Hello brickboarders,

This is a weird one.

I stopped to pick up a friend after 10 mins driving. Sat for about 5 mins, engine off, auxiliary power on (key turned to the left), listening to the radio. When I started up the dipped headlights wouldn't come on. I pressed the foot-operated switch a bit (but not enough to click) and they came on ... BUT, when I put the clutch down to change gear they went off again. This happened 2-3 times but eventually they stayed on.

HOWEVER, when I pulled off the car felt about twice as heavy, as if it was really dragging, acceleration was poor although the engine was smooth; idle was a bit rough, as though the car wasn't charging properly.

I'm not sure if this is two separate problems, but they came together, so maybe are related. What would make the car feel so heavy? And could someone pin-point the electrical fault, why would putting in the clutch make the lights go out?

THanks, guys, for all advice on this!

Tom