What to do when Volkswagen shows insufficient 12V power supply?
2 Answers
When a Volkswagen displays insufficient 12V power supply, you can drive the vehicle to charge the battery or use a portable charger to recharge it. If the battery cannot hold a charge or only charges minimally after prolonged charging attempts, it indicates the battery is faulty and needs replacement. Volkswagen (German: Volkswagen) is an automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The Volkswagen brand group comprises eight brands: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Scania, and MAN.
The Volkswagen displays a 12V power shortage, something I encountered several times when I was younger and driving. Generally, first check if the battery is aging—for example, if it's been used for over 5 years, it's prone to leakage or insufficient charge. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage; when the engine is off, it should be around 12.6V. If it drops below 11.8V, it means the battery is nearly depleted. If the voltage doesn’t rise above 13.5V after starting the engine, there’s a high chance the alternator is faulty, possibly due to worn bearings inside. Another common issue is poor wiring contact—try opening the hood and tightening the positive and negative terminals. If you find the battery dead, don’t force it—call a friend for a jump-start or visit a 4S shop to replace the battery. Nowadays, AGM-type batteries cost around 500 yuan and are more durable. Regularly take long drives to help recharge the battery, and avoid using the AC or lights excessively when parked to prevent power loss. Remember, safety comes first—breaking down mid-journey is too dangerous.
