2004 Lexus RX Key Replacement

The 2004–2009 RX uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Lexus RX key guide.

2004 Lexus RX: key facts

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

RX330: 4D-68 remote-head key (HYQ12BBT), OBD-programmable including all-keys-lost.

What kind of key does a 2004 Lexus RX use?

The 2004 RX is the RX330, and it uses a remote-head key: a metal blade with the lock and unlock buttons built into the plastic head. The key carries a 4D-68 transponder chip, and the remote on our reference key is the HYQ12BBT style. This is not a push-to-start car. You put a key in the ignition and turn it.

What that means for you: a blade cut to the right pattern will turn the ignition, but the engine will not run unless the car recognizes the chip inside the key. The remote buttons are a separate function that also has to be programmed. A hardware-store copy can open the door and still leave you stranded, because it has no chip the car accepts.

The data we work from lists a mechanical backup key for this setup, so a physical key exists apart from the remote head. We would still ask to see what you have in hand, because years of use change what is left of an original set.

Duplicate a key or start over after all keys are lost?

For this setup, a duplicate needs an original key to work from. If you have one working key, copying it is the more economical route, since we are cloning and programming from something the car already knows. If you have no keys at all, an all-keys-lost job is possible on this model, and it is done through the OBD port. No special manufacturer-level registration is required for the programming method listed for this year.

Either way, the sequence is much the same:

You call (213) 577-1366 and give us the year, model, and whether you have any key left.
We confirm the exact key by VIN and see where the car is, at our Westwood storefront or with a mobile van.
We cut the blade to match the ignition or the door lock.
We program the 4D-68 chip to the car through the OBD port and then pair the remote buttons.
We test the ignition, the locks, and the remote before you leave.

What affects the price of a 2004 RX key?

We do not quote numbers in a web page, because the real answer depends on your situation. These are the things that move the cost:

Whether you have a working key. A duplicate from an existing key is usually the lighter-cost option compared with all keys lost.
How many keys you want made. Programming a second key during the same visit is more efficient than a return trip.
Whether the remote head is intact. Cracked shells and worn buttons are common on this key, and sometimes we can solve the problem with a new shell or battery rather than a full new key.
Where the car is. A vehicle that cannot move may need a mobile visit, which differs from coming to the storefront.
Time of day. We answer the phone at all hours, and after-hours work is not the same as a daytime appointment.
The condition of the ignition and door locks, which we explain below.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

Common problems on this key, and when we confirm by VIN

Three issues show up often on this year: worn ignition wafers on high-mileage cars, cracked remote-head shells with worn buttons, and dead remote batteries. If your key has become hard to turn, the ignition wear may be the real culprit, and a new key alone will not fix it. We would rather tell you that on the phone than cut a key that fights the lock. If the remote just stopped responding, try the battery first; that is a small repair compared with replacing the whole key.

Our technical data for this year is verified against two outside key-supply references, and we treat it as a strong starting point, not the final word. Production details can vary from car to car, so we confirm by VIN and by looking at the car or your existing key before we cut or program anything. If anything about your car does not match what we expect, we will tell you before work begins.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans. You deal with one company, not a dispatch middleman, and 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. For related models, see our Lexus RX key pages, the wider Lexus key service, or the full car key overview. If you would rather write first, use the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2004 Lexus RX have push-to-start?

No. The 2004 RX uses a remote-head key that goes into the ignition and turns. The key holds a 4D-68 transponder chip, and the car must recognize that chip before the engine will run.

Can you make a 2004 RX key if I lost every key?

Yes. All keys lost is possible on this setup, and programming is done through the OBD port. We confirm the key details by VIN first, then cut and program a new key. Call (213) 577-1366 to start.

Do I need an original key to get a copy made?

For a duplicate, yes, an original key is needed to work from. If you have none, the job becomes an all-keys-lost replacement, which is still possible but usually costs more than copying a working key.

Why does my copied key open the door but not start the car?

Because the engine needs the chip inside the key, not just the cut blade. A 4D-68 transponder must be programmed to the car. A plain metal copy has no chip, so the car will not let it run.

My remote stopped working. Do I need a new key?

Not necessarily. Battery failure is a common cause on this key, and cracked shells or worn buttons are also common. We can look at the key and tell you whether a battery, a new shell, or a full replacement makes sense.

Is there a backup mechanical key for the 2004 RX?

Our data lists a mechanical backup key for this setup. We still ask to see what you have and confirm by VIN, because older sets often differ from how they left the factory.

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

Both work. You can come to our Westwood storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd, or we can send a mobile van to the car. Phone lines are answered 24 hours a day at (213) 577-1366.

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.