solenoids

Anybody know how a solenoid works?

OK,if this is a joke I'll bite-but a solonoid is a relay with a mechanical connection.Basically,you use a low amp current to activate a magnectic coil to move a higher amp switch[relay] or to move a mechanical connection.Examples are a older Ford starter relay-the 16 gauge wire to the "s" terminal pulls the coil to connect the battery cables together to send juice to the starter.On a GM product,power to the "s" terminal on the starter solonoid energizes the coil which then pulls back the plunger,engauges the starter drive and connects battery power to the starter motor itself.A solonoid works like this in most applications.It opens a valve in nitrous applications.This is a quick and dirty explanation,post again if it doesn't help

Easy....Push button opens door...


Matt~

if you're talking about keyless entry solonoids like trunk, door locks, doors, ec. they are just wired magnetic motors. when electricity flows through them one way the magnetic property pushes the end of the solonoid either in or out and will push or pull the other way when the polarity (+ or -) is switched going through the motor.