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P2513 code meaning

Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low

Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes

What P2513 means

P2513 is set when the event data recorder request line reads too low at the engine module. A wire rubbed through to body ground, a crushed harness after body work, or water in a floor connector are the obvious suspects; a low line may also be read as a permanent request. The recorder itself, usually housed in the airbag module, captures the seconds before and during a collision and depends on powertrain data for that picture. Ford is the only maker found listing P2513, in the 2014 BOSS 302S engine module table, marked W in the indicator column; thresholds are nowhere published. Unlike P2512 the circuit is not open but pulled down, and P2514 is the high side. Drivers notice nothing while driving; crash records may lack engine data.

P2513 at a glance

  • Check engine lightUsually not
  • Emissions testNot an emissions code
  • Limp modeNot expected
  • Repair difficultyMedium
  • Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of P2513

  • Code stored without drivability effect
  • Possibly a service or wrench indicator

Common causes of P2513

  • Most likelyRequest wire shorted to ground
  • PossibleMoisture or corrosion in an under-floor connector
  • Less likelyRecorder or engine module input stage faulty

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Event data recorderRequest wireRestraint control module

What each part of P2513 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
2Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make.
5Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs.
13The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P2513 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
  • Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
  • Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
  • Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.

Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.

Questions about P2513

What does P2513 mean?

P2513 means "Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low". P2513 is set when the event data recorder request line reads too low at the engine module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P2513?

P2513 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.

Will P2513 fail an emissions test?

P2513 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.

How hard is P2513 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P2513 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 4 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P2513