2004 Toyota RAV4 Key Replacement

The 2004–2009 RAV4 uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Toyota RAV4 key guide.

2004 Toyota RAV4: key facts

Key type: Transponder chip key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: 4D-67
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Start of the 4D-67 'dot' era per transpondery.com; a few catalogs keep 4C through 2004 — check the blade stamp.

What kind of key does a 2004 RAV4 use?

The 2004 RAV4 is a transponder-key vehicle. There is no push-to-start and no smart key on this year. You have a metal-bladed key with a chip inside the plastic head, and the car will only start when the chip's signal matches what the vehicle expects.

The chip family for this year is 4D-67, according to the sources we check, transpondery.com and americankeysupply.com. By most accounts, 2004 is where the 4D-67 chip begins on this model, the start of what some people call the 'dot' era. That detail matters because an older-style chip will not work in this car.

In practical terms, here is what that means for you:

A key cut only from the blade pattern will turn the lock but will not start the engine. The chip has to be programmed to the car.
A plain hardware-store copy, with no transponder chip, will not start the car. This is the most common problem we hear about on this year.
The key has a mechanical backup. The blade can work the locks, but the chip is what starts the engine.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: what changes?

For this setup, making a duplicate normally requires an original key to copy from. If you still have one working key, that is the easier path. We cut a new blade, then program the new chip to the vehicle.

If you have lost every key, it is still possible to make a new one. The path is different, though. We cut a key by the vehicle's code or from the lock itself, then program it to the car from scratch. It takes more steps than a straightforward duplicate, which is why it generally costs more.

If you are down to one key, the lighter-cost option is usually to duplicate it now, before it gets lost or breaks. Waiting until you are at all keys lost means a bigger job.

How we handle a 2004 RAV4 key, step by step

Programming on this year is done through the OBD port under the dash. According to our data, it does not require NASTF SDRM access, so this is work we can do at your vehicle or at our Westwood storefront rather than something sent out to a dealer.

Confirm the vehicle: year, model, and key setup, checking the blade stamp and the VIN where needed.
Check what you have: a working key to copy from, or all keys lost.
Cut the new key blade and check that it turns the door and ignition smoothly.
Program the 4D-67 transponder to the car through the OBD port.
Test that the key starts the car, locks and unlocks, and that any other keys you hold still work.

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 RAV4 key?

We do not quote numbers on a web page because the job depends on a few specifics. These are the factors:

Whether you have a working key to copy, or all keys are lost.
How many keys you need cut and programmed.
Whether we come to you with a mobile van or you come to our storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd. The storefront is usually the more economical route when the car can be driven or towed there.
The condition of the lock. High-mileage RAV4s often have worn ignition wafers, and a worn key blade may stop turning the lock. Sometimes the fix is not just a new key but also attention to the ignition or lock.
The time of day you call. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What we confirm by VIN

One honest note: catalogs do not entirely agree on 2004. Transpondery.com places the start of the 4D-67 chip here, while a few catalogs keep the older 4C chip through 2004. Our data for this year is verified as 4D-67, but because of that overlap we check the stamp on your blade and confirm by VIN before cutting or programming anything.

If you have a spare key, the stamp on the blade is the quickest check. If not, the VIN tells us what we need. Either way, you will know what chip your car takes before any work begins.

We have served Los Angeles since 1987 as one company, so the person who answers the phone is not a dispatch middleman. David oversees the work. California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for theirs before they start.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2004 Toyota RAV4 have a transponder chip?

Yes. It uses a transponder key with a 4D-67 chip. It is not a push-to-start car, so the key is a physical blade with a chip in the head.

Will a hardware-store copy start my 2004 RAV4?

No. A copy without a transponder chip may turn the lock but will not start the car. The chip must be programmed to the vehicle.

Can you make a key if I lost all my keys?

Yes, all-keys-lost is possible on this setup. It involves more steps than copying a working key, so it usually costs more. Call (213) 577-1366 and we will walk through it.

How is the key programmed?

Through the OBD port under the dash. Our data shows NASTF SDRM access is not required for this year, so we can handle it ourselves.

Why do you check the VIN if the chip is 4D-67?

A few catalogs keep the older 4C chip through 2004. We check the blade stamp or VIN to be sure before cutting or programming.

My key is worn and barely turns. Is that a key problem or a lock problem?

It can be either. A worn key blade can stop turning the lock, and high-mileage RAV4s can also have worn ignition wafers. We look at both before deciding on the fix.

Where can I find more about Toyota keys?

See our pages on Toyota car keys and RAV4 keys by year, or contact us with your VIN.

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.