Lexus GX Key Replacement & Programming in Los Angeles

Lexus GX keys by year

Year	Key type	Chip	Push-to-start
2026	Smart / proximity key	varies — ask us	Yes
2025	Smart / proximity key	varies — ask us	Yes
2024	Smart / proximity key	varies — ask us	Yes
2023	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2022	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2021	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2020	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2019	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2018	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2017	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2016	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2015	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2014	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2013	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2012	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2011	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2010	Smart / proximity key	DST80 ('DST+' smart) (unconfirmed)	Yes
2009	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2008	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2007	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2006	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2005	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2004	Remote-head key	4D-68	No
2003	Remote-head key	4D-68	No

Which key does your Lexus GX use?

The Lexus GX has come in three generations, and each uses a different kind of key. The generation matters more than the model year alone, because it decides which tools are involved and what we need from you before we start. The year-by-year table on this page lists every model year; this text explains what it means in practice.

In short: 2003 to 2009 is the GX470 with a remote-head key and a twist ignition. 2010 to 2023 is the GX460 with a smart key and push-button start. 2024 to 2026 is the all-new GX550 with a server-authenticated smart key. Not sure which one you have? The VIN settles it quickly. For other models, see our Lexus key service overview.

What does a 2003-2009 GX470 need?

The GX470 (the J120 generation) uses a remote-head key with a 4D-68 transponder chip. Two key part numbers were used, HYQ12BBT and HYQ1512V, and we match by part number rather than by eye, because getting that match right is most of the job. This is the best-documented era: the chip data is verified, the key is programmed through the OBD port, and no Toyota software authorization is required.

Owners of these trucks usually call for one of three reasons. They are down to a single key and want a spare, the remote-head shell and buttons have cracked and worn, or the remote battery has died. High-mileage GX470s also develop worn ignition wafers, which can make a good key stick or refuse to turn. We look at the lock before blaming the key, because a new key will not cure a worn cylinder.

What does a 2010-2023 GX460 need?

From 2010 the GX460 moved to a smart key and push-button start. The fob is the HYQ14ACX, built on the GNE board 271451-5290, and each one carries a mechanical backup key for the door. All keys lost is possible: the smart code is reset through the OBD port with professional tools, and a previously used OEM fob needs an immobilizer reset before the truck will accept it.

We are upfront about one thing. Catalog listings disagree on the chip inside this fob. Most call it 'DST+' (DST80), and at least one lists DST40. We do not pick a side. We match replacement fobs by FCC ID and board number, which is what actually has to line up, and we confirm the exact setup by VIN.

Year coverage gets the same honesty. Catalog listings run 2010 through 2020. The GX460 kept the same smart-key platform to the end of production, but on 2021 to 2023 trucks we confirm the fob part number by VIN before ordering anything. On 2020 and newer Lexus models, some tools need PIN calculation or Toyota software authorization, and we find out which applies on each job.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

What about the 2024-2026 GX550?

The GX550 is a ground-up redesign on the TNGA-F platform, and its smart key is server-authenticated. That changes the picture. Aftermarket all-keys-lost coverage is still limited, and dealer service may be required. We do not have a verified chip type or programming method for these model years, and we will not pretend otherwise.

What we do is take your VIN, check current tool coverage, and tell you plainly whether we can do the job or whether the dealer is the right call. If you still have a working key, mention it when you call.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how does it differ by era?

Adding a key while you still have a working one is a different job from starting over with none. Our data shows an original key is needed for duplication on every GX generation, and that all-keys-lost work is possible through the OBD port on the GX470 and the GX460. A working key in hand is usually the more economical route.

If every key is gone, say so on the first call. It changes what we bring and what we need to check.

GX470 (2003-2009): a spare from an existing key is routine, and all keys lost is OBD-programmable and verified.
GX460 (2010-2020): all keys lost is handled through an OBD smart-code reset with professional tools; spare fobs must match by FCC ID and board number.
GX460 (2021-2023): same smart-key platform, but the catalogs we checked stop at 2020, so we confirm the fob by VIN first.
GX550 (2024-2026): all-keys-lost coverage is not established, and the dealer may be the only route.

Is GX key programming OBD or dealer-only?

For the GX470 and the GX460 through at least 2019, programming is done through the OBD port under the dash, and our data shows no Toyota software authorization requirement. From 2020 it gets less certain: some tools want PIN calculation or authorization, and we verify per vehicle. For the GX550, the method stays unknown until we run the VIN.

So the honest answer is that this is mostly locksmith work, with a clear exception at the newest end. If a dealer is the only route for your truck, we will say so on the phone. Nothing is gained by starting a job we cannot finish.

How does a GX key job work, step by step?

Every job starts the same way, but the answers send it down different paths.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the model year, what happened, and how many working keys remain.
We confirm the generation and fob details by VIN, especially for 2020 and newer trucks and the GX550.
We confirm you own the vehicle before making or programming any key.
We match the key or fob by part number, or by FCC ID and board number on the GX460.
We program through the OBD port, doing an immobilizer reset first if the fob has been used before.
We test every function, including the push-button start or twist ignition, the remote buttons, and the mechanical backup key.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the cost of a Lexus GX key?

We do not put numbers on a web page, because the same truck can mean very different jobs. These are the things that move the cost:

Era and key type: a GX470 remote-head key and a GX460 smart fob are different parts with different programming work, and a lost-fob replacement costs more than a bladed key.
Whether you have a working key: adding a spare is the lighter-cost job, and all keys lost takes more equipment and time.
The fob itself: OEM or aftermarket, and whether a used OEM fob needs an immobilizer reset.
Tool and authorization needs: 2020 and newer trucks and the GX550 may need PIN calculation, Toyota software authorization or dealer involvement.
What is actually broken: a dead battery or cracked shell may not need a new key at all.
Where and when: a mobile visit and an after-hours call involve different logistics than coming to our storefront.

What goes wrong with GX keys?

The problems we see follow the generations closely. If you recognize yours, mention it on the phone, because it can save you from buying a part you do not need.

GX470: worn ignition wafers on high-mileage trucks, which can make a good key stick.
GX470: cracked remote-head shells and worn buttons.
GX470 and others: remote battery failure.
GX460: a dead smart-fob battery, where the car reports 'key not detected'.
GX460: water-damaged or crushed fobs.
GX460: lost-fob replacement that costs more than a bladed key.

When should you call us, and when the dealer?

Call us if you have lost your only key, want a spare, have a failed fob on a GX470 or GX460, or are stuck somewhere a dealer cannot reach. Wilshire Lock & Key has 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. The phone, (213) 577-1366, is answered 24 hours a day, every day. You reach one company with no dispatch middlemen, and David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work.

The dealer may be the right call for a 2024 to 2026 GX550 if tool coverage turns out to be missing, and we will tell you so. Whoever you hire, California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, so ask for the number and check it.

You can reach us through the contact page, start from our home page, or browse every car key service we offer.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether I have a GX470, GX460 or GX550 key?

By generation. A twist-ignition remote-head key means a 2003-2009 GX470. A push-button smart fob on a 2010-2023 truck means a GX460. A 2024-2026 truck is the all-new GX550. If you are unsure, give us your VIN and we will confirm.

Can you make a key if I have lost every GX key?

On the GX470 and GX460, yes. All keys lost is possible through the OBD port, using an OBD smart-code reset on the GX460. On the GX550, coverage is limited and the dealer may be required, so we check the VIN first.

Is the chip in the GX460 fob DST80 or DST40?

Catalog listings disagree. Most say 'DST+' (DST80) and at least one says DST40. Because of that, we match replacement fobs by FCC ID and board number, not by the chip label, and confirm the exact setup by VIN.

My GX460 says 'key not detected'. Do I need a new fob?

Not necessarily. A dead fob battery is the common cause, and the mechanical backup key still opens the door. If a fresh battery does not fix it, the fob may be water-damaged or crushed, and we can test it before replacing anything.

Can you program a 2024 or newer GX550 key?

We will not promise it before checking. The GX550 uses a server-authenticated smart key, aftermarket all-keys-lost coverage is still limited, and dealer service may be required. We confirm current tool coverage by VIN, then tell you plainly.

Will you come to me, or do I need to bring the truck?

We run mobile vans across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and OBD programming can usually be done where the truck sits. You can also visit our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood. Call (213) 577-1366 to sort out which fits.

How do I check a locksmith's license?

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license. Ask any locksmith, including us, for the license number and verify it with the state before work begins. A company that will not give it to you is a red flag.

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.