P2613 OBD-II Trouble Code: A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit High

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the P2613 code

P2613 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit High". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P2613 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P2613 code definition

This is the generic trouble code for A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit High, indicating a problem with the signal being sent to the PCM from the distribution valve circuit.

What the P2613 code means

When this DTC sets, it means that the PCM (powertrain control module) has received a message from the a/c refrigerant distribution valve control circuit that does not meet expected voltage parameters. The refrigerant distribution valve acts like a mechanical expansion valve in order to regulate a/c refrigerant activity, however it is controlled by the PCM.

What causes the P2613 code?

This DTC is most often triggered by one of the following conditions:

  • A faulty a/c refrigerant distribution valve or controller (the most common cause)
  • A short or open in the controller wiring or connectors
  • Low refrigerant level
  • An a/c system which has been overcharged

What are the symptoms of the P2613 code?

The most obvious symptom of this fault code is that the air conditioning won’t work. The air conditioning “ON” light (typically integrated into the a/c switch) may begin flashing, and the evaporator case may become frosty and drip into the vehicle’s floor.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2613 code?

Your technician may perform the following steps to find the source of this fault:

  • Hook an OBD-II scanner up to the vehicle’s computer and record the freeze frame data, including any other codes and the order in which they occurred
  • Clear all codes and road test the vehicle to see if they return
  • Diagnose and address any other faults which occurred before the a/c problem
  • Visually inspect any related wiring and connectors
  • Check the refrigerant levels
  • Check for refrigerant leaks

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2613 code

Some technicians find that the a/c system has been overfilled with refrigerant, which can cause serious damage to the entire system. This is often the result of vehicle owners using single-hose kits available in auto parts stores, without having the proper equipment to monitor refrigerant levels. It may also be tempting to replace the PCM when wiring or bad connections are at fault.

How serious is the P2613 code?

This fault code is certainly not as serious as other types that can impair the vehicle’s drivability, so it isn’t necessary to worry about fallout damage to vital vehicle systems. However, if you want to have air conditioning that functions, you will want to have the problem looked at and addressed at your earliest convenience.

What repairs can fix the P2613 code?

Your technician may perform the following to rectify the condition:

  • Repairing faulty connections or wiring
  • Adding or removing refrigerant
  • Repairing or replacing the a/c refrigerant distribution valve or controller
  • Replacing the PCM if necessary (the refrigerant distribution controller is often integrated into the PCM)

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2613 code

One of the most important things to know when dealing with any refrigerant fault is that only those who are certified to work with refrigerant should perform these kinds of repairs. Refrigerants must be handled and disposed of in specific ways, according to federal mandates, so you’ll want to consult a professional in order to rectify the situation properly.

While it’s tempting to use quick fix air conditioning kits available in stores in order to restore your a/c’s functionality, these are not a good solution in most cases. They are not equipped with the gauges necessary to monitor refrigerant levels, and if there is another underlying problem such as a faulty refrigerant distribution control circuit problem, these kits will not fix the root of the DTC. Use of such products may actually lead to catastrophic failure inside your air conditioning system.

Need help with a P2613 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
Refrigerant
air conditioning
trouble codes
P2613

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P2613 code.

SCHEDULE P2613 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P3429 OBD-11 Trouble Code: Cylinder Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open
What What the P3429 code means This code indicates that there is a problem with the exhaust valve on cylinder number 4. Your vehicle’s control module detects that the measured values from the MAP sensor, MAF sensor, and TP sensor...
P0531 OBD-II Trouble Code: A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Performance
P0531 code means that there is too much or too little A/C refrigerant, high system pressure, faulty wiring, connectors, or cooling fans.
B1932 OBD-II Trouble Code: Air Bag Driver Circuit Open
B1932 means there is an error with the driver side's airbag circuit, most likely due to faulty wiring or a defect in the airbag deployment system.

Related questions

Air conditioning doesn't work
Modern cars have complicated HVAC systems that are heavily controlled and monitored by the car. The most likely cause is a blend door or a temperature control door has failed. A qualified technician would be able to diagnose the issues...
New battery & fuel pump. Hours later car starts and shuts down 3X in a row. Finally it starts, 48 hours later, won't start at all
Checking all the fuses was a good move. I would also want to put a scan tool on it and check for diagnostic trouble codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) (DTCs) as well as seeing the data that the computer is seeing. A fuel...
Check engine light came on and car stopped
A failure such as this could be due to the fuel pump failing or essential sensors such as the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors failing. It is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been recorded by your vehicle's PCM (powertrain...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com