P0513 on 2018-2021 Ram PROMASTER CITY: Causes and Fixes for an Invalid SKIM Key

What's Unique About the 2018-2021 Ram PROMASTER CITY

On Ram and other FCA vehicles, P0513 is frequently triggered after the PCM has been replaced or its software has been updated (flashed). A specific Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) confirms that if the proper "PCM Replaced" procedure isn't followed, the security handshake between the key, immobilizer module, and PCM fails, setting this code and causing a no-start condition. 🎬 Watch: Understanding the causes and symptoms of the P0513 code. This makes the code particularly common after certain types of professional service. The TSB clarifies that after a flash or replacement, the PCM defaults and loses the vehicle's specific security code until the proper relearn routine restores it.

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 start (cranks but does not fire up).
• Engine starts and immediately stalls (typically within 2-3 seconds).
• Flashing red security light on the instrument cluster.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Key fob is unresponsive (cannot lock/unlock doors).

Most Likely Causes

1. PCM Replaced or Flashed Without Key Relearn 🔴 High Probability As documented in TSB S2208000073, the PCM defaults after a flash and loses the vehicle's specific security code until the proper relearn routine is performed. This is the most common reason for P0513 to appear after professional service.
   How to confirm: Confirm if the PCM was recently serviced. A professional scan tool is needed to perform the 'PCM Replaced' or 'Proxy Configuration Alignment' procedure. The scan tool may also show a companion code U0426-62 (MiniKrypt Error Signal Compare Error).
   Typical fix: A technician must use a compatible scan tool (like wiTECH or AlfaOBD) to run the 'PCM/ECM/ESL replace' routine, which transfers the immobilizer data and restores the security handshake. This is followed by a 'Proxy Configuration Alignment' to sync all modules.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery While the transponder chip that the immobilizer reads is often passive (doesn't require battery power), a very weak fob battery can sometimes cause communication issues. It's the easiest and cheapest item to rule out first.
   How to confirm: Try the spare key. If the spare key works, the issue is with the primary key. Replace the battery in the non-working key fob.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5
3. Damaged or Faulty Key Transponder 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Try the spare key. If the vehicle starts and runs with the spare, the original key's internal transponder chip is likely damaged or has failed. This can happen if the key is dropped, exposed to strong magnetic fields, or gets wet.
   Typical fix: The faulty key must be replaced and the new key programmed to the vehicle by a dealership or an automotive locksmith. Automotive locksmiths are often a faster and more affordable option.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400
4. Faulty Wireless Control Module (WCM/RF Hub) ⚪ Low Probability This module, also called the SKIM or RF Hub, contains the antenna that reads the key. Like any electronic component, it can fail over time, preventing any key from being recognized.
   How to confirm: A diagnostic scan tool will show a loss of communication with the WCM/RF Hub. A technician will test for power, ground, and communication signals at the module. Companion codes like B1A25 (Invalid Key) or B1A28 (ECM Mismatch with SKIM) may be stored in the RF Hub.
   Typical fix: Replace the WCM/RF Hub module and program it to the vehicle, along with all existing keys. This requires a professional scan tool.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wiring Harness Issue: Corroded or loose connections between the PCM and the WCM/RF Hub can interrupt the security signal. A user on RamForum.com noted that cleaning a corroded battery cable to the fuse panel temporarily resolved their intermittent P0513 issue, highlighting the importance of checking the main power and ground connections.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) In rare cases, the PCM itself can have an internal fault in the immobilizer circuit, preventing it from recognizing a valid key even after programming attempts. This would likely require PCM replacement and programming.
• Low Vehicle Battery Voltage: → Shop Vehicle Battery A very low main vehicle battery or a jump-start can sometimes cause memory corruption in the Body Control Module (BCM) or RF Hub, leading to a P0513 code even after the battery is charged or replaced.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Note the symptoms, especially if the red security light is flashing on the dashboard.
2. Try starting the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If it starts, the problem is isolated to the first key.
3. If the first key is the issue, replace its internal battery (typically a CR2032) and try again. This is the simplest first step.
4. If no keys work, or if the problem occurred immediately after a PCM replacement or software update, the vehicle must be taken for professional service.
5. A technician will connect a high-level scan tool (like wiTECH, Autel, or AlfaOBD) to check for codes in the PCM, BCM, and RF Hub.
6. If the TSB S2208000073 scenario applies, the technician will perform the "PCM Replaced" routine to sync the security information, followed by a "Proxy Configuration Alignment".
7. If there are no programming issues, the technician will inspect the wiring and connectors for the WCM/RF Hub, checking for power, ground, and signs of corrosion.
8. If wiring is good, the WCM/RF Hub will be tested and likely replaced if found faulty. The new module and all keys will require programming.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Key Fob — The transponder chip inside the key can fail, requiring a complete key replacement and programming.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $200-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150
• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — A weak or dead battery is a simple and common cause of key communication failure.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $1-$5
• Wireless Control Module / RF Hub (OEM #68441622AB (supercedes 68441622AA)) — This module reads the key signal. If it fails, no key will be recognized. Replacement requires professional programming.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $80-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0426-62: MiniKrypt Error Signal Compare Error (often seen with the TSB issue).
• B1A25: Invalid Key (stored in the RF Hub).
• B1A24: Key Not Programmed (stored in the RF Hub).

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

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

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB S2208000073 explicitly details a no-start condition with DTC P0513 after a PCM flash or replacement on these vehicles. It confirms the cause is a loss of the security code in the PCM and outlines the specific scan tool procedure needed to fix it. The procedure involves running the 'PCM/ECM/ESL replace' routine followed by a 'Proxy Configuration Alignment' using a tool like wiTECH.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: PCM/ECM/ESL replace — This specific routine is required by TSB S2208000073 to resolve a P0513 code after the PCM has been flashed or replaced. It is located in the Body Control Module (BCM) 'Misc. Functions' menu and restores the vehicle's security key to the PCM.
• wiTECH, AlfaOBD, Autel: Proxy Configuration Alignment — This procedure must be run after the 'PCM Replaced' routine or after any module on the CAN bus is replaced. It synchronizes the configuration of all modules with the master list stored in the BCM. A flashing odometer is a common symptom that this is needed.
• wiTECH: Learn Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) — This is the final programming step listed in TSB S2208000073 after performing the PCM replace routine and proxy alignment to ensure proper throttle body function.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine/Transmission Ground Strap — On the full-size ProMaster, this is a braided strap from the transmission case to a bolt on the transmission mount, accessible after removing the driver's side headlight. The ProMaster City will have a similar primary ground.. A poor primary engine/transmission ground can cause intermittent and inconsistent voltage, leading to data corruption and communication errors between modules like the PCM and RF Hub, potentially triggering a P0513.
• RF Hub Connector — The RF Hub is typically located in the steering column area. Its wiring connector is often integrated into the main body/cab wiring harness.. Damage to this connector (e.g., burnt pins) or the associated wiring will prevent the PCM from receiving the key's security signal. Repair may involve splicing wires rather than simple connector replacement due to its integration in the main harness.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• MHH Auto forum user (2017 Jeep Renegade (similar FCA RFH security system)) — P0513 - Invalid SKIM key, no-start condition immediately after the vehicle battery went dead.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Performing a Proxy Alignment (completed successfully but did not fix the no-start)., Attempting to reprogram the keys (failed).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The root cause was data corruption in the PCM's EEPROM due to the low voltage event. The fix required bench-level work: reading the EEPROM from the PCM, manually correcting the corrupted security data in the file (or flashing a 'virgin' file), and then using a dealer tool (like wiTECH) to perform the initial security programming as if it were a new module.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While TSB S2208000073 suggests the 'PCM Replaced' routine is the definitive fix for P0513 after a programming event, there is evidence from similar FCA platforms that this procedure can fail. In cases where the code was triggered by a severe low-voltage event (dead battery) instead of a controlled flash, the PCM's internal EEPROM can become corrupted. When this happens, the PCM is unable to accept the security data from the BCM/RFH, causing the 'PCM Replaced' routine to fail. The ultimate solution in this scenario is not replacing more modules, but performing a bench-level repair of the PCM's corrupted memory file before repeating the programming.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68441622AA → 68441622AB — Standard part revision/update.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2021: No significant variations affecting the cause or diagnosis of P0513 were identified within this model year range. The 2.4L Tigershark engine, 9-speed transmission, and Uconnect 3 infotainment system were standard throughout.