Is it The alternator

My 1996 p38 DSE has developed a fault got up in the morning car would not respond to key tried everything to get the car started using the emergency number ie 4 to right etc still no joy got the car trailered to marshalls in lincoln 15 miles £80 tow in fee plus £50 quid to charge battery and put car on computer to reset it.
I then journeyed home back to london lights on, heater, on radio blasting, and then at about Peterborough the car started to fade ie reduced speed and the instruments stopped funtioning at Sandy I lost all power and the battery was obviously flat .Rang Marshalls who offered very little comfort but suggested get it towed home to london which I did.Does anyone have any idea what this sounds like.I am new to all this.

goldersboy,

Firstly, I would get it back to the garage who were supposed to have repaired it and have them do the job properly, as well as refund you for the additional towing costs.

If that fails, then find a competent auto-electrician who can properly test the system.

Good luck!

Must say that does sound like an alternator not functioning. Are you in a position to charge the battery and then check the charging voltage with the engine running? It should be over 13.5V, much less and the battery isn't being charged.

You're going to have an expensive time if you take your '96 P38 to a main dealer everytime you have a problem, find a good independant specialist near you if you are unable to work on the vehicle yourself

Many thanks for replies - am looking for a good independent in North west London or herts anyone know of one.