I funny thing started the other day, I went to start my car and it took a few mintues, It seemed to be cranking louder and faster than usual. I never had any problem with this car so I thought maybe it was something else,

then tonight I went to start it and it first clicked and then started cranking slow then fast. The car did not start. I tried it again and it seemed like the starter was just spinning like it was stripped or something then it finally caught and cranked right up. but before I replace the starter, I just want to make sure its not something electrical. I don't want to replace the starter and find out its some kind of voltage problem or something. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance by the way the car has 74000 miles

 

If you hadn't already done so, I would check the battery first. If it's a Lexus factory battery, you'll see an indicator which clearly states if the battery is OK or needs to be replaced. If it's a non-Lexus battery, then you'll have to bring the car to a service shop and get a charge test to see if the battery can hold a reasonable charge. Another thing to check out is the condition of the positive and negative terminals. If there's corroded material around the terminals or acidic stuff leaking out of the battery, then it may be time to get the battery replaced.

 

Usually, Machine gun like clicking sound from starter = weak or dying battery. Check your battery connections.
single click = Bad or worn starter contacts

 

ditto.
Always start with the battery terminals.
Then the battery level (If it's unsealed)
Then check/replace the battery.

 

Thanks for the responses but I guess I did a bad job explaining, it is not making the machine gun noise, it is getting power but seems to racing unusually fast. like its not catching or something

 

When the starter "races," is it spinning freely, or is it engaging the flywheel? It sounds to me, from your description, that it is just spinning freely. If this is the case, you'll probably need to replace the starter.

 

Tap the key once real quick, then crack it & see if it catches.