The Immobilizer Key System in your vehicle is a complex anti-theft device. Based on a laser-cut or an internal resistor that provides a specific value to the Body Control Module, cars are harder than ever to steal. But what happens if there’s an Immobilizer problem in your car, and the P0513 trouble code triggers your check engine light?
What you are left with is an expensive lawn ornament, because your vehicle will fail to start. Because immobilizer replacement keys are programmed from the dealership, chances are you don’t have a spare handy.
If your check engine light is on, use a proper OBDII scan tool to pull the stored MIL code. Should that stored trouble code come back as P0513, you are going to have some issues starting your vehicle to say the least.
What causes the P0513 code?
So you can’t start the car and your Anti-Theft light, as well as your check engine light, is turned on. You are frustrated and rightfully so. Unfortunately because of the nature of anti-theft systems, there’s not much you are going to be able to do right off the bat.
Often times, this P0513 trouble code can be caused by a weak battery or something that causes your anti-theft system to malfunction. This malfunction can include but is not limited to forgetting stored settings, or locking you out due to tampering.
That means that if you have recently installed an aftermarket alarm system improperly, this can also cause P0513 trouble code issues. In short, if your battery is fully charged, and the check engine light is on for this failure, you will need your dealership to fix the problem.
P0513 Symptoms
- Anti-theft light illuminated
- Check engine light on
- Car won’t start
Problems that can cause this check engine light
There are quite a few issues that can cause the P0513 code. The most common of all problems is the failure of your Anti-theft control module. when this body control unit goes bad, or experiences issues your key simply won’t work.
Of course, if you have recently had your key duplicated by someone other than your dealership, chances are you will get the P0513 code. If your ignition key is not programmed to the vehicle, you won’t get very far at all.
Lastly, if you have recently installed an aftermarket alarm, or changed something with your vehicle wiring, that can also cause the P0513 issue. When installing an aftermarket alarm, make sure to always use a car stereo wiring guide specific for your car or truck.
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