- Average
- R 402.35
- Lowest seen
- R 344.00
- Highest seen
- R 411.00
- Last change
- R 67.00
- First indexed
- 01 Oct 2026
- Retailer
- Takealot
Description
The Solenoid for the Nissan E20 Petrol 12V is a critical component in the vehicle's starting system. It serves as an electromagnetic switch that helps engage the starter motor, which cranks the engine to start. The solenoid acts as a relay between the battery and the starter motor, ensuring that the high current needed to turn over the engine is safely managed. Below is a detailed breakdown of the solenoid used in a Nissan E20 Petrol (12V) system:
A solenoid in a Nissan E20 is part of the starter system, specifically designed for 12V electrical systems, which are typical in petrol-powered vehicles. When the driver turns the ignition key to the "start" position, the solenoid receives a small electrical current from the ignition switch and then activates the starter motor, allowing the engine to crank.
Key Components:
Solenoid Housing:
The solenoid is housed in a metal or high-strength plastic casing to protect its internal components from heat, moisture, and physical damage.
The housing is typically cylindrical and compact, mounted near the starter motor on the engine's block.
Electromagnetic Coil:
The solenoid contains a copper wire coil that, when energized, creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field is used to move the plunger inside the solenoid, which in turn completes the electrical circuit to engage the starter motor.
This coil is the heart of the solenoid's operation, converting electrical energy into mechanical movement.
Plunger/Piston:
Inside the solenoid is a plunger or piston that moves in response to the electromagnetic field created by the coil. When the solenoid is energized, the plunger is pulled inward, pushing a lever that engages the starter motor's pinion gear with the engine's flywheel.
This movement allows high current from the battery to flow to the starter motor, initiating the engine's cranking process.
Contacts (High-Current Terminals):
The solenoid has two major terminals: one connected to the battery positive terminal and the other connected to the starter motor.
When the solenoid is activated, the plunger bridges these two terminals, allowing the high current from the battery to flow directly to the starter motor. This high current is necessary to generate the torque needed to crank the engine.
The solenoid also has a smaller terminal (the signal terminal) that connects to the ignition switch. When the key is turned, a small current is sent to this terminal, which activates the solenoid.
Return Spring:
The solenoid contains a return spring that pushes the plunger back to its original position when the key is released from the "start" position.
This disengages the pinion gear from the flywheel and stops the starter motor after the engine has started.
Mounting Brackets:
The solenoid is usually equipped with metal brackets for securing it to the starter motor or the engine block. These brackets provide stability, ensuring that the solenoid stays in place even under the vibration and heat of the engine environment.
Functionality:
Engine Start Sequence:
When the driver turns the key in the ignition to the "start" position, a small electrical current is sent to the solenoid through the signal terminal.
This activates the solenoid's electromagnetic coil, creating a magnetic field that pulls the plunger inward. As the plunger moves, it completes the circuit between the battery and the starter motor.
The high current from the battery then flows to the starter motor, which spins the engine's flywheel to start the engine.
Engagement of the Pinion Gear:
As the solenoid engages, it simultaneously pushes a lever that moves the starter motor's pinion gear into the teeth of the engine's flywheel. This mechanical engagement is what allows the starter motor to crank the engine.
Once the engine starts and the key is released, the solenoid deactivates, retracting the pinion gear from the flywheel.
Disengagement:
When the engine starts and the driver releases the ignition key, the small current to the solenoid stops. This causes the electromagnetic field to collapse, and the return spring pushes the plunger back to its resting position.
The disengagement stops the starter motor and disconnects the high-current connection between the battery and the motor, preventing damage to the starter or engine.
Voltage and Power Rating:
The solenoid in the Nissan E20 is rated for 12V, as this is the standard voltage for most petrol-powered vehicles. The solenoid is designed to handle high current, often in the range of several hundred amps, as required by the starter motor to turn over the engine.
The Nissan E20 Petrol 12V Solenoid is a key component in the vehicle's starting system, responsible for engaging the starter motor and cranking the engine. Its efficient operation ensures the engine starts reliably, and its robust design allows it to handle the high current demands of a 12V system. Proper maintenance, such as ensuring good electrical connections and testing the solenoid when starting issues arise, will help ensure the longevity and reliability of the solenoid in your Nissan E20.
What's in the box
1 x Solenoid Nissan E20 Petrol 12V