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Solenoids are used in a variety of systems, but most commonly in cars. Starters in particular use solenoids. Often when a vehicles starter is malfunctioning the solenoid is the problem.

Definition of a Solenoid

Solenoids are a type of electric motor. They are commonly used in cars as heavy duty relays. The technical definition of a solenoid is a device or motor that can produce back and forth, or linear, motion when a force is applied. Solenoids will respond to hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical force.

Solenoids as Actuators in Cars

Solenoids are mainly used in cars as actuators. A solenoid will move a component a certain distance after electricity has been applied. Starters are probably the most common actuator component. Another common usage in vehicles is as a relay. A solenoid closes a circuit when electricity is applied.

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Types of Solenoids

Solenoids can also be used in propane, nitrous-injections and propane systems. Fuel injectors are also solenoid valves. There are different types of solenoids. The push type uses a spring to hold the solenoid closed; it opens when voltage is applied. The pull type pushes out a solenoid arm when electricity is applied. A third type is push/pull, which works in both directions.

Solenoid Mechanics

A solenoid has a coil set that it uses to induce a magnetic field on a permanent magnet. The magnet will either be attracted or repelled when power is applied to the coil. In a car, the solenoid in the starter is a relay which moves metal contacts into place which closes a circuit. The solenoid is sent an electrical current when the ignition key is turned. This triggers the magnetic field of the solenoid that pulls on the contacts, closing the circuit.

Saturn produced the SC2 coupe from 1997 to 2002. The vehicle was available with either an 8-valve 85 horsepower engine or a 16-valve 124 horsepower engine. The solenoid is actually part of the starter, and the starter assembly has to be removed, repaired or replaced as a single unit. The neutral safety switch, which prevents the engine from starting if the automatic transmission is not in park or neutral, is also part of the starter assembly, as is the clutch start safety switch for manual transmissions.

Instructions

Removing the Starter Assembly

1

Loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery with a box or socket wrench. Raise the front end of your Saturn with a jack and lower it onto jack stands.

2

Spray all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with penetrating oil. Leave the oil on for a few minutes so it has time to soak into the threads.

3

Put a piece of masking tape on each electrical wire. Note on the tape the wires position on the starter assembly, using the felt marker.

4

Loosen all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with a wrench and remove the wires. Push the wires so they will not interfere with the repair.

5

Loosen and remove the lower starter mounting bolt with a wrench. Loosen and remove the upper starter motor bolt with an obstruction wrench. If you dont have an obstruction wrench, you can reach the bolt through an opening in the intake manifold support bracket, provided you have a long extension for the socket.

6

Loosen and remove the bolt holding the starter motor rear support bracket to the Saturns frame, using a wrench. Rotate the starter assembly until it will clear the axle shaft support bracket. Pull it to the rear and out.

Replacing the Starter Assembly

7

Raise the starter assembly into place. Install and tighten the rear support bracket bolt with a wrench.

8

Install the upper starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench. Install the lower starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench.

9

Attach the wires to their electrical connections and tighten with a wrench. Make sure all connectors are free of dirt and grease.

10

Test the starter solenoid assembly by turning the ignition to crank the engine over. Lift the vehicle up with the jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.