Abstract: A solenoid is provided having a housing with a housing bore with a central axis. The housing bore opens at an opening in the housing at a first end. The solenoid further has an actuator extending from the opening, and which is sized to movably slide within the housing bore and within the opening along the central axis. A biasing member is provided in the solenoid for cooperating with the actuator and for biasing the actuator in a direction along the central axis. The solenoid also has an indicator positioned within the housing. The indicator cooperates with the actuator for relative movement therewith, and has an indicator path. An indication receiver is positioned within the housing, and located adjacent the indicator and the indicator path, for generating a signal that is representative of the position of the indicator and the position of the actuator. A method of manufacturing the solenoid is also provided, and includes the step of aligning the indication receiver within a recess in the housing.