P0513 fault code: what it means

P0513: Immobiliser saw an incorrect key. Often logged after a flat battery; matching keys rarely fixes it.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

flat battery event
immobiliser scan protection active
wrong or unmatched key

P0513 by make

Audi

Immobiliser saw an incorrect key. Often logged after a flat battery; matching keys rarely fixes it.

Usual causes: flat battery event; immobiliser scan protection active; wrong or unmatched key

Jeep

Invalid SKIM (immobiliser) key: the engine computer has not accepted the key. The engine may start then stall, or not start.

Usual causes: key not programmed; wrong VIN programmed in PCM; key transponder fault; immobiliser/PCM fault

Skoda

Immobiliser saw an incorrect key. Often logged after a flat battery; matching keys rarely fixes it.

Usual causes: flat battery event; immobiliser scan protection active; wrong or unmatched key

Subaru

Incorrect immobiliser key. Engine will not start with that key.

Usual causes: unregistered key; key chip fault; immobiliser fault

Volkswagen

Immobiliser saw an incorrect key. Often logged after a flat battery; matching keys rarely fixes it.

Usual causes: flat battery event; immobiliser scan protection active; wrong or unmatched key

What the repair usually costs

Hybrid 12 V auxiliary battery (Aqua / Prius C / Axio, S34B20R)NZ$330–NZ$510 · A$310–A$500

Not sure what P0513 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.