Won't start - doesn't turn over

Had a similiar problem last night. After verifying that I had 12v at my generator starter I tapped the starter with a hammer. The generator then started.

Ivylog wrote:
With someone out front, try cranking with the headlights on. If they go out you have a battery or cable problem. Just because it is new does not mean it's fully charged. If they stay on it could be the solenoid or the starter.

X2

If it's a Ford engine, the starter relay/solenoid is the most likely culprit.

Do the idiot lights come on? I had the same problem and it turned out to be 2 problems, ignition switch and a fuse assembly in the ignition circuit. Replaced both and everything was fine.

I agree with msmith1199.
The terminals may be corroded. I just had a problem on our 96 Southwind, it wouldn't start or turn over. The battery is good, and fully charted.

I noticed the terminals on the two 6 volt house batteries were corroded. Cleaning the house battery terminals solved the problem.

Maybe you will luck out and it will be a simple fix. Also, check for loose connections.

Let us know what caused the problem after you get it running.

Loose ground? Or loose wire going to starter?

With someone out front, try cranking with the headlights on. If they go out you have a battery or cable problem. Just because it is new does not mean it's fully charged. If they stay on it could be the solenoid or the starter.

I have no experience with that rig, but I did have a somewhat similar experience a while back with, of all things, a VW Jetta. I drove it to the big city and dropped off the wife then went 'round doing some errands. After a number of stops and restarts, I got in to go to the next place, and nothing. The battery was so dead it couldn't even light up the LCD mileage meter on the dashboard. Attempts to jump start it were futile.

Had it towed to the nearest dealer, and they told me that the starter motor and solenoid had shorted out so thoroughly that it completely killed the battery, too. While I hope that's not your problem, the lack of anything more than a click suggest that the starter/solenoid is not happy in it's work.

Battery cables? Do they need to be cleaned or replaced? Check the connections at the starter make sure they are not corroded. Check that the battery ground cable is attached and not corroded. Those are the first of the easiest things to check.