P0513: Incorrect immobiliser key
The immobiliser does not recognise the key and the ECU may stop the engine starting. Usually the key, its battery, the aerial or an unprogrammed key.
| Code | P0513 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P05xx, Speed, idle and auxiliary inputs |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0513 means
The key contains a small chip that the car reads when you turn the ignition or press the start button. If its code does not match the ones stored, the immobiliser blocks starting to prevent theft. This code means the key used was not accepted.
Most common causes
- Key not programmed to this car, such as a newly cut copy
- Flat key battery, on keyless or push-button start cars
- Key chip damaged by a knock or by moisture
- Several chipped keys on the same ring interfering with each other
- Faulty immobiliser aerial around the ignition barrel
- Fault in the immobiliser module or its communication with the ECU
Symptoms
- Engine will not start, or starts and cuts out after a few seconds
- Key or immobiliser warning light on or flashing
- Engine warning light on
Can you drive with P0513?
With care If the car starts you can drive, but it may not start again at the next stop. Try the spare key and sort it out soon.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Try the spare key and take other keys off the ring. If the spare works, the problem is the key or its battery; if not, suspect the aerial or module, which will need a garage with key programming equipment.
How to read and clear P0513 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0513 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P050F The brake assistance vacuum gives a lower signal than normal
- P0510 The closed throttle position switch is not working properly
- P0511 The idle air control has an electrical fault
- P0512 The starter motor request has an electrical fault
- P0514 The battery temperature sensor gives readings outside the normal range
- P0515 The battery temperature sensor has an electrical fault
- P0516 The battery temperature sensor gives a lower signal than normal
- P0517 The battery temperature sensor gives a higher signal than normal
- P0500 Vehicle speed sensor malfunction
- P0501 Vehicle speed sensor range/performance
- P0502 Vehicle speed sensor circuit low input
- P0503 Vehicle speed sensor intermittent, erratic or high
What does code P0513 mean?
The key contains a small chip that the car reads when you turn the ignition or press the start button. If its code does not match the ones stored, the immobiliser blocks starting to prevent theft. This code means the key used was not accepted.
Can you drive with P0513?
If the car starts you can drive, but it may not start again at the next stop. Try the spare key and sort it out soon.
How do you clear P0513?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0513 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
