Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically detecting when a solenoid has closed, or nearly closed, indirectly senses changes in the inductance of the solenoid's coil as the solenoid closes. When the inductance has changed by a selected amount, the solenoid is assumed to have closed, or nearly closed, and current through the coil is promptly reduced. Preferably, changes in the inductance of the coil are sensed by establishing a plurality of current peaks in the coil, and sensing the current's decay time between peaks. When the decay time of a measured current peak exceeds the decay time of a previously measured current peak by a selected amount, it is assumed that the solenoid has closed, or nearly closed.