22-05-2025
5 min.
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P2513 Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low

P2513 is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the Event Data Recorder (EDR) Request Circuit is operating with a voltage lower than the manufacturer-specified range. In other words, the ECM has determined that the request signal used to communicate with the Event Data Recorder is lower than expected, which may prevent proper communication between safety-related control modules.

The Event Data Recorder (EDR) is an electronic system integrated into many modern vehicles that records critical operating information before, during, and immediately after significant events such as collisions or airbag deployment. The recorded data may include vehicle speed, engine RPM, throttle position, brake pedal status, steering input, seat belt usage, and other important vehicle parameters.

When the ECM detects a low-voltage condition in the EDR request circuit, it stores diagnostic code P2513 and illuminates the Check Engine Light. Although this fault usually does not affect normal engine operation, it may interfere with communication between the ECM and other electronic safety systems.

What Does P2513 Mean?

Modern vehicles rely on multiple electronic control modules connected through a high-speed Controller Area Network (CAN).

The Event Data Recorder receives information from several systems, including:

Engine Control Module (ECM)
Airbag Control Module (SRS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Body Control Module (BCM)
Transmission Control Module (TCM)

The EDR Request Circuit allows these modules to exchange commands and event-recording requests.

If the ECM detects that the circuit voltage remains below the expected operating level, it stores diagnostic code P2513.

Unlike P2512, which indicates an open circuit, P2513 specifically identifies a low-voltage condition in the request circuit.

Common Symptoms of P2513

Many vehicles continue to operate normally because the Event Data Recorder is not directly involved in engine management.

Common symptoms include:

Check Engine Light illuminated
Airbag warning light in some vehicles
Additional communication-related trouble codes
Body or chassis control module faults
Diagnostic communication problems
Intermittent warning messages on the instrument cluster
Certain advanced safety features may become unavailable

Most drivers do not notice any changes in engine performance.

Common Causes of P2513

A low-voltage condition in the Event Data Recorder request circuit is typically caused by electrical or communication faults.

Damaged wiring

The request circuit wiring may develop:

Broken wires
Chafed insulation
Heat damage
Corrosion
Excessive resistance

Loose electrical connectors

Poor terminal contact may reduce circuit voltage.

Corroded connectors

Oxidation increases resistance and lowers signal voltage.

Poor ground connection

A weak ground can reduce the voltage available to the communication circuit.

Blown or partially damaged fuse

A fuse with excessive resistance may reduce voltage supplied to related control modules.

Water intrusion

Moisture inside connectors or wiring harnesses may cause voltage loss.

CAN bus communication problems

Network communication faults may affect voltage levels within the request circuit.

Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

A malfunctioning BCM may fail to generate the correct request signal.

Faulty Airbag Control Module

Since the Event Data Recorder is often integrated into the Supplemental Restraint System, a defective airbag module may trigger this code.

Low battery voltage

A weak battery can reduce voltage throughout the vehicle's electronic network.

ECM malfunction

Although uncommon, an internal ECM fault may incorrectly detect a low-voltage condition.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2513

P2513 can occur on many OBD-II vehicles equipped with integrated Event Data Recorder systems.

Commonly affected vehicles include:

Ford F-150
Ford Explorer
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Equinox
GMC Sierra
Ram 1500
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota Camry
Toyota RAV4
Honda Accord
Honda CR-V
Nissan Altima
Nissan Rogue
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Audi A4
Volkswagen Passat
Subaru Forester

The code is more common on vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and multiple networked electronic control modules.

How Is P2513 Diagnosed?

Proper diagnosis requires evaluating both the electrical circuit and the communication network.

Check for additional diagnostic trouble codes

Related codes involving:

Airbag system
CAN communication
Body Control Module
ABS
Battery voltage
Network communication

can help identify the source of the fault.

Inspect wiring and connectors

Technicians inspect the request circuit for:

Broken wires
Loose connectors
Corrosion
Heat damage
Water intrusion

Measure circuit voltage

A digital multimeter is used to verify that the request circuit voltage meets manufacturer specifications.

Inspect related fuses

All fuses supplying the ECM, BCM, SRS module, and communication network should be checked.

Check battery condition

Battery voltage and charging system performance should be verified.

Inspect ground connections

Ground circuits should be inspected for corrosion and excessive resistance.

Review live scan data

A professional scan tool can monitor:

Module communication status
Network voltage
Communication errors
Battery voltage
Event Data Recorder status

Inspect previous collision repairs

Vehicles with accident history should be checked for damaged wiring or improperly repaired harnesses.

How to Fix P2513

The correct repair depends on the underlying cause.

Common repairs include:

Repairing damaged wiring
Replacing damaged wiring harnesses
Cleaning corroded connectors
Repairing loose electrical connections
Repairing poor ground connections
Replacing blown or damaged fuses
Charging or replacing a weak battery
Repairing CAN bus wiring
Repairing water-damaged connectors
Replacing a faulty Body Control Module
Replacing a faulty Airbag Control Module if necessary
Updating module software if recommended by the manufacturer
Replacing the ECM if internal failure is confirmed

After repairs are completed, all diagnostic trouble codes should be cleared and the communication network should be verified using a professional scan tool.

Can You Drive With P2513?

In most cases, yes, the vehicle remains drivable because this fault typically does not affect engine performance.

However, driving with the code is not recommended for an extended period because:

Communication between safety-related modules may be affected.
Additional network faults may develop.
Some advanced safety features may not function correctly.
Future diagnostic procedures may become more difficult.

If the airbag warning light is also illuminated, the vehicle should be inspected as soon as possible.

Is P2513 a Serious Code?

P2513 is generally considered a moderately serious diagnostic trouble code.

Although it rarely causes immediate drivability issues, it may reduce the reliability of communication between important electronic safety systems.

Ignoring the problem may eventually lead to:

Additional communication-related trouble codes
Reduced safety system functionality
Network communication failures
Difficulty diagnosing future electronic faults

Prompt diagnosis helps ensure reliable communication throughout the vehicle's electronic systems.

How to Prevent P2513

Routine inspection of the vehicle's electrical and communication systems can help prevent this fault.

Recommended preventive maintenance includes:

Inspect wiring harnesses regularly for damage.
Keep electrical connectors clean and free of corrosion.
Repair damaged wiring immediately.
Protect connectors from moisture.
Replace damaged fuses with the correct rating.
Test the battery during scheduled maintenance.
Address airbag or communication warning lights promptly.
Inspect wiring carefully after collision repairs.
Avoid improper installation of aftermarket electrical accessories.

Maintaining the vehicle's electrical network helps ensure stable communication between all control modules.

Final Thoughts

P2513 Event Data Recorder Request Circuit Low indicates that the ECM has detected a lower-than-normal voltage in the Event Data Recorder request circuit. The most common causes include damaged wiring, corroded connectors, poor ground connections, weak battery voltage, CAN bus communication faults, faulty Body Control Module, malfunctioning Airbag Control Module, blown fuses, or water intrusion. Although an internal ECM fault is possible, electrical wiring and communication issues are much more common.

While this diagnostic code usually does not affect engine performance, it can interfere with communication between important safety-related electronic modules. Repairing the underlying electrical fault restores proper communication, supports reliable Event Data Recorder operation, and helps maintain the integrity of the vehicle's electronic safety and diagnostic systems.