I have read the various other posts which state the alternator output voltage should be 14.00 volts (measured at the battery terminals), however while tracing an intermittent heavy steering problem on my 2004 1.4 TDI the voltage with engine OFF is 12.2 - with the engine idling it's still 12.2. So I checked my 2007 1.4 TDI which has no steering problems and that too showed 12.2 with the engine OFF and 12.2 with the engine idling. Neither cars had any inclination to increase in voltage.

Both cars don't show any warning lights or codes, could I have two duff regulator packs ? If so any suggestions on suppliers ?

Any help greatly appreciated.

DB.

Should step up if required I.e under load. Try it with blower, hrw, and lights on.

I'd recommend changing the battery earth lead, still doing a fair amount of these.

I tried it with the heater on full blast, heated rear screen & main headlamps on, still only 12.2 volts.

DB.

I suspect you have a duff meter given that you only have 12.2V on BOTH cars with the engine off. I would expect around 12.75V for a fully charged battery. 12.2V would indicate that the battery in both cars is badly discharged.

If you raise the engine revs with all the equipment on, do you see an increase in voltage?

You suspected right, after retrieving my multi meter from the last person who borrowed it, I carried out the voltage tests on both cars, they were all spot on. Needless to say I have binned my so-called stand-by volt meter, thanks for the suggestion.

DB.