2004 Lexus ES Key Replacement

The 2004–2006 ES uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Lexus ES key guide.

2004 Lexus ES: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 4D-68
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

ES330: 4D-68 chip on the short high-security blade (TOY50-PT), OBD-programmable including all-keys-lost.

What kind of key does a 2004 Lexus ES use?

The 2004 ES is a transponder-key car, not push-to-start. You put a blade key in the ignition and turn it. Inside the plastic head is a 4D-68 chip, and the car will only start when it recognizes that chip. Our data for this year is verified against supplier references, so this is not a guess.

For the ES 330, the chip sits on a short high-security blade, sold under the part designation TOY50-PT. The blade is laser-cut, which means the cuts are milled into the flat face of the key rather than filed along the edge. That takes the right cutting equipment and a clean original or a code to work from. It is not something a quick hardware-store kiosk usually handles properly.

Key type: transponder blade key, no push-to-start
Chip family: 4D-68
Blade: short high-security, laser-cut
Programming: through the OBD port, and no NASTF SDRM access is required
A mechanical backup key is listed for this setup

What does that mean if you own one?

Mostly it means two separate jobs have to be done right: the blade has to be cut accurately, and the chip has to be programmed to your car. Skip either one and the key fails.

The most common mistake on this car is buying a non-transponder copy. It may look right and may even slide into the ignition, but it will not start the car, because there is no chip for the immobilizer to read. We see this as one of the known problems for this year, along with two others: worn ignition wafers on high-mileage cars, and a worn or chipped laser-cut blade that stops turning the lock.

If your key has started to feel gritty, hesitates, or needs jiggling, treat that as a warning. A worn blade can be duplicated while it still works. Once it stops turning altogether, you are in a more involved situation.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how do we handle each?

For this setup, duplication needs an original key. If you have one working key, making a spare is the straightforward path, and it is usually the more economical route. If you have none, all-keys-lost replacement is possible on this car, and the programming is done by OBD.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the car is a 2004 Lexus ES and whether you still have a key.
We send a mobile van to the car, or you can bring it to our Westwood storefront if it can be moved.
We confirm the vehicle and key details by VIN and in person before cutting anything.
We cut the high-security blade to fit your lock, or generate the cut if no key exists.
We program the 4D-68 transponder to the car through the OBD port and test that it starts the engine and turns the door and ignition.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of a 2004 ES key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page, because the real figure depends on your situation. Here is what moves it:

Whether you have an original key to copy or all keys are lost, since all-keys-lost involves more work
How many keys you need cut and programmed
Where the car is, and whether we come to you or you come to the storefront
Condition of the ignition and blade: worn wafers or a damaged blade can add repair work
Time of day, since we answer around the clock but after-hours calls take more effort to staff

What we confirm by VIN before we start

The verified information we have points clearly to the 4D-68 chip and OBD programming on the ES 330. Even so, Lexus changed details during the production years, and a car can be modified or have had a previous key replaced. So we confirm by VIN and in person before cutting. If something turns out different on your car, we will tell you plainly before you pay for it.

If you want to see other years or the full model list, start at the Lexus ES key overview or the broader Lexus key page.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key about your Lexus?

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans serving 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. You reach one company, not a dispatch service that passes your call along. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for it before they start. You can also browse all car key services or go straight to our contact page for details on reaching us.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2004 Lexus ES have a push-to-start key?

No. The 2004 ES uses a transponder blade key that you turn in the ignition. The chip inside is a 4D-68.

Can you make a key if I lost all of mine?

Yes. All-keys-lost replacement is possible for this setup, and the programming is done through the OBD port. We confirm the vehicle by VIN first.

Will a hardware-store copy start my ES?

No. A non-transponder copy has no chip for the car to recognize, so it will not start the engine, even if the blade is cut correctly.

Do I need my original key to get a duplicate?

Yes, for duplication we need an original key. If you do not have one, the job becomes an all-keys-lost replacement instead.

My key is hard to turn. Is that the key or the car?

It can be either. Worn ignition wafers on high-mileage cars and a worn or chipped laser-cut blade are both known problems on this year. We check both.

Do you come to me, or do I have to bring the car?

We can do either. Our mobile vans come to you, or you can visit the storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will sort out which makes sense.

Does programming require special dealer access?

Not for this year. The programming is done by OBD, and the data shows no NASTF SDRM access is required.

We cover all these cities

Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.