Red light came on because alternator was not feeding the battery.
Radio cut out when battery voltage fell too low to power the radio.
Sputtering began when voltage got too low to supply enough to the coil
and ignition circuit. Your switching off the headlamps was the right
thing to do, since they are heavy consumers of current, so then there was
enough electricity from the battery to power ignition better and get you
home. The two gauges operate at 10v, thanks to the little "voltage
stabiliser" that reduces 12v to 10, but when the voltage fell below 10 in
their circuit they went out of register.
Now, when you turn the key, there is not enough power in the battery to
turn the starter, so while you may have 12v on the gauge, there is
insufficient current to run the starter. Starter takes a lot of current
(notice it's huge wire). Lights take a lot less, though they are still #2
power consumer in the system.
When alternators go bad, they sometimes take out the battery with them.
When batteries go bad (not just discharged) they usually destroy the
alternator.
Talk to a local alternator/generator/starter shop. They will probably
ask you to bring in the alternator for them to test, then will find that
it's dead. They can find a rebuilt unit or can rebuild for you. Most
listers buy rebuilts---I like to deal with the guy who actually does the
rebuilding. My thought is that he can provide help that the counter
clerks at AutoZone cannot do. You may need a new battery.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive a rebuild is.
Expect something less than $100. Then compare to Honda prices. You will
like the MG even more.
Bob
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