Code Definition

B1213 — Anti-Theft Number of Programmed Keys Is Below Minimum

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Generic

About B1213

B1213 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1213 is stored, the module has detected a signal or supply voltage lower than the expected operating range.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1213 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The vehicle immobiliser system, known on Ford products as the Passive Antitheft System or PATS, requires a minimum number of programmed key transponders to be stored in memory for safe and authorised operation. DTC B1213 is set when the immobiliser control module detects that fewer than the required minimum number of keys are currently programmed, which on most systems is two keys to provide driver redundancy if a key is lost or damaged. The module reads this count at key on and during programming events, and sets the code when the memory bank contains only one valid transponder record or when...

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