P0513: Immobilizer key not recognized (incorrect immobilizer key)
Incorrect immobilizer key / invalid key / theft deterrent no-start
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The sources describe a start problem rather than a safety hazard, but none states a severity class.
P0513 in short
P0513 means the engine computer did not accept the key's immobilizer signal, so the engine may crank and not start or not crank at all. Causes include the key, its antenna or a bad ground, and some Chrysler and GM bulletins fix it with software, a ground or a new computer. Try your spare key first.
The immobilizer lets the engine start only when the key sends a code the engine computer expects. P0513 is stored when that check fails, and Kelley Blue Book says it usually means the engine will not start.
Makers have found other causes. Chrysler bulletin 18-023-13 says earlier software attached P0513 to immobilizer handshake failures with the wireless control module and fixes the code assignment by reprogramming. GM bulletin 16-NA-024 re-torques a ground on the 2014-2016 Impala for a no-start with a theft deterrent message and P0513, and GM PIP-4550 describes an ECM voltage spike on 2008 models.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Key transponder, key battery or antenna problem
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Kelley Blue Book lists a faulty key or antenna and the key circuit as the common causes and suggests the spare key or key battery first.
- What would change this
- Rises if the spare key starts the car. Falls if both keys fail.
Cause 2: Poor ground connection (some models)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM 16-NA-024 re-torques a ground for a theft-deterrent no-start with P0513 on the 2014-2016 Impala.
- What would change this
- Rises on a listed model with an intermittent no-start. Falls if grounds are tight.
Cause 3: Immobilizer handshake or software fault (Chrysler minivans)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Chrysler 18-023-13 says P0513 was wrongly assigned to immobilizer handshake failures with the WCM on 2012-2013 Dodge Caravan and prescribes a software update.
- What would change this
- Rises if a dealer finds the update open for your VIN. Falls if software is current.
Cause 4: Engine computer internal fault (some 2008 GM models)
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- GM PIP-4550 describes a transient voltage spike in certain ECMs causing intermittent no-start with P0513 on 2008 Lambda crossovers and Impala.
- What would change this
- Rises only on those models after other causes are ruled out.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Try the spare key and, if the key has a replaceable battery, replace it. Note whether the security light is flashing.
IfThe spare key starts the car
It meansThe original key or its battery is at fault.
IfBoth keys fail
It meansThe fault is in the car, not one key.
Step 2: Ask a dealer to read the immobilizer data, check grounds, and check whether a software update or bulletin applies to your VIN.
Warning:Immobilizer repairs involve key programming and security access; a dealer or locksmith with the right equipment should do them.
IfA bulletin software update is open
It meansReprogram first.
Points to: Immobilizer handshake or software fault (Chrysler minivans)
IfA ground is loose
It meansRe-torque it.
IfNothing else is found on an affected GM model
It meansThe engine computer is suspect.
Points to: Engine computer internal fault (some 2008 GM models)
Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start, or does not crank
- Security or key light flashing on the dash
- Check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: Try the spare key.
Step 2: Replace the battery in the key fob or key if it has one.
Parts and cost context
- Immobilizer key or key fob:Replacement keys must be programmed to the vehicle. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2014–2016 · Impala
Supported by vehicle dataGM bulletin 16-NA-024 covers a no-start with a theft deterrent message and P0513 and prescribes re-torquing a ground. Whether it is still current is not verified.
16-NA-024Status unverified
No start, theft deterrent message, P0513: retorque a ground
2014–2016impala · NHTSA 10112303
Re-torque a ground per the bulletin.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
PIP-4550 (chevrolet)Status unverified
Intermittent no crank/no start with P0513
2008impala · NHTSA 10030169
ECM voltage spike; replace with an ECM outside the affected build range.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
DodgeYour car
2012–2013 · Grand Caravan
Supported by vehicle dataChrysler bulletin 18-023-13 reprograms the PCM so immobilizer handshake failures with the WCM are assigned the correct code instead of P0513.
18-023-13Status unverified
Erroneous P0633 and P0513 (invalid SKIM key)
2012–2013caravan · NHTSA 10136868
Reprograms the PCM so immobilizer handshake failures with the WCM set the correct code.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0513 yet.
P0513 questions
Can I drive with P0513?
Often you cannot, because the engine may not start. Try the spare key first, then a dealer.
Sources and review
- P0513 code: incorrect immobilizer key
- GM 16-NA-024 no start with theft deterrent message and P0513, retorque a ground
- Chrysler 18-023-13 erroneous P0633 and P0513 (invalid SKIM key) DTC reassignment
- GM PIP-4550 P0513 intermittent no crank/no start from ECM voltage spike
- Last reviewed
- 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