what does a solinoid have to do with the starting of and engin?

i keep hearing about people messing around with the solinoid on cars and mowers and stuff... what the heck are they?

Answers:
Solinoid engages the bendix on the starter,which makes the starter turn.

Other answers:
The solenoid simply is a switch that transfers power from the battery to the starter.
The solenoid simply is a switch that transfers power from the battery to the starter.
It's an electrical magnetic valve, when you apply electrical power to the magnet, it allows a rod to move, opening up the fuel supply, to let the engine start.
Solenoid: a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device (as a valve)
I solenoid, is a relay. Sometimes it's on the starter motor, sometimes it's on the body of the car, some ware under the hood. It allows a low voltage switch, such as an ignition key, to start a hi voltage device. When you turn the key, it completes a current to the solenoid. The solenoid then switches on a 12v hi amperage switch to the starter.

All a solenoid really is, is an electro magnetic switch. The locks on your car work the same way.
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