I've had my 1980 245 (150,000 mi, previous owners had it for 5 years) for one week now, and it's already giving me plenty of trouble:

First, all the electrical cut out with no warning while I was on the freeway (60mph, lights & fan on, O/D engaged). When I pulled over and switched off the accessories, I didn't even get a click from the starter. 30 min. later, however, the car started, drove about 100 yards to the exit, and then cut out and wouldn't start again (this time, though, normal dead-battery symptoms -- weak headlights, solenoid clicking).

I had it towed to a nearby shop, which had never seen the car before. They tightened the alternator belt, cleaned the battery terminals, and told me that although the battery might need to be replaced, everything else electrical was "good" . . . just what I was afraid of!

After 10 or 15 miles, the battery ran down again. With a jump, the engine started but idled very roughly (because low voltage?) -- this has improved somewhat with a new battery. Now, however, the heater fan (I think it had been recently replaced) doesn't run, and I've noticed that the rocker switch for the hazards glows bright red sometimes, whether it's ON or OFF.

Although I have been able to drive the car, the new battery's discharging, too (wipers slow, etc.) The Alt light isn't working, so that's no help. The fuses are all good, fuel pump is quiet, OD still works, so I doubt it's a relay problem(?) like the other dead-on-highway scenarios.

Not being a mechanic, my only choice is to take it in again (and buy myself a multi-meter!) But I wonder what in particular could have caused 1) the all-at-once cut-out (which hasn't happened since) and 2) the intermittent charging, despite the apparently-good alternator -- and I assume they tested it at the battery leads, too.

Could the behind-the-dash malfunctions (heater fan, haz. switch) be a loose ground or something . . . ? If the shop doesn't find anything, where do I start? I do have a Haynes manual, but that's about it.

Any ideas much appreciated.