Hello all

I've got a 52 307 XSI (worse car I've ever had, tbh. anti polution fault
every summer, bits take months to turn up..) It has just been in for a
safety recall (code X8Z - something to do with 'salt water on road and
power steering do not mix'). Also, whilst it was there, the radio was
looked into (under warranty) as it couldn't get AM.

Anyway, recall task was done & aerial replaced ("base was full of water
- can't explain why") & had to wait another 4 hours "for a quality
control check".

Driving it home, I noticed the interior lights were flickering randomly-
like a dodgy connection.

Getting home & taking the key out, the HUD (where the radio
station/MPG/time appears) is cycling through all the options all by
itself, the 'battery warning' light is blinking once every second, and
the interior lights are fading on and off - judging by the way the
'leccy windows keep stopping in time with the lights, it looks like the
network is resetting itself (i'm no expert in car management systems).

Anyway, I contact the Pug dealer (Sterling in Ipswich, miserable bunch
imo) - it's 17:20, they're about to go home, but senior tech' says to me:
"ah, let's try a reset - it shouldn't mess your keys up or the radio.
1) wind down o/s front window
2) take key out of car, pop the bonnet & shut the door
3) leave for three minutes
4) disconnect battery & leave for 30 seconds
5) reconnect - it will chime
6) reach in and turn headlights on to dipped at the stalk - make sure
lights come on.
7) leave for 30 seconds & turn off lights
8) get back in and put in key - reset should have happened."

I did all this, the car wouldn't start initially (starter ok, felt like
fuel pump disabled) until i took key out again put it back in again &
then it started fine.

But stopping & taking key out again still makes HUD/interior lights go
barmy.

I have to take it back now - tech'n says "disconnecting battery
overnight is a good idea as the state it's in will flatten the battery.
it should be drivable when you plug it back in again"

Any ideas?

I hope 'soft reset' is helpful (if it works for anyone else who's never
heard of it. It certainly isn't a 'reset' variation I've heard of).