starter not turning

[phildaint]

well, tried to start my car last night to go to work and there was nothing, tried jumping  but the starter wasnt turning, just nothing, when i got home i checked all the cables etc and they all seem fine, though the allarm kept going off and wouldnt turn off unless i had the key in the ignition on the 'on' position. i ended up leaving the spare key in all night so, now i know i have a flat battery. 

heard that whacking the starter motor sometimes helps? is this true, anytihng else i should try as i have a mate coming round to lend me some electricity in an hour or so...

[Paul86S2]

If its a sticking starter motor a sharp tap with a hammer can help. If its worn brushes put it in gear and riock the car forwards.

Check your battery connections are clean and tight. Check and clean up the starter motor connections and the engine to chassis earth lead.

Paul

[ronnie'C']

You say that the starter motor is not turning but is it 'trying' to turn. Put your hand on it when you go to start and see if it makes a 'clunking'.  You might have an open circuit within the motor itself.