Car will not start after turning the ignition. Is the starter the culprit?

The shops can't get these parts either. I can get the contact set that connects the solenoid to the starter or the entire remanufactured starter. You've been working on with project for several day now. I suggest replacing the starter and be done with it.

Is it difficult to remove the starter? There are so much hardware under the hood it is next to impossible to do any do-it-yourself car maintenence. Does anyone have a link they could provide for a step by step removal, Preferrably a video (youtube, perhaps)?

You'll probably remove it from underneath on an RX. First thing is to save radio codes then disconnect negative terminal from battery. Disconnect the lead and remove the bolts, box up the old one for the core charge. DO NOT overtighten the starter bolts when you put the new one back on.

Is there a torque spec for the starter bolts?

Do you have a torque wrench? 27ft lbs. If not then using a normal 3/8" ratchet snug will suffice. UPDATE: Remove the battery box and the starter is in the engine compartment and couldn't be any easier.

Just finished putting in the new contacts and it works like a charm, starts every time, the old ones were very worn but the plunger was fine. Here is a link that describes how to do it in detail, it took me about 2 hours to do. If you can not get the contacts locally , you can get a rebuild kit off of ebay for $35 shipped to you. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/starter-repair-kit-Lexus-RX300-RX-300-99-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4a917533a1QQitemZ320267957153QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_680wt_732 http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_1999_lexus_rx300_starter

The link provided is to remove the starter. Do you have step(s) on how to replace contacts? Have you inquiried if auto stores carry the contacts?

If you look at the other photo link in this thread, it is self explanatory, if it is not you should take to Lexus and just pay the $400 to get a new starter put in.