Sorry for the slow response - been out of town for a few days. The procedure I used was:
I connected the black negative lead from the voltmeter to small terminal on the solenoid that was negative and the red lead of the voltmeter to the positive post of the first battery in the series. I then turned on the key and pressed the accelerator. Nothing.
On the other hand, the reverse shows system voltage. When I connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the small positive post on the solenoid and then connect the black to the negative battery post, then, I get full system voltage.
Here is a picture of the solenoid, if it goes through:
IMG_3616.jpg
One other thing. Cart is wired as set out in the diagram here and has been for a couple of years:
6fc4c83ad757ef50cb6fdbaace4ca9e6.jpeg