<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A starter solenoid (or starter relay) is the part of an automobile which switches a large electric current to the starter motor, in response to a small control current, and which in turn sets the engine in motion . Its function is thus identical to that of a transistor, but using an electromagnetic solenoid rather than semiconductor to perform the switching . In many vehicles the solenoid also engages the starter pinion with the ring gear of the engine . </P> <P> An idle starter solenoid can receive a large electric current from the car battery and a small electric current from the ignition switch . When the ignition switch is turned on, a small electric current is sent through the starter solenoid . This causes the starter solenoid to close a pair of heavy contacts, thus relaying a large electric current through the starter motor, which in turn sets the engine in motion . </P> <P> The starter motor is a series, compound, or permanent magnet type electric motor with a solenoid and solenoid operated switch mounted on it . When low - current power from the starting battery is applied to the starter solenoid, usually through a key - operated switch, the solenoid closes high - current contacts for the starter motor and it starts to run . Once the engine starts, the key - operated switch is opened and the solenoid opens the contacts to the starter motor . </P>

Where is the solenoid located on a car