Intermittent cutting out problem

[Sharpy]

My S3 has recently developed a frustrating intermittent cutting out problem. It has happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks now, always when the engine is not under load e.g. idling or slowing down to turn into a side road. The engine just stops, the guages drop to zero and the car won''t restart. The engine turns over normally, and the lights work but the ignition lights don''t come on, the fuel pump can''t be heard coming on, the interior heater fan doesn''t work, the electric mirrors don''t work and of course all the guages are on zero. I have noticed recently that the voltmeter has been reading lower than usual, and that with lights on the indicator is dropping to the border of the red. After about 5 minutes, even without fiddling with anything, the power will magically return, the ignition lights etc. coming on and the car starts normally! I would be very grateful for any advice from anybody who has experienced a similar problem or who can help me diagnose the problem from my description.

[Sharpy]

Thanks for the replies Johno and Pete. After much fiddling and testing I have located the problem to the live wire from the ignition barrel to the multi plug. I can now turn the engine on then make it cut out by just slightly moving this wire. Unfortunately curing this faulty connection is proving to be slightly more problematic than anticipated. I cannot for the life of me get either the multi plug apart or the spade terminals out from the plug! I think I shall have to resort to a local mechanic for help unless anybody has any suggestions? Thanks anyway for your help in locating the problem, Sharpy