bogotajoe

I would be interested to know too. I am about to take it out and get another one! With lights, stereo, ac on I run just above 12 on the voltmeter. Is this normal for everyone else or should I be running at 13 plus with a heavy load?

SSST

At idle, mine runs at about 12.5 no matter the load. While driving it reads a Little over 13 no matter the load.

I don't know what that means, but it's a data point.

Kevinmacd

Full load at idle between 12 and 13 volts. More towards 13

White Trash With Cash

I did look at the alternator you linked to in one of your first few posts. I found on that same website that it is only 120 amps. I think we need the 200 amp version which is this one;

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...BSAL0812X.html

which is the one specified for the tt and a bit more pricey

Macster

Observed my 03 Turbo and its voltage gage today. After cold engine start and with no real electrical loads present (A/C, lights, radio off) the needle registered around (but not under) 13.5 volts.

After driving nearly 30 miles to work the needle was registering a bit higher, call it 13.8 volts. A needle width under the 14 volt mark.

I wanted to turn on the AC for an electrical load but forgot to do this, but in the past when I've done this the voltage drops to 13 volts or a bit under.

Sincerely,

Macster.

bogotajoe

I have been watching mine closely over the last few days and I think its ok. It seems to be around 13-13.5 pretty constantly while driving, (almost 14 at start up) but sometimes it dips for a sec to 12.5 or so. Gonna have it checked just to make sure.

Kevinmacd

Sounds right