Abstract: A valve position monitoring and control system incorporates a proximity sensor positioned near a movable valve element to detect the operational position of the valve and includes circuit means coupled to a valve actuating solenoid for deactivating the solenoid in the event the valve fails to respond to command signals for positioning the valve in a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the system incorporates a pair of series connected valves used in presses which valves in turn are operated by solenoid actuated pilot valves. In the event either one of the valves do not operate either by opening within a predetermined time after actuation or closing within a predetermined time after their deactuation, the system of the present invention will not permit further operation of the valves until the system has been manually reset.