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Three tests to bench test the solenoid, text and video …

To test the pull-in coil:

1. Insert a deep socket part way into solenoid.
2. Connect battery -ve to the short stud of the solenoid.
3. Momentarily apply +12 volt jumper wire to the terminal of the solenoid.
4. The socket should pull in.
   Leave it pulled in to test the hold-in coil.

To test the hold-in coil:

1. Move the battery -ve jumper from the short stud to the solenoid case.
2. Apply +12 volts to the terminal and leave it connected.
3. Try to pull the socket out of the solenoid.
   The hold-in coil should resist your effort to pull the socket out while +12 volts is applied to the terminal.
4. Remove the +12 volts from the terminal.
   The socket should slide easily back out of the solenoid.

To load test the contact plate of the solenoid:
A headlight bulb works well for this.

1. Jumper from batt +ve to to +ve of light.
2. Jumper from long stud to -ve of light.
3. Jumper from batt -ve to short stud.
4. Manually push in the plunger.
   The bulb should light up.

And here is the YouTube video: Bench Test Solenoid from IronHead Sportster