my xr3i dies if you put lights on and the rev counter needle bounces up and down when you put indicators on, dodgy wiring?

also, when the car is running, theres a high pitch knocking noise from inside the bonnet. i think its coming from the head but not 100% sure. does anybody know what this is?

cheers

 

Dying and revs fluctuating with indicators check your CO first.
Noises are hard without hearing but knocks are by their nature nromally dull sounds like thuds, if it is more high pitched squeal look at timing belt tension first, especially if it changes with engine speed.
tabetha

 

sounds high pitch 2 me but definately thuds. not timing belt as that is fine.

not meaning to sound dumb but CO?? i dont feel well so excuse me lol

 

CO = fuel mixture, ie check it is not way too lean at idle as this will cause this, amazingly well.
You can adjust it yourself with allen key down hole to try, but I would just go see local freindly MOT place and get on gas machine, set to around 2-2.5%CO.
tabetha

 

cheers. ill nick one of them from college but i promise 2 give it back