P2513 — Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low

OBD2 code P2513 flags a problem with the sensor and actuator circuits (event data recorder request circuit low). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: poor ground connection, corroded, loose or damaged connector, open or shorted wiring in the circuit.

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Short-term driving is OK In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P2513 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the event data recorder request for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Check for supply voltage at the event data recorder request connector first; then measure resistance from the signal wire to ground — near-zero ohms confirms a short to ground in the harness.
  5. Subsystem check Measure reference voltage, ground and signal continuity at the component connector.
  6. Subsystem check Wiggle-test the harness while watching the signal in live data — dropouts reveal broken wires.
  7. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P2513 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P2513 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Control module repair: $300–$1,000; Replace the faulty sensor or actuator: $150–$500; Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250. Overall, fixing P2513 usually costs between $80 and $1,000. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

How much does it cost to fix P2513?

Control module repair — $300–$1,000; Replace the faulty sensor or actuator — $150–$500; Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

How do I diagnose P2513 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P2513, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the event data recorder request, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What does OBD2 code P2513 mean?

OBD2 code P2513 flags a problem with the sensor and actuator circuits (event data recorder request circuit low). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: poor ground connection, corroded, loose or damaged connector, open or shorted wiring in the circuit.

Is it safe to drive with P2513?

In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

What is the most common cause of P2513?

The most common causes are: poor ground connection, corroded, loose or damaged connector, open or shorted wiring in the circuit.

What does P2513 mean?

P2513 (Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low) is stored when self-diagnostics detect abnormal readings or behaviour of the sensor and actuator circuits. It belongs to the powertrain (engine/transmission) category.

“Circuit low” means the voltage on the event data recorder request circuit stays below the expected minimum — close to ground. The usual physical reasons are a short to ground, a chafed wire touching metal, a missing supply voltage, or a failed component dragging the signal down.

The module monitors this system continuously while driving. When readings fall outside the expected range for a defined number of drive cycles, it stores P2513 and switches on the warning light. Freeze frame data saved with the code shows the exact conditions — rpm, load, temperature, speed — at the moment the fault was detected, which is the best starting point for diagnosis.

Common symptoms of P2513

  • increased fuel consumption in some cases
  • possible limp mode depending on the affected component
  • the affected system operates intermittently or not at all
  • Check Engine Light on

What causes P2513?

  • missing supply voltage to the event data recorder request
  • failed event data recorder request pulling the signal low
  • signal wire shorted to ground (chafed insulation)
  • poor ground connection
  • corroded, loose or damaged connector
  • control module driver fault
  • faulty sensor or actuator of the affected circuit
  • open or shorted wiring in the circuit

How to diagnose P2513

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P2513 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the event data recorder request for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Check for supply voltage at the event data recorder request connector first; then measure resistance from the signal wire to ground — near-zero ohms confirms a short to ground in the harness.
  5. Measure reference voltage, ground and signal continuity at the component connector.
  6. Wiggle-test the harness while watching the signal in live data — dropouts reveal broken wires.
  7. Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P2513 does not return.

How to fix P2513

Start with the cheapest and most common causes before replacing expensive parts:

  • Control module repair — $300–$1,000
  • Replace the faulty sensor or actuator — $150–$500
  • Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250

How much does it cost to fix P2513?

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P2513 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates):

  • Control module repair: $300–$1,000
  • Replace the faulty sensor or actuator: $150–$500
  • Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250

Overall, fixing P2513 usually costs between $80 and $1,000. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Can you drive with P2513?

In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

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