>>>cover and make sure the main coolant tank (the one
you cannot see from behind the lisc plate)  is FULL.  since some of it poured
out when you opened it.   that one stays full all the time.   and the one
behind your lisc plate (expansion tank) should stay at the max level, below
the cap level...<<<<<

The tank inside the van is the expansion tank, the one behind the plate is
the refill tank. It's not the end of the world if the refill tank is empty
and the expension tank is half full, not the way to go but not the end of
the world, unless your coolant level light is burn.

Still, yes the expansion tank should be kept full and the refill tank
between the 2 lines.

I agree on the electrical problem, sound like a burned motor or wiring
issue, bur be sure you know what burned coolant smell like?????

Cheers, Ben (Back from FL)
http://www.benplace.com/