However, solenoids are not always exposed to the same conditions and can have different characteristics. Thus, the switching behavior of the valve can deviate from an expected behavior so that the control of the transmission may be less precise.

A purpose of the present invention is to indicate a technique by means of which better control of a plurality of inductive loads, for example in a transmission control system, can be achieved. The invention achieves this objective by virtue of the objects of the independent claims. The subordinate claims describe preferred embodiments.

A method for operating a plurality of inductive loads that can be connected in parallel with one another between two terminals, to which a controllable voltage is applied, comprises the steps of detecting the connection of a hitherto non-energized load to the terminals; setting the voltage at a predetermined first value; and adjusting the voltage to a predetermined second value after the lapse of a predetermined time interval, the second value being lower than the first value.