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My character has 13 in Quick for defense. My character carries a shield and has the Shield Fighter ability. What would my character's base defense be? Is this correct?
13 Quick + 1 base shield + 1 balanced + 1 shield fighter = 16

13 Quick + 1 base shield + 1 balanced + 1 shield fighter = 16

Yes, that is correct. Mind you that not all shields have the Balanced Quality, that is an extra that you have to purchase or something that the Steel Shield has (but is more expensive than a normal shield). Otherwise, the calculation of your Defense is correct.

We have a question, both my GM and I, about applying the rule that appears on page 109 of the player's manual:
Multiple positive and negative modifications on the same success test: These are added together, but only one modifier from each type of source – boons, items, elixirs – may be used. If several modifications stem from the same source (i.e. many items that give a bonus on the same test), only the highest modification comes into play.'

Applying this rule, is the Balanced bonus considered a different source from the other two bonuses?

The balanced bonus, in fact, applies to the shield itself. So, the bonus from the shield is +2. Then, the bonus from the Shield Fighter comes from an Ability, not from the object itself. So, it is another source of bonus. There could be a Mystic Power that generates an aura that also grants +1 to Defense, for example, and an elixir that increases your reflexes and grants another source for a bonus to Defense.

But, for example, if 2 different Mystical Powers that grant bonuses to Defense were working at the same time, only the highest one would apply. Or if the character drunk two elixirs, for example.
Of course, I'm sure there could be a situation were there'd be a conflict that is not easily solveable. I'd say you and your GM should then stop for a moment to consider and just go with what feels right.