In uk.d-i-y Derek ^ wrote:
My own car got torched (totalled) by burglars this week in an award
winning "Secured by design" car park. Story he

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5058976.html

Struggled home and went to use SWMBO's car and found it had a flat
battery due to being stood. No problem, we've a cheap plastic 6A
battery charger. Connected it up and it drew a spark on connection but
all the lights went out on the charger. Turns out the vehicle wiring
used a dull red colour for the -ve and black for the +ve, and it was
dark. :-((( Charger may be nackered now.

So got a spare battery + jump leads, got it started ran it for half an
hour and went to supermarket 1 mile away, and back no problems. 2 days
later (last night, in darkness) went out again, car started fine, but
on returning to car at destination engine refused to start despite
starter motor turning over normally. "Engine" warning light flashing
and Batt. warning light on continuously. After 3 mins buggering about
it starts and runs normally (batt light remains on) , but half way
home (headlights on) instrument panel lights dim alarmingly, turn
headlights off but little improvement, lights continue to dim,
seemingly only just make it home although engine running faultlessly.
On getting out of car interior light comes on full brightness, try
headlights, they come on and stay on full brightness. Tried it this
morning - starts and runs normally, all warning lights remain off.

Check the battery connectors to ensure they are secure?