P0513 on 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado 1500: Causes of Incorrect Immobilizer Key

What's Unique About the 2014-2018 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500

While P0513 is a generic code for a key-related issue, on the 2014-2018 Silverado (K2XX platform), it is frequently a symptom of underlying electrical problems rather than a faulty key. GM has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that point directly to specific wiring corrosion points and poor grounds as the true root cause. Owners often find this code appears with other seemingly unrelated electrical issues, confirming that diagnosis should begin with wiring and grounds, not expensive key or module 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 cranks but will not start
• Engine starts and immediately stalls
• Intermittent no-start condition
• Check Engine Light is on
• Security light may be on or flashing
• Service 4WD message may appear on the dash
• In some cases, the Service Engine Soon lamp may NOT be illuminated, even with the code stored.
• Other electrical issues like flickering lights, radio/HVAC display going blank, or door locks cycling randomly, especially when turning the steering wheel.

Most Likely Causes

1. Corroded Wiring Under Driver's Door Sill Plate 🔴 High Probability This Silverado generation is known for water leaks that allow moisture to collect in the channel under the driver's side door sill. This moisture corrodes the wires in the main body harness that runs through this area, causing a variety of electrical faults. TSB #PIT5391F specifically identifies an open or high resistance in circuit 5199 (Ignition Run Relay circuit) in this location as a direct cause.
   How to confirm: Remove the plastic driver's side sill plate and peel back the carpet. Visually inspect the wiring harness, particularly circuit 5199, for signs of moisture, white or green powder-like corrosion, or broken wires. This is a primary fix identified in TSB #PIT5391F.
   Typical fix: Cut out the damaged section of wire(s) and splice in new wire using waterproof butt connectors or solder and heat shrink tubing. GM repair procedures are outlined in bulletin 10-00-89-005.
   Est. part cost: $5-$20
2. Poor Body Control Module (BCM) Ground at G218 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in TSB #PIT5405C, the factory sound-deadening dash insulator mat can get trapped between the ground eyelet and the chassis at ground location G218, preventing a solid connection. This poor ground causes dozens of potential communication and module errors, including P0513, often triggered by increased electrical load like turning the steering wheel.
   How to confirm: Locate ground G218, which is on the metal support structure under the dash, typically behind the driver's side A-pillar trim or near the driver's side speaker. Remove the nut and check if any insulation material is trapped under the ground lug. The connection point should be clean, bare metal.
   Typical fix: Remove the ground nut, cut away any trapped insulation material, clean the contact surfaces of the lug and chassis with a wire brush or sandpaper, and securely re-fasten the ground.
   Est. part cost: $0-$5
3. Faulty Ignition Key or Key Fob Battery ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Try starting the vehicle with a spare key. If the spare key works consistently and the original key does not, the transponder chip in the original key is likely damaged. If the key has a replaceable battery, try replacing it first as a weak signal can cause this code.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty key. A new key must be purchased from a dealer or qualified locksmith and programmed to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $75-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Immobilizer Antenna Ring: The antenna ring (transponder coil) around the ignition cylinder reads the key's transponder chip. If it fails or its wiring is damaged, it cannot send the key's signal to the BCM, even with a good key.
• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM): If all wiring, grounds, and the key itself are confirmed to be good, the BCM may have an internal fault. This is rare and should be the last item to consider after exhausting all other possibilities.
• Faulty Underhood Fuse Box (UBEC): In some cases, internal corrosion or failure within the underhood fuse box can cause intermittent no-crank conditions accompanied by a P0513 code, even when external wiring appears fine.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all stored trouble codes in all modules. Pay close attention to any communication (U-codes) or body (B-codes) that accompany P0513, as they strongly point towards a wiring or ground fault.
2. Attempt to start the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If it starts reliably, the issue is with your primary key.
3. Remove the driver's side door sill trim and inspect the large wiring harness for any signs of water damage, corrosion (green or white powder), or chafed wires. Specifically look for damage to circuit 5199 as per TSB PIT5391F.
4. Locate and inspect the G218 ground connection under the driver's side of the dashboard, near the A-pillar speaker. Ensure no insulation is trapped under the ground lug and that the connection is clean and tight.
5. If wiring and grounds are confirmed good, use a scan tool with security access to view the immobilizer data stream and confirm if the BCM is recognizing the key's status.
6. Inspect the wiring and connector for the immobilizer antenna ring around the ignition switch for damage or looseness.
7. Perform a loaded voltage drop test on the main battery cables and check for secure connections at the battery, fuse block, and engine block ground as outlined in TSB #18-NA-161 (which supersedes PIT5405C).
8. If all other steps fail, further professional diagnosis of the Body Control Module (BCM) or Underhood Fuse Box may be necessary.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Wiring Repair Supplies — The most common fix involves repairing corroded wires under the driver's sill plate. This requires basic supplies like wire, butt connectors, and heat shrink tubing.
  Trusted brands: 3M
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$20
• Ignition Key with Transponder (OEM #23335584 (Key), 13585203 (Keyless Entry Remote)) — Needed only if the original key's internal transponder chip has failed, which is a less common cause for this truck.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P262B — Often set with P0513 due to wiring issues in the driver's sill plate, as noted in TSB #PIT5391F.
• U0073, U0100, U0121, U0140 — These are all module communication codes that are frequently triggered by the poor BCM ground at G218, as listed in TSB #PIT5405C.
• C0364, U0403 — These codes, related to the 4WD system, can appear with P0513 when the sill plate wiring is corroded, as per TSB #PIT5391A.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT5391F: Addresses P0513 caused by wiring damage in the driver sill plate, specifically mentioning circuit 5199.
• PIT5405C: Points to a bad BCM ground (G218) as the cause for P0513 and numerous other communication DTCs.
• PIT5391A: An earlier version of PIT5391F, also linking P0513 to sill plate wiring issues and other codes like a 'Service 4WD' message.
• #18-NA-161: Supersedes TSB PIT5405C, providing updated diagnostic procedures for the G218 ground issue and related battery cable voltage drop tests.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #PIT5391F directly links P0513 to damaged or corroded wiring in the driver's sill plate area, often accompanied by a non-functional Service Engine Soon lamp. The bulletin specifically points to circuit 5199 as a likely culprit.
• TSB #PIT5405C (and its successor #18-NA-161) identifies a faulty BCM ground at location G218 as a cause for P0513 and a host of other communication codes. The problem is often caused by a dash insulator mat being trapped under the ground lug during assembly.
• Owner experiences frequently report that these electrical issues (P0513, flickering lights, etc.) are more likely to occur at low speeds while turning the steering wheel, which puts an extra load on the already compromised electrical system.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B389A 00: A Body Control Module (BCM) code that may set along with P0513, particularly after a low voltage event, jump start, or battery replacement. (see via A professional scan tool like the GM GDS2 is required. TSB 21-NA-277 notes that if it is not present, a battery disconnect/reconnect may cause it to appear.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Techline): Immobilizer Key Programming — Used after replacing a key or BCM to teach the vehicle the new key's transponder value. This is a required step for new keys/modules.
• GDS2 (GM Techline): BCM Programming/Setup — When replacing the Body Control Module, the new module must be programmed with the vehicle's VIN and specific RPO codes before it will function correctly or allow a key relearn.
• Manual Procedure (No Tool): 30-Minute Key Relearn Procedure — This procedure can be used to make the BCM relearn existing keys without a scan tool, often after a battery disconnect or resolving an underlying electrical issue. It involves three consecutive 10-minute cycles of turning the key to 'ON' and waiting for the security light to go out.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G218 — Under the driver's side of the dashboard, on the metal support structure behind the A-pillar trim, near the driver's side speaker. It is a threaded stud with a 10mm nut securing one or more ground eyelets.. This is the primary ground for the Body Control Module (BCM). TSB #PIT5405C confirms that sound insulation getting trapped under the eyelet causes a poor connection, leading to P0513 and many other electrical communication errors.
• Driver's Sill Plate Harness — Runs in the channel underneath the plastic door sill trim on the driver's side floor.. This harness contains critical circuits, including Circuit 5199 mentioned in TSB #PIT5391F. Water intrusion in this area leads to corrosion and high resistance, directly causing P0513 and other codes.
• Passenger Side Frame Ground — Located on the frame behind the passenger side front wheel well liner. It is a bolt securing a ground wire to the frame.. While less common than G218, owners have reported that corrosion at this ground point can also cause widespread electrical issues, including no-start conditions and flickering lights. Cleaning this ground has resolved issues for some owners.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user comment on 'Garcia Garage' video (2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (specific year not mentioned)) — Flickering dash lights, truck suddenly shutting down at low speed, transmission slipping sometimes, voltage reading under 14 volts (9-11V), navigation/radio shutting down.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Not specified, but the user implies they were chasing multiple complex electrical issues.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was a bad ground on the passenger side. The user removed the screw, cleaned the contact points on the frame and the wire terminal, and re-secured it, which fixed all the electrical problems.
• YouTube video by 'Dustin T' (2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country) — Headlights and dash lights flickering when using turn signals or brakes, truck completely shutting off when turning the wheel at low speeds, various warning messages like 'park assist disabled' and 'power steering disabled'.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Had the alternator and battery tested, both were fine.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The G218 ground was the cause. Sound-deadening material was trapped under the ground lug. Trimming away the material and ensuring a clean, tight connection resolved all symptoms.