Testing Solenoid

[keithhlars]

How do I tell if my solenoid is bad or it's something else. When I use a screwdriver to short out the two post on the solenoid the engine cranks over. I put a test light on the one post that should get 12v once I hit the start button but I get nothing.

[Bear45-70]

Do you have the brake on? The power to run the solenoid comes from the brake light. The start switch supplies the ground.