Abstract: A pressure relief latching solenoid valve includes one or more axially magnetized permanent magnets disposed proximate a pole piece with the axial magnetization direction of the magnet aligned in a manner to maintain the armature in either the first or second position after the electrical current pulse to the solenoid is terminated so as to provide bistable first and second armature positions that can be maintained without solenoid energization and that can be changed from one position to the other by an electrical current pulse to the solenoid. The armature can control movement of a ball valve of a fluid circuit such that the first and second armature positions correspond to closed and open positions of the ball valve. The closed position provides a maximum fluid pressure in the circuit and the open position provides a preset lower fluid pressure. A spring resides in a passage in the armature and has a preselected spring rate and spring preload.