Anybody know how to bench test the "EGR Control Solenoid" on a 2.8?

Chilton calls it an "Electronic Vacuum Regulator Valve" and lists the following for testing:
1] unplug connector,
2] disconnect throttle body to solenoid vacuum line,
3] apply 15 in. of vacuum. vacuum should hold - if not replace,
4] apply battery voltage to solenoid terminals. vacuum should drop - if not replace.

Mine fails step #3 in the above. But a new one ($45, in an extended search) behaves exactly the same, straight from the box. ???