When starting my truck the last few times I noticed that the voltage gauge is reading about 11 volts. After a minute or so, I hear some "clicking" sound and the gauge jumps up to around 14. Is this a bad alternator or some electrical issue such as a relay or connection. Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

It's the normal operation of your grid heaters, should happen anytime the temp drops below 59°
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can't tell what truck you have but i don't think the voltage should drop to 11. also the clicking doesn't sound normal, at least it isn't with mine. just my .02

 

The last couple of morning (temps in the teens) mine has been dropping to near 10 volts before jumping back up.
The grid heaters pull a lot of amps when the relay kicks 'em in.

Sounds normal to me.

Plugging in the block heater (mine plugs in with a timer that turns on the juice 3 hours before I leave for work) will help your truck start & run easier in cold weather, and will give your charging system a break at the same time.

PS: Welcome to the site.

 

Depends on the source of the noise. If the alternator is the source it's not the grid heaters. Keep us posted.
Nat

 

My vote is for the grid heaters and that it is normal.

Welcome to the board and please fill out your signature so we know what year truck you have.

 

I concur. Probably the relay clicking in the grid heaters. Although I've seen a couple of Delco-Remy alternators bearings with just enough end play they allowed the cooling fan to catch the side of the alternator only when it was under load.
Nat