okay, update. rear brake lights now work, too embarrassed to even tell you what was wrong, but sufficed to say they had nothing to do with the rest of the problems. The alternator was the mechs suggestion too as the one in the car is brand new...but he suspects it's not a particularly good brand. The electrical restart...I've noticed that when it comes back on the passenger airbag light is on, so suspecting that there's a wiring issue with the passenger airbag deactivation switch on the drivers door. The earths are a good idea and will get onto those. Thanks Font of Knowledge, I'm in Dudley, West Mids, and a recommendation for a good auto lecky would be fantastic, I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and get this sorted. Steve p.s. One more question, Decided to have a go at changing the alternator this afternoon. Worked through the Haynes and got to the point where the belt needs slackening, at that point Mr Haynes let me down as I couldn't figure out how to release the belt from either the text or diagram. Started to rain so I called it a day. No problem putting everything back together again, but if someone could point me in the right direction on this it'd be much appreciated and I can have ago again at the weekend. Really don't fancy paying a mechanic for something that is relatively simple to do.
