had not expired! So after consulting with the repair tech it could have been the fault of a dying alternator that finally shorted out. I sold a 97 Dodge Dakota 5.2 Magnum 4X4 that I had for 20 years because a young kid pleaded to buy it... big mistake. I had hardly any problems with the Dakota in the 20 years I owned it.

Update from Nov 10, 2021: Car was towed to repair facility ....replaced alternator, tensioners and Serpentine belts. Cost. $1499.00

Update from Nov 10, 2021: Car was unsafe to drive....was towed to repair facility. Replace alternator, tensioners and serpentine belts.

Cost of repair was $1499.00 I also had replaced battery 2 months before then noticed after my purchase that battery was still under warranty from previous owner which I had overlooked. I am guessing that the battery drain was part of the problem that probably stemmed from the alternator short?