P0513 on 2018-2020 Dodge Journey: Invalid Key and No-Start Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2020 Dodge JOURNEY

The Dodge Journey uses a specific anti-theft architecture where the PCM, Body Control Module (BCM), and Radio Frequency (RF) Hub must all be in sync. A known issue, documented in Technical Service Bulletin S2208000073, is that this P0513 code can appear immediately after the PCM has been replaced or had its software updated ('flashed'). This happens because the PCM's security memory is defaulted, and it no longer recognizes the vehicle's original keys. A specific 'PCM Replaced' procedure must be completed with a dealer-level scan tool (like wiTECH) to restore the security handshake.

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 does not crank at all
• Flashing red security light on the instrument cluster.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• "Key Not Detected" or "Bad Key" message on the instrument cluster.

Most Likely Causes

1. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery Key fobs have a limited battery life, and a weak signal is a very common reason for the vehicle to fail to read the transponder. This is the first and easiest thing to check.
   How to confirm: Try your spare key fob. If the vehicle starts, the issue is with the first key. You can also try replacing the battery in the malfunctioning key fob (typically a CR2032). 🎬 See this quick guide on replacing your key fob battery.
   Typical fix: Replace the key fob battery.
   Est. part cost: $1-$6
2. Faulty Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter The internal transponder chip or circuitry within the key can fail from being dropped, water damage, or age.
   How to confirm: If a new battery doesn't fix the key and the spare key works, the original key fob is defective.
   Typical fix: Replace and reprogram the key fob. This must be done by a dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith.
   Est. part cost: $150-$475
3. Improper PCM/Key Programming 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in TSB S2208000073, this code is a known outcome of replacing or reflashing the PCM. The PCM's security data is defaulted and must be relearned.
   How to confirm: This is the most likely cause if the P0513 code appeared immediately after service was performed on the vehicle's main computer.
   Typical fix: Perform the "PCM Replaced" or "Proxy Configuration Alignment" procedure using a compatible diagnostic tool (like Dodge's wiTECH) to sync the PCM with the RF Hub and keys. This re-establishes the security handshake.
   Est. part cost: $0 (labor cost for programming only, typically 1-2 hours)
4. Faulty Wireless Control Module (WCM) / RF Hub ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Body Control Module The module that reads the key signal can fail electronically, though it is less common than key-related issues. Forum users have reported intermittent "key not detected" messages leading up to a total failure of this module.
   How to confirm: If both keys fail to start the vehicle (even with new batteries) and there has been no recent PCM service, a technician will need to diagnose the WCM/RF Hub with a scan tool that can read security system data.
   Typical fix: Replace the WCM/RF Hub and program it to the vehicle with all existing keys.
   Est. part cost: $200-$500

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Ignition Switch or Antenna Ring: → Shop Ignition Switch The antenna that reads the key's transponder chip is located around the ignition switch or start button. Damage to this component or its wiring can prevent the key from being read, even if the key and module are good.
• Aftermarket Remote Starter Issues: Improperly installed aftermarket remote start systems can interfere with the factory immobilizer system, leading to a P0513 code. The bypass module used by the remote starter can fail or cause communication errors.
• Wiring Harness Damage: In one documented case on a Dodge Journey, a no-start with P0513 was traced to a bad connection in the main wiring harness connectors to the control module, which had been disturbed during a previous engine repair.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the instrument cluster for a flashing red security light. This confirms an anti-theft system issue.
2. Try to start the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If it starts, the problem is isolated to the primary key.
3. If the spare key works, replace the battery (CR2032) in the non-working key fob.
4. If a new battery does not solve the issue, the primary key fob is likely faulty and needs replacement and programming.
5. If neither key works, confirm if the PCM was recently replaced or reflashed. If so, the vehicle requires the security relearn procedure described in TSB S2208000073.
6. If there was no recent PCM service and both keys fail, the vehicle needs professional diagnosis. A technician will use a scan tool to check for communication with the RF Hub/WCM and test the ignition antenna circuit.
7. The technician will check for related codes like B1A28 (ECM Mismatch) which further points to a programming or module failure.
8. Based on scan tool data, the technician will determine if the RF Hub, PCM, or wiring is at fault.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the most common and cheapest fix. A weak battery prevents the key's transponder from sending a strong enough signal.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Sony
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $1-$5
• Key Fob / Transponder Key (OEM #68066349AG (3-Button) or 68066350AG (4-Button)) — If the key's internal electronics fail, the entire key fob must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (OEM)
  OEM price range: $200-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150
• Wireless Control Module / RF Hub (OEM #68323876AB (replaces 68323876AA)) — In rarer cases, the module that receives the key's signal fails and must be replaced and programmed.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (OEM)
  OEM price range: $175-$275
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$350

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1A28 - ECM Mismatch with SKIM
• B1A35 - Unidentified Communication Error

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S2208000073: No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB S2208000073 documents that a P0513 code and a no-start condition can occur after the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is replaced or its software is updated. The fix requires a dealership technician to perform a 'PCM Replaced' routine using the wiTECH scan tool to re-establish the security handshake between the new/updated PCM and the vehicle's existing security modules.
• Owners on forums have noted that leading up to an RF Hub failure, they may experience intermittent 'Key Not Detected' messages on the dash, especially during cold weather, 🎬 Watch: How to start your Journey when the key isn't detected. even if the vehicle still starts.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CAN Bus Resistance — expected: Approximately 60 Ω. Failure: A reading of 120 Ω indicates an open circuit or a missing terminating resistor in a module. A reading of 0 Ω indicates a short between CAN High and CAN Low wires.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1A28: ECM Mismatch with SKIM. This code is often set in the Body Control Module (BCM) or RF Hub when P0513 is set in the PCM, directly indicating a security data mismatch between the modules. (see via A professional scan tool capable of reading codes from all vehicle modules (BCM, RFH, etc.), not just the PCM.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: PCM Replaced — This function is mandatory after replacing or reflashing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). It syncs the security identification (Secret Key) between the PCM, RF Hub, and keys. TSB S2208000073 and other recall documents confirm its use for fixing P0513 in this scenario.
• wiTECH: WIN Replaced — This function is used when the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN), also known as the RF Hub, is replaced. It programs the new module to the vehicle and existing keys.
• wiTECH: Check PCM VIN — This is a miscellaneous function used to manually write the vehicle's VIN to a new PCM, which is a preliminary step before performing security procedures like 'PCM Replaced'.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Block Ground Stud (3.6L) — Hidden between the large wire harness loom and the engine vacuum pump, connecting the main negative battery cable (from the strut tower) to the engine block.. This is the primary ground for the starter motor and provides the ground reference for the PCM. A poor connection here can cause a no-crank or crank-no-start, mimicking a security issue. Forum members note the factory 4-gauge cable is undersized and prone to causing issues.
• Chassis Ground Studs — Located on both the driver's side and passenger's side strut towers in the engine bay. These are central connection points for various chassis and module grounds.. The RF Hub, BCM, and other modules rely on a clean chassis ground. Corrosion or looseness at these studs can cause intermittent communication failures, leading to P0513.
• G300 — Located in the driver's side kick panel area.. This is a major interior ground point. The Body Control Module (BCM) and RF Hub are located inside the cabin and may use this or a similar ground point. A fault at G300 can interrupt communication between security modules.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68323876AA → 68323876AB — Part revision or update by the manufacturer. The 'AB' suffix indicates the first supersession of the original 'AA' part.
  Heads up: The new part (AB) should be a direct replacement for the old part (AA), but will require programming to the vehicle upon installation.