I had this go out on my '96.

What you need to do to test the solenoid is have one person turn the key while someone else holds the solenoid. You can feel it thump and you can hear it click when it engages.

Another thing to do is use a test lite on the wires. But it is pretty easy to feel it.

Also IIRC you can take the solenoid off and watch it move.

If you don't feel the solenoid thump, the next thing to do is to see if it is getting a signal to thump. To do that you use a test light on the wiring harness when you turn the key.

-Clark