P2513
Reductant Heater Control Circuit LowP2513 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Reductant Heater Control Circuit Low. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P2513 means
P2513 is stored when the control module detects a low-voltage or low-current condition in the DEF heater control circuit. DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) freezes at approximately -11 degrees C, so diesel vehicles equipped with SCR systems include heaters for the DEF tank, supply line, and dosing module to ensure the fluid remains liquid during cold weather operation. These heaters are controlled via relay or direct module output.
A low circuit condition indicates that the heater is not drawing expected current, which typically points to an open circuit in the heater element, a broken wire, a failed relay, or a blown fuse. When the heater cannot operate in freezing conditions, DEF will solidify and block delivery, preventing the SCR system from dosing. This leads to elevated emissions and potential DEF pump damage from attempting to pump frozen fluid.
The MIL is illuminated when the fault is confirmed. In mild weather, the code may be stored without immediate driveability consequences. In freezing conditions, however, the failure can quickly lead to SCR system shutdown and associated low-pressure or no-dosing faults. Electrical circuit diagnosis should precede component replacement.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P2513 is logged.
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1
Open circuit in the DEF heater element (tank, line, or module heater).
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2
Blown fuse in the heater supply circuit.
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3
Failed or open heater relay.
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4
Broken or disconnected heater wiring harness.
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5
Corroded heater circuit connector terminals causing high resistance or open condition.
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6
Faulty heater control module driver outputting insufficient voltage.
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7
Failed heater element due to thermal fatigue or mechanical damage.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P2513
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Record all stored DTCs and note ambient temperature conditions at fault onset.
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2
Inspect the heater circuit fuse and relay; replace if blown or faulty.
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3
Check the heater wiring harness for opens, broken connections, or corroded terminals.
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4
Measure heater element resistance at the heater connector and compare to specification.
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5
Verify the control module is commanding the heater on during cold-start conditions.
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6
If the circuit is intact and the control signal is present, replace the defective heater element or assembly.
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7
Clear codes and test in cold ambient conditions to confirm heater operation.
Vehicles where we've handled P2513
Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P2513 coverage.
Related powertrain codes
Frequently asked questions
Will P2513 cause problems in warm weather?
In warm weather above the DEF freezing point, the heater fault may not cause immediate consequences, but the code will still be stored and the MIL will illuminate. The fault should be repaired before cold weather arrives.
Which heater is most commonly the cause of P2513?
The tank heater and supply line heater are exposed to the harshest conditions and are the most common sources of failure, but the specific circuit involved must be identified by circuit tracing rather than assumption.
Can I still use the vehicle in winter with P2513?
In freezing temperatures, an inoperative DEF heater will allow the fluid to freeze, shutting down the SCR system and potentially causing further faults or engine torque reduction. Repair is urgent if cold weather is expected.
Is there a single heater or multiple heaters in the DEF system?
Most DEF systems have multiple heaters: one in the tank to thaw frozen fluid, one on the supply line, and sometimes one in the dosing module. P2513 may refer to any one of these depending on the manufacturer implementation.
Disabling P2513 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P2513 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
ECUs with a P2513 disable in our catalogue
Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.
- Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version
- Bosch MD1CS001 verified 1 software version
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
Got P2513 in your scan?
Upload your ECU file — we'll identify the exact software version and confirm whether a disable is available for your car.
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