A quick update on the Passat electrics issue. My first attempt at ordering a replacement part met with quite a dilemma: There are six different versions to choose from. Two different manufacturers, two different amperage ratings and two additional non-descript models. Further research was needed so I put the car on jack stands and started poking around under the car.

Based on the markings and look of my generator unit plus the account of several other B5 V6 Passat owners I've determined that my part is most likely a Valeo 120 Amp generator. Several folks suggested that I test the voltage from the B+ terminal before assuming the generator was at fault. As I suspected the voltage was low regardless of where I tested it relative to the generator. This was good news since a grounding wire issue would be a bitch to track down.

The bad news is that I need to put the front of the car in the "service lock position" which is a fancy way of saying you have to remove the bumper cover, headlights and unscrew a few bolts so that you can have a few extra inches to work. I determined that there is absolutely no way to get the generator out of the car without doing this. Since I need to remove it to have it tested or to replace a part I pre-ordered a voltage regulator for the unit.

The worse case is that I'll pull the generator, replace the voltage regulator and still have a voltage problem. I can then take the entire component to AutoZone and have them bench test it to confirm that the generator is bad. I'll then have to reinstall the generator and wait for the replacement. Best case the voltage regulator is bad and the replacement will fix it.