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.
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 this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
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 the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0504 Brake switch A/B correlation
- P0505 Idle control system malfunction
- P0506 Idle speed lower than expected
- P0507 Idle speed higher than expected
- P0520 Oil pressure sensor/switch circuit malfunction
- P0521 Oil pressure sensor/switch range/performance
- P0522 Oil pressure sensor/switch low voltage
- P0523 Oil pressure sensor/switch high voltage
- 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
P0513 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Citroën, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
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 the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com