Some electrical equipment on WITHOUT the master switch ON?

[JAG]

Bill,
Somehow, you are creating a ground with your lead tester, and if that diode is bad, it could be closing the solenoid. I am having a difficult time though now that you tell me yours was wired properly in the first place...

Yes, a good multi-meter will have a diode checking capability. The setting usually has a symbol of a diode - and you use that to check to see if it is working properly.

Jeff