You may have more luck posting this question in the "Cars" section, rather than "Lorries"
If the alternator (not "altner") isn't charging the battery the car may well run for a while but the electrics will just be powered by the battery and not supported by the alternator. After a while the battery will be discharged and the electrics on the car will simply stop working.
I would guess the Golf has electric power steering, which is why that died as well.
OK; why isn't the battery charging?
Like the previous poster said; the alternator drive belt could have been missed out when your partner worked on the car, or the belt may simply have not been tensioned.
The other possibility is that, if the cretin didn't disconnect the battery before starting to work on the electrics, he may well have fried something, especially if he did manage to make "something spark"
Disconnect the Battery (Earth wire first)
Check the alternator connections are all correctly made, in the right places and are all secure, preferably comparing them with a manual.
Check the drive belt is in place and it is properly tensioned.
Reconnect the battery (earth wire last)
Start the engine
A 12 Volt car battery gives about 12 V when it's just sitting there. If it's charging the voltage across it rises a bit.
If you can get a good voltmeter, check you are getting at least 13.8 vollts, measured across the battery terminals, after the engine has running for a bit. Less than that and it's likely the battery is not charging.
If the wiring is all OK, the next thing to suspect is the alternator.
Get it checked.
Then remind your partner (Using a sock full of wet sand to explain canything complicated) that he should disconnect the sodding battery next time he plays with electrics.
Also; Do your career prospects the world of good; find an evening class in English.
Jonno, May 2009
