P0513 on 2019-2022 Chevrolet Colorado: Causes and Fixes for Incorrect Immobilizer Key

What's Unique About the 2019-2022 Chevrolet COLORADO

For this generation of Chevrolet Colorado and other similar GM vehicles, code P0513 is specifically addressed by manufacturer bulletins. TSB #23-NA-165 directly links P0513 to a no-start condition where key fob functions fail due to BCM memory corruption. Another bulletin, #21-NA-277, warns that this code can appear after a low-voltage event like a jump-start or battery replacement, and advises against immediately replacing modules. Instead, it points to a special BCM software recovery procedure. This indicates the issue is often a known software glitch that requires dealer tools to fix, rather than a simple hardware failure.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or start.
• Security indicator light on the dashboard is on or flashing.
• Remote keyless entry functions (lock/unlock) may not work.
• Vehicle may start but immediately stall.
• A message on the dash may read "key invalid" or similar.

Most Likely Causes

1. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🔴 High Probability Key fobs use a CR2032 coin cell battery that naturally loses charge over 1-2 years, weakening the transponder signal sent to the vehicle's immobilizer antenna.
   How to confirm: Try using the spare key fob. If the vehicle starts with the spare key, the issue is with the primary key. You can also replace the battery in the original key fob as it is an inexpensive test. For push-to-start models, placing the 'dead' fob in the designated backup pocket (often in the center console) may allow 🎬 Watch: How to start your Chevy with a dead key fob. the vehicle to start, confirming a weak fob battery.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $2-$10
2. BCM Software Glitch After Low Voltage 🟡 Medium Probability GM TSBs #21-NA-277 and #23-NA-165 specifically note that P0513 can be triggered on these vehicles after a jump-start, battery replacement, or other low-voltage event, causing a memory corruption event in the BCM that makes it 'forget' the programmed keys.
   How to confirm: The code appears immediately after the vehicle's main battery was disconnected, replaced, or jumped. The key fob may still work for locking/unlocking, but the engine won't start, even from the backup pocket. Scanning may also reveal related BCM codes like B389A or B392x.
   Typical fix: A GM dealer needs to perform a special procedure using their diagnostic tools. This may be the "BCM Recovery" procedure or the "Special Data Reset A" followed by an immobilizer relearn, as outlined in the TSBs. The bulletins explicitly warn *not* to replace the BCM for this condition.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Defective or Damaged Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability The internal transponder chip or circuitry can be damaged from being dropped or exposed to moisture, rendering it unreadable by the vehicle.
   How to confirm: The vehicle starts with the spare key, but not with the primary key, even after replacing its CR2032 battery.
   Typical fix: A new key fob must be purchased and programmed to the vehicle by a dealer or an automotive locksmith.
   Est. part cost: $75-$250
4. Using an Unprogrammed Key ⚪ Low Probability This occurs if a new or replacement key was cut but not electronically programmed to the vehicle's immobilizer system using a proper scan tool.
   How to confirm: The key is a brand new replacement that has not been through the official programming procedure.
   Typical fix: The key must be programmed to the vehicle using a compatible diagnostic scan tool.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if key is already owned)

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM): While possible, TSBs for this platform strongly advise against replacing the BCM until all other software-related procedures and wiring checks have been exhausted. This should be considered a last resort.
🎬 Watch: Try this simple BCM reset before replacing any modules.
• Faulty Immobilizer Antenna: The antenna ring (exciter coil) around the ignition switch or push-start button reads the key. If it fails, it cannot receive the signal, but this is less common than key or BCM software issues.
• Wiring or Ground Issues: On similar GM platforms like the Silverado/Sierra, poor grounds (specifically G218 under the dash) or corroded wires in harnesses (like under the driver's sill plate) have been known to cause intermittent communication issues leading to P0513 and other electrical faults.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Attempt to start the vehicle with your spare key. If it works, the problem is isolated to your primary key fob.
2. If the spare key doesn't work, replace the CR2032 battery in your primary key fob. It's a cheap and easy first step.
3. For push-to-start models, if the fob battery is suspected to be dead, place the fob in the designated transmitter pocket (usually in the center console storage area) and try to start the vehicle. This is a backup method mentioned in TSB #21-NA-277.
4. Check if the code appeared immediately after a battery replacement, jump-start, or other power loss. If so, the issue is highly likely the BCM software glitch described in TSB #21-NA-277 and #23-NA-165.
5. Scan the BCM for other related trouble codes (like B389A or B392x codes) which would further point to a known TSB condition.
6. If none of the above solve the issue, the vehicle needs to be diagnosed by a professional with a GM-compatible scan tool.
7. A technician will follow the diagnostic procedures outlined in TSB #23-NA-165 or #21-NA-277, which may involve a "Special Data Reset A" or "BCM recovery" procedure before considering any part replacement.
8. As a final step, a technician may inspect wiring, grounds, and the immobilizer antenna for faults before considering a BCM replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the most common and simplest fix when the key fob's signal becomes too weak for the car to recognize.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$5
• Transponder Key Fob (OEM #22881480, 13577761 (Verify by VIN)) — If the internal electronics of the key fail, the entire fob must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Dorman
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B389A — TSB #21-NA-277 mentions this BCM code can be present alongside P0513 after a low-voltage event.
• B3924, B3925, B3926, B3927 — These are 'Environment ID' DTCs that TSB #21-NA-277 also associates with the same BCM fault condition that can trigger P0513.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 23-NA-165: Addresses a no-crank, no-start condition where key fob functions are lost and DTC P0513 is set. The fix involves a 'Special Data Reset A' and relearning existing keys.
• 21-NA-277: Details a BCM software issue that can cause P0513 after a low-voltage event and provides a specific 'BCM Recovery' software procedure, explicitly warning not to replace modules.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #23-NA-165 directly addresses customer concerns of a no-crank/no-start condition with DTC P0513 set on 2019-2022 models, involving loss of both active (lock/unlock) and passive (start) key functions due to BCM memory corruption.
• TSB #21-NA-277 identifies a condition where P0513 can be set after a low-voltage event (like a battery change or jump-start) and requires a special dealer procedure ('BCM Recovery') to fix, warning against unnecessary module replacement.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B389A 00: A BCM code that may become current after a battery disconnect/reconnect and, when present with P0513 and other codes, points towards the software corruption issue described in TSB #21-NA-277. (see via A professional scan tool capable of reading GM Body Control Module codes, such as the dealer GDS2 tool.)
• B3924, B3925, B3926, B3927: These are 'Incorrect Environmental Identifier' codes. When three or more are present and current in the BCM along with P0513, it is a strong indicator of the specific memory corruption event detailed in GM TSBs. (see via A professional scan tool capable of reading GM Body Control Module codes, such as the dealer GDS2 tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2/SPS: Special Data Reset A — This is the primary software recovery function specified in TSB #23-NA-165 to correct BCM memory corruption causing P0513. It should be performed before any immobilizer relearn is attempted.
• GM GDS2/SPS: Body Control Module IMMO Learn with Existing Transponder or Remote Key — This procedure must be run immediately after performing the 'Special Data Reset A' to relearn the vehicle's original keys to the now-reset BCM.
• GM GDS2/SPS: BCM Recovery — Mentioned in TSB #21-NA-277 for a similar low-voltage induced fault. This procedure may require dealership contact with GM's Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to acquire a special VCI for execution.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• K9 BCM Connector X3 — The Body Control Module is typically located in the cabin, often behind the driver or passenger side of the dashboard.. This connector contains the High Speed and Low Speed GMLAN Serial Data bus wires (Pins 8, 9, 10, 16, 17). A poor connection or damage to these pins can prevent the BCM from communicating with the PCM and other modules, leading to a P0513 code.
• K9 BCM Connector X4 — At the Body Control Module, typically located in the cabin dashboard area.. This connector contains the Run/Crank Relay Coil Control circuit (Pin 15). A fault in this circuit or its connector pin could directly cause a no-start condition that might be misdiagnosed as a primary immobilizer fault.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Multiple (GEN3R BCMs) → N/A (Software fix, not part replacement) — TSB #23-NA-165 identifies a specific list of BCM base model part numbers (BMPNs) that are susceptible to the memory corruption issue. The fix is a software procedure, not a part supersession.
  Heads up: The following BCM part numbers are eligible for the 'Special Data Reset A' procedure: 13518569, 13518570, 13518602, 13518603, 13519619, 13519620, 13519648, 13527252, 13527260, 13527261, 13527297, 13527298, 13527827, 13529492, 13529493, 13533809, 13533813, 13533814, 13533817, 13533821. If the BCM is not one of these, the TSB does not apply.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2022 (and others): The critical variation is not the vehicle's model year, but whether it is equipped with a 'GEN3R' Body Control Module. TSB #23-NA-165 explicitly states that its special software reset procedure only applies to vehicles with these specific BCMs, which can be identified by their part number.