For modern vehicles, the
A solenoid is a device comprised of a coil of wire, the housing and a moveable plunger (armature). When an electrical current is introduced, a magnetic field forms around the coil which draws the plunger in. More simply, a solenoid converts electrical energy into mechanical work.
Once a starter fails or becomes unreliable, it is possible to purchase a new replacement, a rebuilt unit, or replacement parts to rebuild the starter yourself. Most repairs can be done with common handtools and are relatively straightforward.
Shift Solenoid Repair and Replacement Cost
The overall cost to replace the shift solenoid in an automatic transmission ranges from $200 to $500 for a single solenoid. If the damage requires you to replace the entire solenoid pack the cost increases to between $250 and $700.
The national average cost for a starter solenoid replacement in 2023 is $241.
When a solenoid is first energized, its coil receives a pulse of high inrush current that decreases as the plunger closes. If the plunger does not close, the high inrush current continues, which can cause the coil to overheat and burn out. This is the most common cause of solenoid failure and spotting it is easy.
Solenoid coil failure can be caused by a number of factors. Applying an incorrect voltage to the coil will cause it to fail and may cause the coil to burn out. Electrical surges or spikes may also damage the coil. Burnt out coils cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.
Rusting, power failure, irregular pressure, missing equipment, an incorrect amount of voltage or current, dirt stuck in the system and corrosion are some of the possible reasons why a solenoid valve may not properly close or open.
In a typical combustion engine application, a starter solenoid may undergo approximately 30,000 actuations over a 15-year vehicle lifespan.
On average, a solenoid valve should last between 1 and 3 years.
Valves that have to work harder often have a shorter lifespan — about 1-3 years. Through regular maintenance, users can extend the valve's lifespan and keep operations on track. Solenoid valve maintenance first focuses on identifying areas of wear and tear, and then replacing the affected components.
The short answer is: Yes, it can. It could also drain the battery even faster if you repeatedly try to start your car with a faulty starter.
Usually a rapid clicking noise is a good indication that your starter motor isn't getting enough electrical current to engage – basically your solenoid is trying to engage but can't make the connection.
Manual Reset Solenoid Valves
This is what is known as Manual Reset. To cause the valve to change from its rest state, the coil must be energised and the lever or knob pulled to the fully open position. If the valve is energised without the manual intervention, it will not open.
Sometimes you find a normal read on the digital multimeter but the coil is actually not functioning. At this time, you can use a screwdriver and put it near the armature then energize the solenoids. If there is a magnet in the presence, the coil is good. Otherwise, it is bad, and you need to change a new one.
If the starter engages but does not disengage when you let go of the key, the solenoid is likely bad and the starter may suffer significant damage as a result. Sometimes your car starts, sometimes it doesn't. Intermittent operation can be a sign of a failing starter solenoid.
Cost at the Mechanic: $75-$450
Replacing the shift solenoids inside an automatic transmission will take approximately two to four hours for a trained professional. Although the parts are relatively inexpensive, the process of getting to the solenoid is challenging, which increases the labor cost.
Overview of a Solenoid
Solenoids (also typically called starter solenoids or starter relays) operate by receiving both large electrical currents from your vehicle's battery and smaller electrical currents from the ignition system when the car key is turned.
Solenoid issues may cause your vehicle to go into “limp mode,” a mode created to shield your engine and transmission from catastrophic failure and a severe accident. In Limp Mode, the entire vehicle will begin to grow weak in its power and the ability to accelerate.