2005 Dodge Caravan Possible solenoid repair?

2005 DODGE CARAVAN
57,600 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BLMKEANE
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About 3 wks ago, I noticed a low humming noise that seemed to be coming from underneath my car. This noise seemed to continue for a few seconds after the car is turned off, then I would hear a noise that reminded me of a valve closing.

I took the car to the dealer, he said he thought it was a solenoid problem (maybe wiring or electrical), but that I would have to bring the car back in so they could spend more time finding the source of the problem, which I will do. What is a solenoid, and is this going to be an expensive repair for me? Does it affect the transmission or driveability in any way?
Jul 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM
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JALOPYPAPA
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A solenoid is an electromagnetic device designed to shift, turn or move something mechanically, including some valves. Your car contains several of them that do different things, so ask the mechanic if he's thinking of a particular one. One shifts a gear in your starter motor to engage the toothed rim of the engine's flywheel to start your engine. Another, if you've got an automatic transmission, acts as a sort of clutch within the torque converter, which when you're just starting from a stop, is driven by transmission fluid. Still others regulate engine vacuum in hoses used to operate various components.
Jul 30, 2009 at 11:59 AM