76 HD DE-40 electrical troubleshooting

[LauraL]

Greetings. My electric golf cart dies after running about 150'. If I let it sit for 30 mins or so I can sometimes get it back to the shop. It's a 36 volt car, and meter says 37.7, so I think my batteries are ok. I have the manual and am trying to work my way through the troubleshooting but I'm confused as to how to test the solenoids (there are 3, F and R have 6 terminals, and B has 4 terminals. My key switch only has three positions, off, reverse, and forward. I do hear a loud click from the solenoids when I switch from off to R or off to F. Is there an easy routine for testing these solenoids while still in the car? I do have a digital multi-meter. I can't find any testing procedures for a 6 terminal solenoid on-line. Should I be hearing the loud click when I turn the key, or not until I step on the "gas" pedal? Thanks in advance for any tips or clues!