Land Rover Repair: Not the battery, starter problem, engine ignition

Question
They did run a diagnostic at the shop and determined it wasn't the starter.  Could that still be the problem?  Unfortunately, everytime I take it in it will start right up.  It sounded like a starter problem to me too, I was just confused because of the test they ran.
Should I go ahead and get the starter or what?
Thanks.

Followup To
Question -
Hi John.  I have a 96 disco.  I've trouble starting it-it just won't turn over sometimes.  The next day it will crank right up.  I took it to the shop, they said it was the battery, replaced it.  Two days later it doesn't start again. It's not making any noises. It doesn't seem like the battery is drained, it just isn't turning over.  Any ideas on what it could be?
Answer -
Hi Kelcey,

go back to the shop and ask for a refund.  This sounds more like a starter problem.  Could be solenoid or starter but both are integrated into one component.  

For a '96, its not uncommon for this to happen...if this is the orginal starter.  Only way to tell is to remove the starter and have it bench tested.

Go to www.car-part.com for salvaged starters...easy to find and can save you 100's of dollars.  Make sure when you purchase salvaged parts that they test it and give you a garantee.

Most local garages can do the install.  Otherwise, LR will do this and charge you up to $1000 or more.

Best of luck,

JohnMc


Answer
Hi Kelcey,

did they actually remove the starter OR did they turn the engine over and (of course) it worked?

To truly test the starter out, they have to remove the starter from your Disco, mount it on a bench and attach a test battery with wires and run the starter motor.  

Its hard to determine what the cause might be from where I'm sitting.  If you turn the ignition key and nothing happens; no starter motor noise, no engine ignition whatsoever, it has to be:

1.  battery dead
2.  starter seized
3.  Solenoid faults
4.  ignition itself is faulty
5.  coil or coilpack not sending volts to spark plugs


IF they bench tested the starter, its easy enough to open up the starter and look for corrosion, rust, gunk, metallic fragments.

Hope this helps.

JohnMc