Can someone tell me what I need to do to "trick" the EGR solenoid on my 96 Formula to opening the valve?

I'm getting SES code P0400 and thought I would test the solenoid and the valve.

I would think that if the engine is running and I can force the solenoid to kick, then I can check for vacuum. If I get vacuum, then the solenoid should be ok and that would leave me with a bad valve.

 

A hand operated vacuum tester would be helpful as well.

You could jumper 12v to the purple wire of the solenoid to turn it on (the ground to the other terminal must be present, too).

You can also jumper pins 5 and 6 of the DLC and turn the key to ON (field service enable mode). That should operate most solenoids (fans will probably come on, too). I don't think you are supposed to start the car with that jumpered, though. So, you would need the vacuum tester to supply your own vacuum for testing. You could always just use your lungs, too.

The dealership scan tool has the ability to operate individual solenoids on command.

Your trouble is probably not electrical in nature with the solenoid, since you would get a P0403 if that were the case.