2004 Petrol 2.2l Design 16valve

1. Flat battery after driving couple of weeks back.Later when testing: Suspect alternator as with all lights, aircon, radio, fan, voltage at battery reduced to about 12.7V on 2000 revs.

Didn't try driving, but then dove to work etc 14miles (spare battery in car in case) and everthing fine, charging 13.5 volts with everthing on.

2. Longer trip 20 miles in HOT weather. OK there, battery OK on arrival. Put on charge ust in case. On return on LONG uphill at 70mph, suddenly guages die, and dash lights come on ABS, spanner, etc... Engine continues. in 30 seconds all instruments die totally, engine continues untill I pull over and stop. Battery fine 12.5V I think.

I thought There could be a short or burnt out radiator fan. But this was a guess, However I removed fuse 8 from box 1 in the engine bay, as a website said this was one for the fan.

After about 10 mins, I was able to start it at fist go, laights and instruments all seemed normal, and I was able to drive cautiously the remaining 15 miles home (50mph, temp below normal)

I have just pulled out the fuse box 1 and all its fuses. No sign of damp or corrosion (ppl report this) and the relay box. Unbolted earth con to body and joins in battary leads, and cleaned and refitted, no sign of corrosion or bad connections.

Raditor fan connections inconvenient to access, and the alternator looks a right pain to get to, probably have to take the radiator out and go through the front!

I have read; www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=119672 about similar instruments dying. Which suggests alternator.

Any advice? I have no way of checking fault codes. Does this sound like the alternator, if so can I replace the regulator / brushes etc? Is it easy to test the fan motor?