P0513: How to Diagnose & Fix — Incorrect Immobilizer Key
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $120-$900 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0513: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Honda Accord · 2000–2000
A recurring electrical issue involves faulty ignition switch operation and immobilizer-related stalling or no-start conditions. Complaints describe the green key light flashing, the engine shutting off while driving, intermittent no-starts, and dash/instrument power behaving erratically until the switch or related electronics are repaired.
Common Symptoms
- Engine shuts off while driving
- Green key light flashing on the dash
- Intermittent no-start condition
- Instrument panel lights dim or fail intermittently
- Vehicle restarts after cycling the key
How to Fix
Diagnosis should include testing the ignition switch electrical contacts, checking for voltage drop to the PCM and dash circuits, and scanning the immobilizer system. Common repairs include replacing the ignition switch, lock cylinder components, or immobilizer/antenna ring, and in some cases reprogramming keys or replacing the ignition interlock hardware. Typical repair cost ranges from about $180 for a switch replacement to $900 if lock cylinder and immobilizer programming are also needed.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda 35130-S84-A01 electrical ignition switchOEMHonda 35130-S84-A01
Replace the electrical portion after voltage-drop/key-position testing proves it faulty and no free recall remedy remains Fitment/availability: 2000 Honda Accord L4 or V6 in the seller's listed US configurations. Electrical steering/igni…
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Sources for this issue (1)
Renault Clio · 2005–2019
Clio III and IV keycard models commonly refuse to start with a 'key card not detected' message. The flexible credit-card-style keycards are bent, sat on, and dropped, eventually killing the internal chip — UK auto locksmiths note both 3- and 4-button cards have a known chip failure — while the in-dash card reader and its antenna ring can also fail and mimic a bad card. Dealership replacement of a single coded card runs roughly €250-400, so owners frequently chase the wrong component without proper diagnosis.
Common Symptoms
- 'Key card not detected' message on the dash
- Car fails to start even with a new card battery
- Remote locking buttons stop working
- Intermittent recognition — card works after reinsertion or wiggling
How to Fix
Fit a fresh CR2032 battery first, then have a diagnostic check confirm whether the reader actually detects card insertion before buying anything. Replace the failed keycard (auto locksmiths are far cheaper than dealers) or, if the reader is at fault, replace the card reader module.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Energizer ECR2032BP 3V lithium coin battery
Not vehicle-specific. Use only when the battery designation inside the exact Renault card is CR2032; match polarity and keep coin cells away from children.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (5)
- Key card not recognised — ClioSport.netforum
- Renault car key problem: keycard 'card not detected' — The Car Key Man (UK auto locksmith)article
- Renault Key Card Not Detected – Causes, Fixes (lists Clio Mk3/Mk4/Mk5) — 247 Auto Locksmitharticle
- Keycard not detected — FIXED (Clio III 197/200) — Clio197.netforum
- Renault Megane, Scenic & Clio III key card repair service — The Master Locksmitharticle
Find P0513 by make
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P0513 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0513 mean?
P0513 stands for "Incorrect Immobilizer Key." The vehicle's immobilizer/anti-theft system did not receive a valid transponder key code, so the PCM/immobilizer treats the key as incorrect or unrecognized and may prevent starting. This is a security-system correlation fault.
What are the most common causes of P0513?
The most common causes of P0513 are: Unprogrammed or incorrect key/transponder, Faulty transponder chip in the key, Damaged immobilizer antenna ring around the ignition, Immobilizer or PCM communication fault, Weak key fob battery (on some systems). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0513?
Repair costs for P0513 range from $120 to $900, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0513?
Au7o has documented P0513 across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Honda, Renault.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.