Low power, high torque actuator retention

A smart actuator and method includes an actuating device adapted to deliver a selected driving torque to a geartrain that is coupled to an output shaft and adapted to selectively convey the driving torque from the actuating device to the output shaft to achieve a selected shaft position. At least one logic and control device operates the various aspects of the smart actuator. The geartrain includes at least one locking gear including locking features defining a plurality of gear positions. A position lock solenoid is adapted to engage the locking gear at a selected gear position once the geartrain has achieved the selected shaft position on the output shaft. The position lock solenoid then holds the gear at the selected gear position. The actuating device is shut off after the position lock solenoid has engaged the locking gear thereby achieving and holding a high torque without driving a lot of current.