newbie question after not finding info i needed on search function

wife set off for work as dyane started fine but as weather was pooring she had everything electrical on (not much then )
she stopped after about 5 miles but when she tried to start it the battery was flat
the car is used daily and gets good runs on motorways so not down to short drives
AA man used jump leads to get it going and said it might be battery or alternater no sh*t sherlock
the battery charge gauge on the dash is now in the red whilst lights are on but goes back into the white when no electrics are being used - sounds like alternater to me but after pricing one up i hope there might be the odd quirk to these cars that it is something else so saving me money?
saw something about bushes and will be taking to local garage tomoz but didn't want them telling me any old twaddle
fingers crossed

If it's not the brushes, next check will be the regulator.
Don't forget to check which make of alternator before the Dyane heads off on its travels tomorrow.
If it's a Ducellier, they have a printed circuit fuse plate on which one leg can blow, or if some useless ninny has fitted the last one, the centre nut may not have been tightened and the whole board has failed...

ken

thanks for reply ken
silly question but does it have name on the alternater
if it is as you say how is that fuse thingy fixed

Ha,
forgot about that...

A Ducellier is the smallest of the various alternators fitted to A series and has a black plastic cover on the back.
The fuse is underneath that cover and as well as using a 10mm A/F spanner and a flat blade screwdriver, you'd need to send some pennies to these folk...
http://www.ecas2cvparts.co.uk/advanced_ ... &x=23&y=24

An Iskra is one of the most common, looks like a washing machine motor and has no fuse.

ken

Please do a test first when your engine runs say at about 3000 rpm you must read 14,6 volt at your battery using a voltmeter. When it is under 14 probably your regulator is gone when 12(.5) volt your alternator is gone......

When your battery is flat it is normal that the dashboard gauge is in the red but within an hour it must be in the middle again. With lights and wipers on it can go to the dotted ??? area.