Shimano STEPS error E013: Drive unit firmware fault detected
The drive unit's internal firmware has reported an inconsistency, so the controller has shut motor assist down as a self-protection measure. The display stays live, but no power is delivered to the crank, walk assist is disabled, and the speed reading will not respond to pedalling. The code will not clear on its own and points to an issue inside the motor unit itself rather than the battery, display or wiring harness.
| Drive system | Shimano STEPS (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP6, EP801) |
| Severity | Dealer needed |
| Keep riding? | Do not keep riding |
| Typical cost | Plan on roughly 60 to 120 EUR for a dealer diagnostic and firmware reflash, and around 450 to 900 EUR if the drive unit itself needs replacement on an out-of-warranty unit. |
Likely causes
- Firmware update interrupted before completion, leaving a partial image on the drive unit
- Voltage spike or brownout during charging or battery swap corrupting the firmware flash
- Battery removed or system powered off mid-write while the controller was logging a fault
- Moisture or contamination inside the drive unit causing memory read errors
- Internal component ageing or a defective memory chip in the motor controller
- Non-genuine accessories or tuning dongles that clash with the stock firmware
How to fix Shimano STEPS error E013
- 1. Stop the ride, switch the system off and remove the battery from the frame.
- 2. Wait at least 60 seconds, refit the battery firmly and power the bike back on to see whether E013 clears.
- 3. If the code returns, connect the bike to the Shimano E-Tube Project software and run a fresh firmware reflash on the drive unit using a Shimano diagnostic cable.
- 4. If a reflash fails, completes with errors, or the code persists after a successful reflash, do not keep riding on the bike.
- 5. Record the error code, the serial number of the drive unit and the battery firmware version before contacting the place of purchase or an authorised Shimano dealer for a warranty or service claim.
Warranty: A genuine firmware or internal drive unit fault inside the standard two-year Shimano warranty period is normally covered, while water ingress, crash damage, modifications and aftermarket tuning devices are treated as non-warranty.
Typical cost: Plan on roughly 60 to 120 EUR for a dealer diagnostic and firmware reflash, and around 450 to 900 EUR if the drive unit itself needs replacement on an out-of-warranty unit.
Frequently asked
Can I reset shimano error E013?
A simple power cycle may clear the code once if it was a transient glitch, but E013 is a firmware fault and will usually return without a reflash through Shimano E-Tube Project. Repeated power cycling does not repair the underlying firmware corruption.
Is it safe to keep riding with E013?
No, the drive unit has cut assist to protect itself and the motor controller, so you will have no power and walk assist will not work either. Riding on with the code present risks further firmware corruption if the controller is logging new faults during use.
What does E013 cost to fix and is it under warranty?
A dealer firmware reflash typically runs 60 to 120 EUR and a full drive unit replacement around 450 to 900 EUR outside warranty. On a bike under two years old with genuine components and no water or crash damage, Shimano normally covers the repair.
Related Shimano STEPS codes
Manuals and video
Official source: si.shimano.com
Not an official Shimano STEPS document. Compiled from workshop experience and public service information; details can differ per system version and bike brand.