96 Crown Royale SIG Solenoid ID - very warm?

[Joe Lee]

Hi Everyone!  

I have a ‘96 Signature. I noticed the Step Switch (cont 12v) solenoid on the electrical panel in my engine bay was very warm to the touch. It’s so warm that I can’t leave my figures on it for more than a couple seconds. (See solenoid below in the Red circle).  Also, see the wiring diagram. The solenoid in question is labeled Solenoid Step Switch. 
 

Two questions:

1) Should this solenoid be this hot?

2) Is this solenoid for my motorized step at the door?  
 

Thanks  for reading this and for any help!

Joe

[Tim-AZ]

Yep, mine is the same way. Mine uses .6 of an amp. It takes power to stay closed.

Edited October 22, 2022 by Tim-AZ

[Ivan K]

Doubt it is for the steps,  more like it gets turned ON by a switch at the steps, do you have one in that area? Salesman solenoid is my suspicion. Mine used to be hot too, not anymore since bypassed and the little wire to it disconnected. 

[Joe Lee]

Thanks Men!  I have a ‘steps’ switch at the door.  I’m not familiar with the Salesmen Solenoid. Glad it’s ok for this solenoid to be hot. I may bypass it to save on current when I’m boondocking. 
 

If I bypass this solenoid, what will be affected?

[Ivan K]

Your "Step" switch might actually be for the steps. Our switch for the rear solenoid (aka salesman solenoid) was labeled as "POWER". It's function is to turn off the interior 12V lights and such on the way out. Nothing else to lose by bypassing it. I have done it for the same reason, boondocking. 

[Joe Lee]

Thanks Ivan and Tim!