My 2005 Lexus rx330 does not crank or start. I had a mobile mechanic look at it and he says the fuses are good starter is good but no starter signal or draw on battery when turning key - Not recognizing key . Does this mean if I get new keys with chips, it will fix the problem? The local Lexus dealership service department says its not the keys, it might be the starter but not the keys. Sorta in limbo. 500 or more for Lexus keys and have it be the starter or replace the starter and find out it should have been the keys

 

Mobile mechanic huh...
How can he say the starter is good if its not even cranking?
Not recognizing the key has nothing to do with the starter not cranking.
If you can turn the key to the start position, your key is fine.

Try this old school trick:
its a 2 person job
-- Have someone turn the KEY to the START position.
-- Have another whack the starter.
-- see if it cranks.

If this doesnt work, you'll have to check if you do have power going to the starter solenoid with the KEY in the CRANK position.

 

there are a lot of things that could cause a starter not to engage. try starting in neutral instead of park...