P0513 on 2019-2024 Chevrolet Malibu: 'Incorrect Immobilizer Key' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2024 Chevrolet MALIBU

On this generation of Chevrolet Malibu and its platform mates, the P0513 code is rarely an isolated issue. It's frequently a symptom of a sensitive Body Control Module (BCM) that can lose its key fob programming, especially after the vehicle's main battery has been low, disconnected, or jump-started. Manufacturer service bulletins specifically address this scenario, pointing to BCM memory corruption rather than a simple key fob failure. The official fix involves a special software procedure using GM's Service Programming System (SPS) and explicitly warns against replacing the BCM before this 🎬 Watch: How to locate and access the BCM software fix is attempted.

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.
• Engine starts briefly and then immediately stalls.
• Key fobs are inoperative (cannot lock or unlock doors).
• "No Remote Detected" message on the driver information center.
• Security indicator light may be illuminated or flashing on the instrument panel.

Most Likely Causes

1. Body Control Module (BCM) Software Corruption 🔴 High Probability → Shop Body Control Module As documented in GM TSBs 23-NA-165 and 21-NA-277, the BCM in these vehicles can experience a memory corruption event following a low voltage situation (e.g., weak battery, jump-start, or battery replacement).
   How to confirm: A professional technician must use a GM-specific scan tool to check for related B-codes and determine if the BCM is in a corrupted state. The TSBs provide a specific diagnostic path.
   Typical fix: A dealer technician will perform a special BCM programming or reset procedure as outlined in the service bulletins. Crucially, TSB 23-NA-165 notes that if a previous immobilizer learn was attempted before the special procedure, it may be necessary to use new key fobs as the old ones may no longer be programmable.
   Est. part cost: $0-$400
2. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery
   How to confirm: Try your spare key fob. If it works, the issue is with the primary fob. You can also try placing the non-working fob in the transmitter pocket located inside the center console armrest, which allows the car to start even with a dead fob battery. Replace the CR2032 battery as a first step.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 coin battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $2-$10
3. Faulty Key Fob ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter
   How to confirm: If a new battery doesn't solve the issue and the spare fob works perfectly, the internal electronics of the primary fob may have failed. Sometimes the conductive pads under the buttons wear out.
   Typical fix: Replace the key fob and have it professionally programmed to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $75-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Keyless Entry Antenna: → Shop Antenna The system uses several antennas to detect the key fob. While uncommon, a failure in one of these or its wiring could prevent the key from being recognized, sometimes triggering related B-codes like B3924, B3925, B3926, and B3927.
• Wiring Harness Issue: A poor connection or damaged wire between the BCM, immobilizer antenna, and ECM can cause intermittent signal loss and trigger a P0513 code.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Attempt to start the vehicle with your spare key fob. If it works, the problem is isolated to your primary fob.
2. Replace the battery (typically a CR2032) in the non-working key fob.
3. If the battery is new and the fob still doesn't work, try the emergency start procedure: place the key fob in the transmitter pocket located inside the center console armrest and attempt to start the engine.
4. If the vehicle still won't start, check the main vehicle battery. A low battery voltage is a known trigger for this issue.
5. If the battery is healthy and the issue persists, the vehicle needs to be scanned with a professional tool capable of reading GM-specific Body Control Module (BCM) codes.
6. When speaking with a service advisor or technician, specifically mention TSB #23-NA-165 and #21-NA-277. This ensures they are aware of the specific software corruption issue and the required reprogramming steps, potentially saving diagnostic time and avoiding unnecessary part replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the simplest and most common failure point for an individual key fob.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$5
• Keyless Entry Remote (Key Fob) (OEM #13522882, 13529662, 13522891 (Verify by VIN)) — Required if the fob's internal electronics have failed or if the BCM reset procedure requires new, unprogrammed fobs per TSB 23-NA-165. Part number varies by year and options.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150
• Body Control Module (BCM) (OEM #13534191) — This part should only be replaced as a last resort if the software reprogramming specified in the TSBs fails to resolve the issue. The TSBs explicitly state not to replace this module unless all other steps have failed.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $300-$500

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B2924 00 — Relates to the keyless entry antenna system, often set alongside P0513 per TSB 21-NA-277.
• B3925 00 — Relates to the keyless entry antenna system, often set alongside P0513 per TSB 21-NA-277.
• B3926 00 — Relates to the keyless entry antenna system, often set alongside P0513 per TSB 21-NA-277.
• B3927 00 — Relates to the keyless entry antenna system, often set alongside P0513 per TSB 21-NA-277.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 23-NA-165: Addresses a no-start/no-crank condition with P0513 set, often caused by BCM memory corruption after a low voltage event.
• 21-NA-277: Provides repair information for a no-crank/no-start condition where P0513 is set along with various B-codes related to the keyless entry antennas.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #23-NA-165 and #21-NA-277 directly address the symptoms of 'No Crank, No Start,' 'Key Fobs Inoperative,' and code P0513. The root cause is often identified as a memory corruption event in the Body Control Module (BCM), frequently triggered by a low voltage condition from the vehicle's battery. The official GM fix involves a specific BCM reprogramming procedure, and in some cases, may require replacing the original key fobs with new ones if a previous, incorrect repair was attempted.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B389A 00: This code indicates a BCM memory corruption event. TSB #23-NA-163 states that if this code is current, along with three or more antenna codes (B3924, B3925, etc.), the special BCM recovery procedure should be performed. If it is not present, the TSB advises disconnecting/reconnecting the battery for 30 seconds to see if it appears. (see via GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) or equivalent high-level scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM Service Programming System (SPS): K9 Body Control Module “Programming A Per Bulletin 23-NA-163 and 23-NA-165 Only” — This is the specific recovery programming function to restore a BCM that has experienced memory corruption due to a low voltage event, as outlined in TSB 23-NA-165.
• GM Service Programming System (SPS): Immobilizer procedure “Body Control Module IMMO Learn with Existing Transponder or Remote Key.” — This function is used after the special BCM programming to relearn the vehicle's existing key fobs to the now-restored BCM.
• GM Service Programming System (SPS): Immobilizer procedure “Replacement BCM with new transmitters.” — This function is required if a previous, incorrect immobilizer learn was attempted before the special BCM recovery. This may render the original fobs unusable, necessitating new transmitters.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• K9 Body Control Module (BCM) — Located on the passenger side of the center console, behind the fuse panel/trim.. This module is the central hub for the immobilizer system. All diagnostics and reprogramming efforts for P0513 are focused on this component.
• Instrument Panel Fuse Block — On the driver's side of the instrument panel, behind a cover to the left of the steering wheel.. This panel contains multiple fuses for the BCM. Specifically, for 2019+ models, fuses F5 (BCM 2), F8 (BCM 3), F20 (BCM 1), F21 (BCM 4), and F29 (BCM 8) are critical for BCM operation.
• Engine Compartment Fuse Block — Under the hood on the driver's side.. Contains additional fuses that supply power to the BCM and related systems. A video for a 2017 Malibu identifies fuse F35 as a BCM-related fuse in this location.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Autosurgery' (2019 Chevrolet Malibu 1.8L) — Multiple warning lights on the dash, intermittent no-start condition. The owner had taken it to a dealer who diagnosed a faulty BCM.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner first went to the dealership, who quoted a high price for replacement, prompting the owner to seek an independent shop.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The independent shop replaced the Body Control Module (BCM). The video documents the physical replacement of the module located on the passenger side of the center console.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13518626 → 13534191 — Part number update/revision by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: Part 13534191 is listed as the replacement for 13518626 for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Always verify the correct part number by VIN before ordering.