P0513 on 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox: Causes for No Start and Key Fob Issues

What's Unique About the 2018-2024 Chevrolet EQUINOX

The 2018-2024 Equinox and its platform mates are highly prone to a specific issue where a low voltage event—like a battery replacement, jump-start, or even just a weak battery—can corrupt the memory in the Body Control Module (BCM). This glitch specifically triggers code P0513 and a no-start condition, even with a valid key. 🎬 Watch: Understanding the P0513 code and how the immobilizer works. General Motors has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) detailing a special reprogramming procedure, sometimes called a "Special Data Reset A," to fix this, which differs from a standard part replacement.

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 ('No Crank, No Start').
• Engine starts and immediately stalls (typically within 3 seconds).
• Key fob is inoperative (cannot lock or unlock doors remotely).
• Security light (often a red blinking light) is illuminated or flashing on the instrument panel.
• Dashboard message displays 'No Remote Detected' or 'Place Key in Transmitter Pocket to Start'.
• Check Engine Light is on.

Most Likely Causes

1. Body Control Module (BCM) Memory Corruption After Low Voltage 🔴 High Probability As documented in GM TSBs 21-NA-277 and 23-NA-165, the 'GEN3R' BCM in these vehicles is susceptible to memory corruption following events like a battery change, jump-start, or charging.
   How to confirm: This is confirmed when a P0513 code is present (often with B-codes like B3924-B3927), the vehicle won't start, and the issue appeared after a low-voltage event. Diagnosis requires a GM-specific scan tool (GDS2) to verify the condition and BCM part number described in the TSBs.
   Typical fix: The fix does NOT require replacing the BCM. A GM dealer must perform a special reprogramming procedure called "Special Data Reset A" on the existing BCM using the Service Programming System (SPS), as detailed in the TSBs. TSB 21-NA-277 notes a unique labor operation time of 1.5 hours for this specific repair.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: The vehicle displays a 'No Remote Detected' message but may start when the key fob is placed in the transmitter pocket located in the front cupholder. 🎬 Watch: How to find the transmitter pocket and start your car. Trying a spare key fob, if available, may also resolve the issue, pointing to the primary fob's battery. A multimeter should show the CR2032 battery voltage is between 2-3 volts; if lower, it's weak.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $2-$10
3. Defective Key Fob ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: The vehicle starts and operates normally with the spare key fob, but not with the primary one, even after a battery change. The original fob may have internal damage from being dropped or water exposure.
   Typical fix: The defective key fob must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle by a dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith. The FCC ID for many of these fobs is HYQ4AA.
   Est. part cost: $75-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) or Antenna: The system uses several antennas to detect the key fob. While less common than the BCM glitch, a failure in the receiver module or one of the passive entry antennas can prevent the key from being detected, sometimes setting related B-codes. TSB 16-NA-061 notes that a disconnected coax cable at the RCDLR or antenna amplifier can cause a 'No Fob Detected' message.
• Wiring Harness Damage: In one documented case on Reddit, a user's 2018 Equinox suffered a BCM failure caused by a short in a wiring harness near the rear differential that had been improperly repaired by a previous owner. This led to a complete electrical failure and required BCM replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. If the dash displays 'No Remote Detected', place the key fob flat in the front cupholder (this is the transmitter pocket) and try starting the vehicle. If it starts, the key fob battery is the most likely culprit.
2. Replace the CR2032 battery in the key fob. This is the most common and inexpensive first step.
3. If you have a second key fob, try using it. If the vehicle starts, the problem is with your primary fob.
4. Check the vehicle's main battery. Ensure it is fully charged and the terminals are clean and tight. A weak or recently replaced battery is the primary trigger for the BCM glitch.
5. If the vehicle still won't start and P0513 is confirmed with a scanner, do not replace any modules. The vehicle should be taken to a Chevrolet dealer.
6. Inform the service advisor about TSB #21-NA-277 and #23-NA-165. This will guide them to the correct BCM reprogramming procedure ('Special Data Reset A') instead of a costly and unnecessary module replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the most common fix when the symptom is 'No Remote Detected' but the vehicle starts with the fob in the transmitter pocket.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Sony
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$5
• Keyless Entry Remote Fob (OEM #GM: 13585723, 13529665, 13508766 (FCC ID: HYQ4AA). Verify by VIN.) — Needed if the original fob is internally damaged or lost. Must be programmed to the vehicle.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $115-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$120

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B2924, B3925, B3926, B3927 — These codes relate to the various passive entry antennas around the vehicle. TSB 21-NA-277 explicitly links them to the same BCM memory corruption issue that causes P0513.
• B389A — TSB 21-NA-277 notes that this DTC may also be present in the BCM as part of the memory corruption event.
• U1962 — This code can indicate a failure of the Serial Data Authentication Configuration, a security handshake between modules that runs during programming. If this process fails after a module replacement or programming attempt, it can lead to a no-start condition.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-NA-277: Addresses a no-crank, no-start, or inoperative key fobs with P0513 and/or various B-series DTCs set, caused by a BCM memory issue after a low voltage event. Specifies a 1.5-hour labor time for the reprogramming fix.
• 23-NA-165: Supersedes earlier versions and addresses loss of key fob functions and no-crank/no-start with P0513 set, also pointing to BCM memory corruption after a low voltage event and requiring a special data reset ('Special Data Reset A').

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A well-documented issue covered by GM Technical Service Bulletins #21-NA-277 and #23-NA-165 describes a condition where the Body Control Module's (BCM) memory becomes corrupted after a low voltage event (e.g., battery replacement, jump start). This results in a no-start condition with DTC P0513. The official fix is a specific BCM reprogramming procedure, not module replacement.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Key Fob Battery Voltage — expected: 2.0 - 3.0 Volts. Failure: Voltage below 2.0V indicates a weak or dead battery.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B389A, B3924, B3925, B3926, B3927: These B-codes for passive entry antennas and other BCM functions are often set concurrently with P0513 and are the primary indicator of the BCM memory corruption issue described in TSBs. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool capable of reading Body Control Module DTCs.)
• U1962: Indicates 'Serial Data Authentication Configuration Not Complete'. This code can appear after a failed programming attempt or module replacement, preventing the vehicle from starting. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM SPS (Service Programming System): K9 Body Control Module “Special Data Reset A” — This is the primary fix for the P0513 BCM memory corruption issue. It should be performed BEFORE any immobilizer relearn is attempted.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): Immobilizer procedure “Body Control Module IMMO Learn with Existing Transponder or Remote Key” — This function is used immediately after performing the 'Special Data Reset A' to relearn the original keys to the now-reset BCM.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): K9 Body Control Module “Special Data Reset B” — This is an escalation procedure used ONLY if a standard immobilizer learn was already attempted incorrectly before consulting the TSB, and the vehicle still won't start.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): Immobilizer procedure “Engine Control Module and Body Control Module IMMO Learn” — Used after 'Special Data Reset B'. This more intensive procedure may require replacing the original key fobs with new ones.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the center console, accessible from the passenger side footwell by removing the side trim panel.. The BCM is the central module for the immobilizer system. Access is required for replacement, and checking its connectors is a key diagnostic step.
• Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) — On older Equinox models, it is located behind the passenger side C-pillar trim. While not confirmed for 2018+, this is the likely location.. The RCDLR receives the signal from the key fob. A disconnected coax cable at this module can cause a 'No Fob Detected' message, mimicking a key or BCM issue.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - Global Commerce CA (Chevrolet Malibu (similar GM architecture)) — All keys lost, unable to program new keys, key programming would fail when trying to learn the remote. Scan tool showed an error for antenna 5 with a short to ground.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Standard key programming procedure via Autel IM608.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician found corrosion and filth on the rear antenna connector in the center console. To complete the programming, they unplugged the faulty antenna, which removed the short-to-ground from the system. This allowed the immobilizer programming to complete successfully using the transmitter pocket in the console. The final recommendation was to replace the corroded antenna and harness section.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Multiple (see note) → Multiple (see note) — Standard part evolution and updates.
  Heads up: The critical factor is ensuring the BCM is a 'GEN3R' type. TSBs 23-NA-163 and 23-NA-165 list numerous eligible Base Model Part Numbers (BMPNs) including 13518569, 13519619, 13527252, 13529492, 13533809 and others. A BCM that is not GEN3R is not subject to the TSB's specific reprogramming fix. Part numbers for 2018-2020 often appear as 13522387 or 13594646, while 2023-2024 models may use 13534192. Always verify the BMPN with a scan tool (GDS2) before assuming the TSB applies.