C1513: Brake switch circuit fault (Hyundai)

Brake switch / stop lamp switch circuit

Severity: Inspect soon

Owners on Hyundai vehicles report the ESC off light, and in some cases no start or no shift out of park, from a faulty brake switch, which can also affect the brake lights.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Stop and have it fixed if the brake lights do not light when you press the pedal.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C1513 in short

On Hyundai vehicles, C1513 means a fault in the brake (stop lamp) switch circuit. Owners see the ESC off light, and sometimes a car that will not start or shift out of park. The switch is the usual fix, but some owners say it returned. Check that the brake lights work.

Hyundai owners on Sonata, Elantra and Tucson quote dealers or invoices reading C1513 as a brake switch fault: a faulty brake lamp switch, a shorted switch or a brake switch circuit error. The stability system uses the brake signal, so the ESC light comes on.

The Elantra owner says the dealer replaced the brake switch after finding C1513 when the car would not start or leave park; the switch also feeds the brake lights and interlocks.

Some owners say the code returned after the switch was replaced, so the wiring and a second cause remain possible. Kia owners also report C1513, but we could not source its meaning there.

Pick your make

C1513 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

C1513 on Hyundai

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Brake (stop lamp) switch internal fault
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Three owners quote dealer or service readouts replacing the brake switch for C1513.
What would change this
Rises if the brake lights fail or the car will not shift out of park. Falls if the switch tests normal.
Cause 2: Switch wiring or connector
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
The Sonata owner says the problem returned after the switch was replaced, which points past the switch.
What would change this
Rises if the new switch does not clear the code. Falls if the code stays gone.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Have someone watch the brake lights as you press and release the pedal, and note whether the ESC light and a no-start or park lock problem come with it.
Low risk
- IfBrake lights fail or stay on, or the car will not start or shift out of park
  It meansBrake switch fault likely.
  Points to: Brake (stop lamp) switch internal fault
- IfBrake lights work and the code returns after a new switch
  It meansCheck wiring and the connector.
  Points to: Switch wiring or connector

Symptoms

ESC off light on
Brake lights not working or staying on Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Car will not start or shift out of park
Brake or ABS warning light on together with the stability control light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

Brake system control module (ABS module):The switch is a small part on the brake pedal. Get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Hyundai

2008 · Sonata
Supported by vehicle data
A service invoice quoted by an owner gives ESC off light caused by C1513 due to a faulty brake lamp switch; the problem returned.
2012 · Elantra
Supported by vehicle data
An owner reports the dealer found C1513, brake switch shorted, when the car would not start or leave park.

No curated relationships for C1513 yet.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1513 questions

Why will my Hyundai not shift out of park with C1513?

An owner reports a shorted brake switch giving that symptom; the switch feeds the shift interlock as well as the brake lights.

Sources and review

NHTSA complaint ODI 10435376: 2008 Hyundai Sonata ESC light — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 10513467: 2012 Hyundai Elantra no start — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 10585198: 2007 Hyundai Tucson ESC light — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Brake (stop lamp) switch internal fault

Cause 2: Switch wiring or connector