Checking variator?

hi guys wonder if you can help on this one, seem to remember a thread about checking the variator, I recall that it said that before 1200 RPM there would be no voltage after 1200 there would be 12 volts, I have bought a multimeter to check this out and it is right that it is 12 volts after 1200 RPM, also it said to hotwire the solenoid valve to the battery, Apparently at tick over this should make the car stutter and maybe stall because of 12 volts going in too early (MINE DIDNT ) it carried on with normal tick over which makes me think the solenoid may not be working ???. Any info on this and the following steps will be much appreciated. Cheers exasperated BIG PHIL