Hi Fritz,
Try
this link for some idea of how the thing is put together.
Generally, there are some clips that hold the top on. You stick a putty knife between the top and the cabinet to compress the clip (item 7 on the diagram) while lifting the top up slightly. There will be one on each side. Then the top should pivot back (you might tape the lid to keep it from flopping).
It's possible that the "electrical" smell is actually a belt slipping, which should be relatively cheap to fix. Once you get it apart, it should be more obvious what you need.
Good luck,
WallyH