Slightly out of the DTR realm, well almost, I know there are a few members around here with 04 Rango's around, anyone got a clue what this error means?

Google only comes back with the same thing which means nothing to me...
P 0513 - Invalid skim key

I give, what is a skim key??? Some anti-theft thing imbedded in the key maybe?
Symptoms are on the better half's 'Rango; starts, runs for a second and dies, did this repeatedly to her today. Of course now that I'm home and able to pull the code it's too late to find a dealership or anyone that can answer for me.

TIA

 

I'm not for sure if this is the problem but I know if you have a gray key it is "chipped". If she had a new key cut or somehow damaged her key then this may be the problem. You might want to try a different key, see what that does.

on the newer trucks you can start them with a key that has not been programmed but the truck will die in a few minutes as you described.

 

That is correct. The skim key is the chip imbedded key. Does it do it with both keys? If so mostly likely the anti-theft module or the reader.

MikeyB

 

It's done this a few timnes now I'm finding out... but only with her key. Mine has never been a problem. So she's got my key for now so she can at least drive it until I can get it sorted out.

Thanks for the answers!