P0513 means the engine control module did not receive a valid immobilizer authorization for the key that was used. Chrysler names it "Invalid SKIM Key," after its Sentry Key Immobilizer Module. The engine module refuses to fuel or spark, or allows a start and then shuts down after a couple of seconds, until the security handshake succeeds.
Severity: high for starting, none for driving. Can you keep driving? The vehicle will not start, or starts and dies. Once running, nothing about the code affects driving. The whole problem is getting it started, and the wrong first move makes it worse.
Two manufacturer cases that explain most of them
FCA, after a PCM flash or replacement. A STAR case record from March 2022 for a no-start with P0513 describes the mechanism. Starting is a "seed request" handshake among the PCM, the body control module and the radio frequency hub: the PCM asks the body module for the security code and starts only if they match. After a reflash or replacement the PCM is defaulted and has no code, so the match always fails and P0513 sets. The fix is the PCM replaced routine in the factory tool, which restores the security code; after it, the fobs work and the vehicle starts. No key, no fob and no PCM needs replacing.
GM, after low voltage. Bulletin 23-NA-165 (March 2025) covers a long list of 2018 to 2025 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles: the fobs stop locking and unlocking, the vehicle will not crank, and P0513 is set. GM's stated cause is a memory corruption event in the body control module following a low voltage condition, a jump start, battery charging, battery replacement or a battery disconnect and reconnect, and it adds that the same loss of fob functions can follow incorrect immobilizer repair attempts. The instruction is emphatic: do not attempt the immobilizer procedure or module replacements before following the bulletin.
Causes, in the order they are found
A PCM defaulted by a flash or replacement without the security relearn.
Body module memory corrupted by low voltage, a jump start, or a battery swap with the key on.
A previous immobilizer repair done in the wrong order, leaving modules mismatched.
A key or fob that is not programmed to the vehicle, or a transponder damaged.
A key receiver or antenna ring fault, with the module unable to read any key.
A wiring or bus fault between the PCM, the body module and the receiver, usually with U codes.
A module, last.
A diagnostic order that does not dig the hole deeper
- Ask what happened just before. A flash, a PCM swap, a jump start, a new battery, or someone "trying to program a key" is the answer.
- Read all modules. P0513 in the PCM with B-series immobilizer codes in the body module and no U codes means a handshake problem, not a hardware one.
- Try every key the owner has. All failing means the modules; one failing means that key.
- Test the battery and charging and correct low voltage before any programming.
- Run the manufacturer's recovery procedure: FCA's PCM replaced routine; GM's bulletin 23-NA-165 procedure. Only after that, if keys still fail, program keys.
- Check the receiver, antenna and wiring only if the procedure completes and the vehicle still refuses the key.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0513 code?
Not until it starts. Once it is running the code has no effect on driving, but it will refuse to start again next time until the security handshake is restored.
Why did P0513 appear after my PCM was flashed or replaced?
Because a flashed or replaced PCM is defaulted with no security code, and the handshake with the body module fails every time. FCA's fix is the PCM replaced routine with the factory tool, which restores the code. Keys and fobs then work without reprogramming.
Can a jump start or a new battery set P0513?
Yes. GM's bulletin for its 2018 to 2025 vehicles attributes lost fob functions and a no-crank with P0513 to body module memory corruption following low voltage, a jump start, battery charging, replacement or disconnection. Follow the bulletin's procedure before attempting key programming or replacing modules.
How much does it cost to fix P0513?
A recovery routine at a dealer is typically an hour. Key programming, if actually needed, is a modest charge per key. Modules replaced for this code without running the procedure first are the expensive mistake GM warns about.
Related codes
- P0512 / P0514: immobilizer key circuit codes on some manufacturers' lists.
- B-series immobilizer codes in the body control module, stored alongside.
- U0140 / U0167: lost communication with the body control module or the immobilizer module, which turn a handshake problem into a wiring one; see U codes and module communication.
The code number itself tells you the family and the domain; how to read an OBD2 code number explains what each character means.