Bobcat Traction Lock Solenoid - Parking Brake Release - 12V Pull Solenoid - Replaces 6681512 / 7136559 / 6667992

Traction Lock / Parking Brake Solenoid for Bobcat — Replaces 6681512 / 7136559

Is your Bobcat stuck in park? The traction lock solenoid is the #1 reason your wheels or tracks won't turn. When this solenoid fails, the parking brake pins stay engaged and the machine is literally a brick — it won't move forward, backward, or turn. This is the direct replacement. 12V heavy-duty pull solenoid with return spring and plunger included. Replaces Bobcat 6681512, 7136559, and 6667992.

The Problem

You start your Bobcat, engage the controls, and push the sticks — nothing happens. The engine runs fine but the machine won't move. You might see the BICS panel flashing a "Traction" warning, or the machine stalls the moment you try to drive. The traction lock system is Bobcat's parking brake — it physically locks the drivetrain using spring-loaded pins. The solenoid pulls these pins out when you start the machine. When the solenoid fails (burned out coil, stuck plunger, or broken return spring), the pins stay locked and the machine is immobilized.

Bobcat dealers charge $180–$210 for this solenoid — and frequently backorder it for 2–3 weeks. Your machine is down the entire time. For a contractor, that's $500–$1,500+ per day in lost work, idle crew costs, and equipment rental fees.

The Solution

Direct replacement 12V pull solenoid designed for high-heat environments like the Bobcat chaincase and hydraulic bay. Heavy-duty continuous-duty windings rated for the sustained current draw of the traction lock circuit. Includes solenoid, plunger, and return spring — everything you need for a complete replacement. Same 3-wire configuration (pull, hold, ground). Drops right in. Replaces Bobcat 6681512, 7136559, and 6667992.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Replace the Relay Too

The traction lock solenoid draws high amperage. In over 50% of traction lock failures, the relay that controls the solenoid has also failed — stuck contacts, welded shut, or burned. If you replace the solenoid without replacing the relay, you may kill the new solenoid within days. We sell the heavy-duty replacement relay — see "Frequently Bought Together" below. At under $15, it's the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy for a Bobcat.

Specifications

• Bobcat OEM Part Numbers: 6681512, 7136559, 6667992
• Type: Pull Solenoid (Traction Lock Disengage)
• Voltage: 12 Volt DC
• Wiring: 3-Wire (Pull coil, Hold coil, Ground)
• Duty: Continuous Duty
• Includes: Solenoid, plunger, and return spring
• Application: Traction Lock / Parking Brake system
• Condition: Brand New

Symptoms of a Failed Traction Lock Solenoid

• Machine won't move — engine runs but wheels/tracks are locked
• BICS panel flashing "Traction" or "Traction Lock" warning
• Machine stalls or bogs down when you try to drive
• Clicking sound from the chaincase area but no movement
• Machine works intermittently — sometimes moves, sometimes locks up
• Parking brake won't fully disengage (drags on one side)
• "Open Circuit" fault code related to traction lock circuit
• Battery draining overnight (relay stuck → solenoid stays energized)

Identification

• Location: Mounted on or near the chaincase — typically accessible from the rear or underside of the machine
• Visual ID: Cylindrical solenoid body with a plunger shaft, 3-wire connector, and a return spring
• Test: With the key on, you should hear/feel the solenoid "thunk" when it engages. No thunk = failed solenoid or relay
• Part Numbers: Check your Bobcat parts manual — 6681512 is the most common reference, 7136559 is the updated supersession

Compatible Equipment

The 6681512 / 7136559 traction lock solenoid fits the following Bobcat machines:

Bobcat Skid-Steer Loaders

• Bobcat S130
• Bobcat S150
• Bobcat S160
• Bobcat S175
• Bobcat S185
• Bobcat S205
• Bobcat S220
• Bobcat S250
• Bobcat S300
• Bobcat S330

Bobcat Compact Track Loaders

• Bobcat T190
• Bobcat T200
• Bobcat T250
• Bobcat T300
• Bobcat T320

Older Models (Verify PN)

• Bobcat 753 (verify PN)
• Bobcat 763 (verify PN)
• Bobcat 773 (verify PN)
• Bobcat 863 (verify PN)
• Bobcat 873 (verify PN)

⚠️ Always verify your part number before ordering. If your machine uses a different traction lock configuration or a 24V system, this is not the correct solenoid. Contact us with your model and serial number to confirm.

Why Buy From Trenchwell?

• Your Machine Is a Brick Without This: When the traction lock solenoid fails, the machine cannot move. Period. No forward, no reverse, no turning. Every hour it sits is money lost.
• In Stock, Ships Today: Bobcat dealers frequently backorder this part for 2–3 weeks. We have it on the shelf. Your Bobcat will be running again in days, not weeks.
• Save $50+: Bobcat dealers charge $180–$210. We offer the same OEM-spec solenoid at $129.
• Complete Kit: Includes the solenoid, plunger, AND return spring. Some cheap alternatives ship without the spring — without the correct spring tension, the traction lock won't fully engage when you shut down, which is a safety hazard.
• Don't Forget the Relay: Over half of traction lock failures also involve a burned-out relay. We sell the heavy-duty upgrade relay. Buy both and do the job once.

Installation Notes

• Park on level ground, lower all attachments, shut off the engine, remove the key
• Disconnect the battery (safety — you're working on an electrical component)
• Access the traction lock solenoid — typically located on or near the chaincase
• Photograph the existing wiring and connector orientation before disconnecting
• Disconnect the 3-pin electrical connector
• Remove the mounting hardware and pull the old solenoid
• Compare old and new solenoids — verify plunger length, spring, and connector match
• Install the new solenoid with return spring in the correct orientation
• Reconnect the electrical connector — verify pin alignment
• Reconnect the battery
• Start the machine — you should hear the solenoid "thunk" when it pulls the lock pins
• Test: drive forward, reverse, and turn in both directions
• Verify the traction lock re-engages when you shut off the machine (wheels should lock)

Frequently Asked Questions

My Bobcat won't move but the engine runs fine — is this the solenoid?
Most likely, yes. The traction lock solenoid is the #1 cause of a Bobcat that runs but won't drive. Start by listening for the "thunk" when you turn the key on — if you don't hear it, the solenoid or relay has failed. Check the relay first (it's cheaper), then the solenoid.

Do I need to replace the relay too?
We strongly recommend it. The traction lock solenoid draws high current that pits and welds the relay contacts over time. In about half of all traction lock failures, the relay is also damaged. A new $15 relay is cheap insurance on a $129 solenoid job.

Is this a safety issue?
Yes. The traction lock is the parking brake. If the solenoid fails in the "unlocked" position (less common), the machine has no parking brake — it can roll. If it fails in the "locked" position (most common), the machine can't move. Either failure mode is a safety concern.

Can a bad relay cause the solenoid to fail?
Yes. A stuck relay can energize the solenoid continuously, overheating and burning out the coil. It can also cause intermittent voltage that damages the solenoid over time. If your relay contacts are welded shut, it will drain the battery overnight and may destroy the solenoid.

Why does my battery die overnight?
A stuck traction lock relay is one of the most common causes of parasitic battery drain on Bobcat skid steers. The relay contacts weld shut, the solenoid stays energized 24/7, and it slowly drains the battery. Replace both the solenoid and the relay — the relay is probably the root cause.