P0513 on 2023-2024 GMC Terrain: Incorrect Immobilizer Key Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2023-2024 Gmc TERRAIN

For this generation of GMC Terrain and its platform mates like the Chevrolet Equinox, P0513 is specifically addressed by GM 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to fixing fault code P0513 Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #23-NA-165. The bulletin states that a no-crank, no-start condition with this code can occur immediately after a low voltage event, such as a battery replacement, jump-start, or charging. This can cause a memory corruption issue in a specific type of Body Control Module (BCM) known as 'GEN3R', leading to a total loss of both key fob locking/unlocking (active functions) and starting (passive functions). The fix is not a simple part replacement but a specific software reset procedure performed by a dealer using their diagnostic tools.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Vehicle will not crank or start.
• Engine cranks but does not fire up.
• Security indicator light is flashing or solid on the instrument panel.
• Key fob will not lock or unlock the doors (Loss of Active Functions).
• "No Remote Detected" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• A single click sound when attempting to start.

Most Likely Causes

1. BCM Memory Corruption After Low Voltage 🔴 High Probability As documented in TSB #23-NA-165, the GEN3R Body Control Module used in these vehicles is susceptible to memory corruption following a battery disconnect, jump-start, or low voltage condition. This is the most widely reported cause for this specific code on this platform.
   How to confirm: A GM dealer must use a GDS2 scan tool to check for P0513 and other related codes (like B389A and multiple B392x codes) and verify if the BCM is the specific 'GEN3R' type mentioned in the TSB by checking its part number. A history of a recent battery change or jump-start is a strong indicator.
   Typical fix: The dealer performs a special BCM software reset procedure. Per TSB #23-NA-163, this involves selecting "Programming A Per Bulletin 23-NA-163 and 23-NA-165 Only" in the GM Service Programming System (SPS), followed by an immobilizer relearn procedure. The TSB explicitly warns: "Do not attempt the immobilizer procedure or module replacements before following this bulletin."
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Try using the spare key fob. If the spare key works, the battery in the primary fob is the likely issue. You can also try the emergency start procedure by placing the fob in the designated pocket (front cupholder for 2018+ models) to see if the car starts, as this can often work even with a weak battery.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 coin battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $3-$10
3. Faulty Key Fob ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: If a new battery doesn't solve the issue and the spare key works, the internal transponder chip of the first key may have failed. This can happen from being dropped or from water damage.
   Typical fix: The key fob must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle by a dealer or certified locksmith.
   Est. part cost: $150-$350

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Immobilizer Antenna: The ring antenna around the ignition or the receiver module that reads the key's signal can fail, but this is less common than key fob or BCM issues for this specific problem.
• Wiring Issue: A poor electrical connection or damaged wire in the immobilizer circuit can prevent the key from being recognized. This is a rare cause for this specific vehicle and code.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Try the spare key fob. If it works, the problem is isolated to the primary key or its battery.
2. If the primary key fob is unresponsive for both locking and starting, replace its CR2032 battery.
3. Attempt the vehicle's emergency start procedure. For the 2023-2024 Terrain, this involves placing the key fob in the front cupholder pocket and pressing the start button. This can bypass a weak fob battery and get you to a shop.
4. If the vehicle still won't start, do not repeatedly try to jump-start it or disconnect the battery, as this will not resolve the BCM memory corruption.
5. The vehicle must be towed to a GM dealer or a qualified shop with GM diagnostic software.
6. Inform the service advisor that you suspect the issue is related to TSB #23-NA-165, especially if the problem started after a battery change or jump-start.
7. The technician must verify the vehicle has a GEN3R BCM and then follow the specific software reset procedure ("Programming A") and immobilizer relearn as outlined in TSBs #23-NA-165 and #23-NA-163 before replacing any parts.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the simplest and most common failure point for key fobs that stop communicating with the vehicle.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $3-$8
• Smart Key Fob (OEM #13547800, 13522895) — If the internal transponder chip fails, the entire key fob must be replaced and programmed by a dealer. Part number can vary based on button configuration (e.g., with or without remote start/hatch).
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GMC
  OEM price range: $150-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B389A — This code, 'Immobilizer Environment Identifier Not Programmed', often sets along with P0513 and confirms the BCM memory corruption scenario described in related TSBs.
• B3924, B3925, B3926, B3927 — The presence of three or more of these 'Environment ID' codes in the BCM is another key indicator of the specific memory corruption issue that requires the TSB software reset.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 23-NA-165: Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
• 23-NA-163: No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, with various BCM DTCs set. This bulletin contains the specific software repair steps.
• 21-NA-277: A related, earlier bulletin providing information on no-crank/start conditions with P0513 and other BCM codes after low voltage events.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue documented in TSB #23-NA-165 describes how a low voltage event (like a battery change or jump-start) can corrupt the Body Control Module's memory, causing a no-start condition and setting code P0513.
• Owner experiences on forums like Reddit confirm this pattern: a user reported their 2018 Terrain would not start and displayed multiple weird messages after a battery change, which is consistent with the BCM glitch.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• DTC Pattern in BCM — expected: DTC B389A 00 set as current, plus three or more codes from the series B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00.. Failure: The presence of this specific combination of codes confirms the BCM memory corruption issue described in TSB 23-NA-163. If B389A is not present, the TSB advises disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds and rechecking.
• Battery Voltage via Driver Information Center — expected: Above 12.4V with engine off. Between 13.8V and 14.8V with engine running.. Failure: A reading below 13.8V while running could indicate a failing alternator, and a reading consistently below 12.4V with the engine off indicates a weak battery, which is the primary trigger for the P0513 BCM glitch.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B389A 00: Immobilizer Environment Identifier Not Programmed. Its presence is a key indicator of the BCM memory corruption. (see via GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) or equivalent high-level scan tool.)
• B3924, B3925, B3926, B3927: Environment ID DTCs. The presence of three or more of these codes, along with B389A, confirms the specific fault condition addressed by TSB 23-NA-163. (see via GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) or equivalent high-level scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 / SPS: K9 Body Control Module > Identification Information — This is the first step to verify the BCM is a 'GEN3R' type and check its Base Model Part Number (BMPN) against the list of eligible parts in TSB #23-NA-165 before attempting to reprogram.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): Programming A Per Bulletin 23-NA-163 and 23-NA-165 Only — This is the primary software recovery procedure to fix the BCM memory corruption. It is used when the specific DTC pattern is confirmed and no previous incorrect immobilizer learn has been attempted.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): Body Control Module IMMO Learn with Existing Transponder or Remote Key — This immobilizer relearn procedure must be performed immediately after successfully running the 'Programming A' function to allow the vehicle to recognize the existing keys.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System): Programming B Per Bulletin 23-NA-163 Only — This is a secondary recovery procedure. It should ONLY be used if 'Programming A' and the subsequent immobilizer learn do not resolve the no-start condition, which can happen if an immobilizer learn was attempted *before* the TSB procedure was started.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• K9 Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the center console area, typically accessible by removing panels in the passenger side footwell.. This is the primary control module for the immobilizer system. All diagnostics and software-based repairs for P0513 are focused on this module.
• G103 Ground — On some GM platforms, this ground is located at the left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl, above the brake booster.. This ground point serves the BCM, Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and Data Link Connector (DLC). A loose or corroded G103 ground can cause intermittent communication issues and low-voltage-like symptoms for the BCM, potentially triggering the memory corruption that leads to P0513.
• Data Link Connector (OBD-II Port) Fuse — In a small fuse box under the steering wheel, next to the OBD-II port. The fuse is F17 (10 Amp).. If a technician cannot communicate with the vehicle using a scan tool, this fuse should be checked first, as it powers the diagnostic port needed to perform the required BCM programming.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Multiple (see note) → N/A — Identification
  Heads up: The TSB repair procedure only applies to specific 'GEN3R' BCMs. Eligible Base Model Part Numbers (BMPNs) include: 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, TSB #23-NA-165 does not apply.