First Things To Check When My 1998 Es300 Wont Turn Over!

[98lex]

Hello everyone...I recently bought a 1998 ES300 from a tow yard for really cheap. It didnt have a key so I couldnt hear how it ran prior to buying but all the vital signs seemed alright: oil, trans fluid, coolant, etc. The last owner removed the 8 bolts to the valve cover and the 3 coil packs. I put it all back together and had a key programmed but the car wont turn over. Does anyone have any troubleshooting methods i should try for this particular car to find out what the issue is? I really appreciate any help. Thanks!

[lexis lexus]

I'd start w/ the battery,

LL

[98lex]

I put a brand new battery in it. Today we checked the compression and spark and they both look good, but it still wont turn over. The spark plugs look good also.

[dcfish]

Starter contacts ?

[98lex]

Do you mean check all connections to the starter? Im going to change the plugs and wires to make sure im getting the right spark connections but im starting to wonder if the key that I had made isnt programmed correctly to the computer. I had an independent locksmith come out and make the key and reflash the computer but maybe he didnt do it correctly. Ill start with the plugs and wires and go from there.