Slow wipers and radio cuts out!

[Bobass]

Just had a new engine fitted, so mechanically life has never been better, but there now seems to be a bit of an electronics problem.

Whenever I brake, indicate or switch headlights on (ie. ignite a bulb) the radio/CD cuts out for a few seconds as if the system has been overpowered. The windscreen wipers are also very slow from time to time.

Any idea what's wrong and are there any simpleish fixes?

[tonytech]

I'd be thinking a dirty or coroded earth behind the dash, but the brake lights are earthed at the rear of the van, so perhaps a poor connection at the +ve side of the battery or at the fuse box.

Is your Radio wired to a leisure battery?
Wired to be on just with ignition?
Fancy unit with CD changer?

[Bobass]

OK so radio cuts out when wiper, reverse, headlights, indicator or brakes are selected -- and stays off when headlights are on Headlights are very dim, the wipers are slow, and the fuel guage won't go past 1/2 way.

Radio is switchable between van battery and leisure battery -- currently in van mode.
The radio is wired only to permanent live - so is unaffected by ignition being on or off.
Simple headunit with 2 speakers - therefore no crazy wiring or major power drainers.

Seeing as so many items are affected, would I be correct in assuming that the problem is between battery and fuse box, so it is here I should be looking for a bad earth? Should I go round every earth I can find and test it with multimeter/electicians screwdriver - and ensure it is fully contacting the chassis.

[Poseidon]

does sound a bit like an earthing problem, have a look at the earthing point under the dash on the side of the passenger door pillar..