There are several types of car solenoids used to perform a
variety of functions, from starting the engine to shifting the transmission.
Many automobile starters use different types of car solenoids depending on
whether or not the vehicle is equipped with a standard or an automatic
transmission. There are different car solenoids used to activate a four-wheel
drive system, fuel-injection system and even to lock or unlock the doors and
trunks on some vehicles.
A solenoid is an electronic device that operates either a push
or pull operation, and some car solenoids can both push and pull. The most
common use of car solenoids is to start the engine of the vehicle. The starter
solenoid can be either attached to the engine's starter or divorced from the
starter. In a divorced solenoid application, the solenoid is commonly mounted
on the vehicle's fender well or on the firewall. Some car solenoids are used to
direct transmission fluid to a certain sector within the transmission to
control the gear shifts.
Automatic transmissions commonly use a solenoid to direct
the transmission fluid while under computer control. The vehicle's computer
will send an electrical charge to a solenoid inside of the transmission. The
signal activates the distribution and flow of transmission fluid that will
allow the vehicle to change gears.
Other solenoids control the lock-up action of the vehicle's
torque convertor to aid in improving fuel mileage by eliminating torque
convertor slip while driving. In four-wheel drive applications, a solenoid
typically controls the locking mechanism in a vehicle's front axle or transfer
case. The solenoid eliminates the need for the operator to shift the transfer
case into a specific gear by allowing the operator to turn or push a switch
that electronically locks the transfer case when needed.
Some car solenoids are used to open doors, trunk lids and
rear hatches remotely. The solenoid used in this application is commonly a push
or pull type solenoid and is attached to the locking mechanism by a rod or
cable. Another type of solenoid is found in the fuel injection system of a
vehicle. The fuel injectors are electrical devices that pulse back and forth
releasing a pre-measured shot of fuel on each cycle. Many vehicles also use a
type of solenoid to control the flow of heated engine coolant to and from the
vehicle's heater, and this flow of heated coolant provides warmth to the
vehicle's passenger compartment.
Article Credit: www.wisegeek.com
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