P0513

Incorrect Immobilizer Key

Immobilizer / anti-theft Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0513 means the immobilizer has read a key or transponder it doesn't recognise, so it blocks the engine from starting as an anti-theft measure. It's a security-system fault, not a mechanical one — usually a non-programmed key, a dead transponder, or an immobilizer read fault. The engine will crank but not start until the key is accepted.

High

Can I keep driving? No — the immobilizer will not let the engine start until the correct, programmed key is recognised.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

596

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0513 scans

U0167in 25.2% of scans

P068Ain 13.1% of scans

U1002in 11.2% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Engine cranks but will not start
Security or immobilizer warning light on
Key or 'security' message on the dashboard
Starts only with a specific key

Common causes

Most likely first

Using an incorrect or non-programmed keyLikely
Faulty or unprogrammed key transponder / dead key batteryCommon
Immobilizer module fault or lost programmingCommon
Wiring or antenna-ring fault around the ignition/key readerLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Try the vehicle's correctly programmed key; if a spare works, the first key or its transponder is the problem.
Inspect the ignition antenna ring and immobilizer wiring/connector for damage.
Have the key re-programmed to the immobilizer, or replace the transponder, with proper security tooling.
If keys are good, have the immobilizer module tested and reprogrammed. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0513?+

There's no safety risk, but you likely can't drive at all — the immobilizer blocks starting until the correct, programmed key is accepted.

Can I just clear P0513?+

Clearing won't help — the car still won't start until the immobilizer recognises a valid key. The key programming or module fault must be fixed.

Read & clear P0513 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX