P0513 Wrong Immobilizer Key

OBD-II Trouble Code - P0513 Technical Description

P0513 - Wrong immobilizer key

What does trouble code P0513 mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to all 1996 vehicles (Dodge, Chrysler, Hyundai, Jeep, Mazda, etc.). Although general in nature, the specific repair steps may differ depending on the brand / model.

If your OBD II equipped vehicle comes on a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) accompanied by a stored code P0513, it means that the PCM has detected the presence of an immobilizer key that it does not recognize. This, of course, applies to the ignition key. If the ignition cylinder is on, the engine cranks (does not start) and the PCM does not detect any immobilizer key, a P0513 can also be stored.

If your car is equipped with a certain type of security system, a microprocessor chip is required to start and start the engine, which is built into the key (immobilizer) or key fob. Even if the ignition cylinder is turned to the start position and the engine is cranking, it will not start because the PCM has disabled the fuel and ignition systems.

Thanks to the microchip and printed circuit board built into the key (or key fob), it becomes a kind of transponder. When the correct key / fob approaches the vehicle, an electromagnetic field (generated by the PCM) activates the microprocessor and enables certain functions. After activating the correct key, on some models, functions such as locking / unlocking the doors, opening the trunk and starting at the push of a button become available. Other models require a conventional metal microchip key to perform these and other important functions.

After activating the microprocessor key / key fob, the PCM tries to recognize the cryptographic signature of the key / key fob. If the key / fob signature is up to date and valid, the fuel injection and ignition sequences are activated so that the engine starts. If the PCM cannot recognize the key / key fob signature, the P0513 code can be stored, the security system will be activated and the fuel injection / ignition will be suspended. The malfunction indicator may also be on.

Severity and symptoms

Since the presence of the P0513 code is likely to be accompanied by a start inhibit condition, this should be considered a serious condition.

Symptoms of a P0513 code may include:

• Engine won't start
• Flashing warning light on the dashboard
• The engine may start after a delayed reset period
• Engine service lamp illumination
• The "Check Engine" warning light will come on on the control panel. The code is stored in memory as a fault). 
• In some cases, the engine may start, but turn off after two or three seconds. 
• Suppose you have exceeded the maximum number of attempts to start the car with an unrecognized key. In this case, the electrical system may fail. 

Causes of the P0513 code

Finding the exact causes of the DTC can help you fix the problem without problems. Below are some common reasons that lead to the code appearing. 

• Faulty immobilizer system. 
• Faulty starter or starter relay. 
• The key fob circuit is open. 
• PCM problem. 
• The presence of a faulty antenna or immobilizer key. 
• Key battery life can be very low. 
• Rusted, damaged, shorted, or burned wiring. 
• Defective microprocessor key or key fob
• Defective ignition cylinder
• Bad PCM or PCM programming error

Diagnostic and repair procedures

You will need a diagnostic scanner and a reputable source of vehicle information to diagnose the P0513 code.

Begin by visually inspecting the appropriate wiring and connectors, and the appropriate key / fob. If the key / key fob body has been cracked or damaged in any way, the chances are high that the circuit board will also be damaged. This (or weak battery issues) could be the source of your problems as they relate to a stored P0513 code.

Consult your vehicle information source for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that pertains to the specific symptoms you are experiencing with that vehicle. TSB must also cover the P0513 code. The TSB database is based on the experience of many thousands of renovations. If you can find the TSB you are looking for, the information it contains can help guide your individual diagnosis.

I would also like to contact a local car dealership (or use the NHTSA website) to see if there are any safety reviews for my vehicle. If there are current NHTSA safety recalls, the dealership will be required to repair the condition free of charge. It could save me time and money if it turns out that the recall is related to a malfunction that caused the P0513 to be stored in my vehicle.

Now I would connect the scanner to the car diagnostic port and get all the trouble codes and freeze frame data. I would write the information down on paper if I need it later. It will also help when you start diagnosing the codes in the order in which they were stored. Before clearing codes, consult your vehicle's diagnostic source for the correct procedure for resetting security and re-learning the key / fob.

Regardless of the security reset and key / fob re-learning procedure, a P0513 code (and all other associated codes) will likely need to be cleared before performing it. After completing the reset / re-learning procedure, use the scanner to monitor security and microprocessor key / keyfob data. The scanner should reflect the key / keychain status and some scanners (Snap On, OTC, etc.) can even provide helpful troubleshooting instructions.

Additional diagnostic notes:

• In most cases, this type of code is caused by a faulty key / fob.
• If your key fob requires battery power, suspect that the battery has failed.
• If the vehicle has been involved in a theft attempt, you can reset the security system (including clearing the code) to remedy the situation.

How serious is the P0513 code?  

Error code P0513 can be very serious. In many cases, the problem will only be that the Check Engine light or service engine light will come on shortly. However, the problems tend to be a little more serious.  

You may have difficulty starting the car and sometimes you will not be able to start them. You won't be able to make your daily commute if your car won't start. This can be quite annoying. Therefore, you should try to diagnose and fix the P0513 code as soon as you find it. 

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0513 code?  

The mechanic will follow these steps when diagnosing the code.  

• The mechanic must first connect a scan tool to the vehicle's on-board computer in order to diagnose the P0513 trouble code. 
• They will then look for any previously stored problem codes before resetting them.  
• To see if the code reappears, they will test drive the car after resetting it. If the code reappears, it means they are solving a real problem, not wrong code. 
• They can then begin investigating the issues that caused the code, such as a faulty immobilizer key antenna or immobilizer key.  
• Mechanics need to solve the simplest potential problems first, and Mechanics must work their way up. 

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing an Error Code 

The mechanic sometimes fails to notice that the cause of the malfunction is a problem with the immobilizer key. Instead, given that the car is hard to start or won't start, they can check the ignition cylinder. They may replace the ignition cylinder only to find that the code is still present and that they are dealing with a different problem. Typically, the key causes the code to be activated. 

How to fix code P0513? 

Depending on the diagnosis, you may be able to perform a few simple repairs on your vehicle.  

• Replacing the immobilizer key.
• Inspect the ignition cylinder to make sure the immobilizer key is not the problem. 
• If necessary, replace the ignition cylinder.

What repairs can fix code P0513? 

So, did you find that this code is causing problems with your machine? You know that this engine error code can create serious problems for your vehicle. Now it's time to fix the problem. The following repairs may help your vehicle solve problems.  

• Replacing the starter relay.
• Replacing the starter in case of a malfunction.
• Replacing the PCM if it fails the I/O test, if codes are present prior to replacement, or if part of the immobilizer system has been replaced. 
• Replacing the battery in the immobilizer key fob.
• Replacement of any corroded connectors found during diagnostics or any connector that fails the continuity test.
• Replacing a faulty immobilizer antenna or ECM.
• Clearing the fault code from the PCM memory and checking the correct operation of the vehicle.

Results

• The code indicates that the PCM has detected a problem with the immobilizer key and is receiving a false signal. 
• You can use troubleshooting techniques such as looking for a damaged start or starter relay, a bad battery in the key fob, or corrosion in the ECM connections to quickly diagnose this code. 
• If you are doing repairs, be sure to replace any components found during diagnostics and recheck the vehicle for proper operation after clearing the codes from the ECM. 

Error code P0513 symptoms cause & Solution

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