2004 Toyota Prius Key Replacement in Los Angeles, CA

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

2004 Toyota Prius: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: 4D-70 (DST40)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

All second-generation Prius use a Power button; base cars insert the fob into the dash slot, while the optional Smart Key System adds proximity entry. OEM-key listings for the MOZB31EG fob also show a 4D-70 chip (one lists 4D-67 — both are DST40-family and handled the same way). All-keys-lost requires Toyota's smart-code reset (Techstream seed/pass-code, documented in Toyota TSBs hosted by NHTSA) or a specialist bench path — plan extra time.

What kind of key does a 2004 Prius use?

The 2004 Prius is a second-generation car, and none of them start with a conventional turn-the-metal-key ignition. You use a fob and a Power button. What differs from car to car is how the fob gets read. On base cars you push the fob into a slot in the dash. Cars with the optional Smart Key System add proximity entry, so the car senses the fob when it is close. That is why this year is listed as a smart-proximity, push-to-start setup.

Inside the fob is a 4D-70 transponder chip, part of the DST40 family. We verified that against two separate key-supply references. The car will not start unless it recognizes the code in that chip, no matter what the doors do. Every fob also carries a mechanical backup blade. The blade opens the door when the fob is dead, but it will not start the car by itself.

These are the problems owners bring us most often with this year:

Fob battery failure. When the battery dies, the fob may need to be held against the Power button or seated in the dash slot before the car will respond.
Worn or damaged fob shells and buttons, which are common on a fob that is now two decades old.
The emergency blade opens the door, but the car still will not start.

Duplicate or all keys lost: how does it differ on this Prius?

If you still have a working fob, making another is the more straightforward job. Duplication on this car requires an original key to copy from, and the new fob is programmed to the car through the OBD port. Programming does not require NASTF SDRM access, which keeps the process simpler than it is on many newer cars.

If every key is gone, it can still be done. All-keys-lost on a 2004 Prius needs Toyota's smart-code reset, which uses a Techstream seed and pass-code procedure documented in Toyota service bulletins hosted by NHTSA. In some cases a specialist bench path is used instead. Either way, plan on extra time compared with a simple duplicate. We would rather tell you that up front than have you expect a quick copy and be surprised.

If the car is stuck where it parked, tell us when you call. Our mobile vans can come to the car, and our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood is available if you can get it to us.

How we handle a 2004 Prius key job

The order of work is the same whether you have one fob left or none.

You call (213) 577-1366. Someone answers at any hour, and we ask for the VIN and whether you have a working fob.
We confirm the exact fob and chip for your car, and whether it has the dash slot or the optional proximity system.
If you have a fob, we use it as the original. If not, we set up for the smart-code reset or bench path.
We cut or supply the fob and its backup blade, then program it through the OBD port.
We test every function: door entry, the backup blade, starting the car, and any fob you already own that should keep working.

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 Prius key?

We do not quote numbers in an article, because the real answer depends on your car. These are the things that move the cost:

The biggest factor is whether you have an original key. A duplicate is usually the more economical route. An all-keys-lost job involves the smart-code reset or a bench path and more labor time, so it costs more.

The other factors are the type of fob needed, whether a new shell or button pad alone would solve a worn-fob problem, how many fobs you want, and whether we are coming to you or you are coming to the shop. A dead battery alone is often a small fix, so check that before assuming you need a new fob.

Original key available or all keys lost
Fob type and condition, including whether a shell repair is enough
Number of fobs to program
Mobile visit versus storefront visit

What we confirm by VIN, and why call us

Here is where the data is not perfectly clean. Listings for the MOZB31EG fob show a 4D-70 chip, but one listing shows 4D-67. Both are DST40-family and we handle them the same way, yet we still confirm the exact part by VIN or on the car before cutting or programming anything. Because the dash-slot and proximity versions differ by trim, we confirm that in person too rather than guess from the year alone.

Wilshire Lock & Key has been in business since 1987. We run a storefront and mobile vans as one company, so there is no dispatch middleman between your call and the technician. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. If you want to compare, California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for that number before work begins.

For the broader picture, see our Toyota Prius key service page, the Toyota car keys overview, or our general car key services. You can also contact us with your VIN and we will tell you what your car needs.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2004 Prius have a real key?

Not in the traditional sense. It uses a fob and a Power button, with a 4D-70 transponder chip inside. The fob contains a mechanical backup blade that opens the door but will not start the car on its own.

My Prius fob stopped working. Is it the battery?

Possibly. Battery failure is a known issue with this year, and a weak fob may need to be held at the Power button or seated in the dash slot. If a fresh battery does not help, the fob or its programming may need attention.

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

Yes. It requires Toyota's smart-code reset or a specialist bench path, so it takes longer than a duplicate. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will explain the plan for your car.

Do you need my original key to duplicate it?

Yes. On this setup a duplicate needs an original key. The new fob is then programmed to the car through the OBD port.

Will the dealer be the only option?

No. Programming on this year goes through the OBD port and does not require NASTF SDRM access, so we handle it ourselves, including the all-keys-lost situation.

Can you come to my car?

Yes. We have mobile vans as well as our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. We serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Why do you ask for my VIN?

Listings for this fob show a 4D-70 chip, and one shows 4D-67. Both are DST40-family and treated the same, but the VIN lets us confirm the exact fob and whether your car has the dash slot or the optional proximity system.

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.