A method of estimating force output of a solenoid assembly including a solenoid coil and a corresponding armature upon which the solenoid coil exerts a magnetic solenoid force is provided. The method includes a step of measuring a plurality of data points of current being drawn by the solenoid coil resulting in a plurality of measured current values, a step of measuring a plurality of data points of voltage being supplied to the solenoid coil resulting in a plurality of measured voltage values, and a step of estimating the magnetic solenoid force exerted upon the corresponding armature based on the pluralities of measured voltage and current values, resulting in an estimated force value.