A key that hasn't been programmed to the vehicle, such as a new replacement key (RepairPal). Defective key or key fob chip, including a cracked or damaged key or a weak fob battery (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty ignition cylinder (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty PCM or a PCM programming error (OBD-Codes.com), or a failed anti-theft control module (RepairPal). Wiring problem (RepairPal).

Program the key or fob to the vehicle. Replace the fob battery, or replace a damaged key or fob and program it. Perform the manufacturer's security reset and key relearn procedure. Repair wiring, or replace a faulty ignition cylinder, anti-theft module or PCM found by testing.

P0513🔧 Anti-theft / ImmobilizerStop and fix promptly

P0513: Incorrect Immobilizer Key (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0513 mean?

P0513 means the engine computer didn't recognize the chip in the key or key fob, so the anti-theft immobilizer may block the engine from starting. The usual cause is a key that isn't programmed to the car, or a damaged key or fob with a weak battery. Most modern cars have an immobilizer: a chip in the key or key fob that the car has to recognize before it will let the engine run. OBD-Codes.com explains that the powertrain control module (PCM) looks for a valid coded signature from the key or fob, and if it can't recognize it, it stores P0513, triggers the security system and shuts off fuel injection and ignition, so the engine may crank but not start. It adds that P0513 can also set if the key is turned and the engine is cranked with no immobilizer key detected at all. RepairPal focuses on the most common real-world case: a key that has never been programmed to the vehicle, such as a new replacement key, which turns on the anti-theft light. The sources differ on severity (OBD-Codes.com says severe, RepairPal says Moderate) and on likely causes: OBD-Codes.com lists the key or fob, the ignition cylinder and the PCM, while RepairPal lists an unprogrammed key, the anti-theft control module and wiring.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0513?

Stop and fix promptly. The car may not start at all. OBD-Codes.com treats P0513 as severe because it usually comes with a no-start condition, while RepairPal rates it Moderate. If the engine does start and run, it's generally not a driving-safety issue, but don't count on the car restarting after you shut it off until the key problem is sorted out.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0513 means

Most modern cars have an immobilizer: a chip in the key or key fob that the car has to recognize before it will let the engine run. OBD-Codes.com explains that the powertrain control module (PCM) looks for a valid coded signature from the key or fob, and if it can't recognize it, it stores P0513, triggers the security system and shuts off fuel injection and ignition, so the engine may crank but not start. It adds that P0513 can also set if the key is turned and the engine is cranked with no immobilizer key detected at all. RepairPal focuses on the most common real-world case: a key that has never been programmed to the vehicle, such as a new replacement key, which turns on the anti-theft light. The sources differ on severity (OBD-Codes.com says severe, RepairPal says Moderate) and on likely causes: OBD-Codes.com lists the key or fob, the ignition cylinder and the PCM, while RepairPal lists an unprogrammed key, the anti-theft control module and wiring.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

The car may not start at all. OBD-Codes.com treats P0513 as severe because it usually comes with a no-start condition, while RepairPal rates it Moderate. If the engine does start and run, it's generally not a driving-safety issue, but don't count on the car restarting after you shut it off until the key problem is sorted out.

Common symptoms

Engine cranks but won't start, or may not start (both sources)
Security or anti-theft light on or flashing in the instrument panel (both sources)
Engine may start after a delayed security reset period (OBD-Codes.com)
Check engine (service engine) light on (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

A key that hasn't been programmed to the vehicle, such as a new replacement key (RepairPal)
Defective key or key fob chip, including a cracked or damaged key or a weak fob battery (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty ignition cylinder (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty PCM or a PCM programming error (OBD-Codes.com), or a failed anti-theft control module (RepairPal)
Wiring problem (RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Try your other programmed key, if you have one. If the car starts normally with it, the problem is almost certainly the first key.
Look the key or fob over. OBD-Codes.com says a cracked or damaged housing often means the circuit board inside is damaged too.
If your fob uses a battery, replace it. OBD-Codes.com says to suspect a dead battery and that most of the time this code comes from a key or fob problem.
If you just had a new key cut, remember RepairPal's point that a replacement key has to be programmed to the car before it will start it, and that the existing keys are needed to program the new one.
Check the NHTSA website or ask a dealer about recalls for your vehicle, and look for technical service bulletins (TSBs) covering P0513.

Typical fixes

Program the key or fob to the vehicle
Replace the fob battery, or replace a damaged key or fob and program it
Perform the manufacturer's security reset and key relearn procedure
Repair wiring, or replace a faulty ignition cylinder, anti-theft module or PCM found by testing

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

OBD-Codes.com's procedure: visually inspect the related wiring, connectors and the key itself, check TSBs and recalls, then retrieve all codes and freeze frame data.
Look up the vehicle's specific security reset and key relearn procedure before clearing codes; OBD-Codes.com says the code will probably need to be cleared before doing it.
After the reset or relearn, watch the security and key status data on the scan tool to confirm the car now recognizes the key.
Key programming usually needs a dealer, locksmith or shop with the right scan tool, since RepairPal notes all the vehicle's keys are needed to program a new one.

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Why did P0513 show up after I got a new key?

RepairPal says replacement keys have to be programmed to the vehicle's control module before they can start the car, and using an unprogrammed key sets P0513 and turns on the anti-theft light. A key that's only been cut to fit the lock isn't enough.

Can a dead key fob battery cause P0513?

It can. OBD-Codes.com says that if your key or fob needs battery power, you should suspect the battery has failed, and that a damaged key or weak battery could be behind the code.

Can P0513 set after someone tried to steal the car?

Yes. OBD-Codes.com notes that if the vehicle has been involved in an attempted theft, you may be able to reset the security system, including clearing the code, to fix the problem. The exact reset and key relearn steps vary by vehicle, so follow the manufacturer's procedure.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.