What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a discreet vehicle security system that shields your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is incredibly difficult to bypass and is a great add-on to any vehicle security device like an alarm system or tracking device.
The buttons on your steering wheel or console allow you to generate the PIN code. This code is saved on the device and can be used to disable your car for valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
It may sound scary, but the 'ghost immobiliser, is a cutting-edge anti-theft device that stops thieves, who are technologically adept and have the ability to take your vehicle, even if they've cloned your key fob or taken it. It is completely hidden and works silently so thieves don't even know it's there. It is also undetectable to thieves because it doesn't emit any radio signals, and doesn't make use of additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle or require any cutting of wires.
It is connected directly to the vehicle's bus system (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN code is entered. It's typically used with buttons already present on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's not a new keypad fitted to the vehicle. It's a hidden and discreet way to add an extra layer of security that will not only assist in preventing theft but also make sure that your car is secure if you happen to lose keys.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring which was a typical method of car theft in the 80s and 90s but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more technologically adept, various forms of theft have emerged such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers are available as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or full HD Dash Cams, which can reduce your insurance costs. They can be fitted to most vehicles and are an affordable and efficient method of increasing the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's most recent ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology. It offers your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. The only way thieves could steal your car with this system is by physically towing it away and even then they won't be able to drive your pride and joy.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser, a revolutionary system, protects your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It can also protect your keys from theft. It was developed by Autowatch the South African company at the forefront of vehicle security systems technology. It works to stop these kinds of car theft, ensuring your pride and joy stays on your drive where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to your vehicle's CAN data bus system, and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that allow your engine to start. It prevents your engine from running until you enter a unique pin code or a sequence of buttons in addition to your standard key fob. This is intended to prevent thieves from using a mobile application to collect the signal and then clone your key fob in order to steal your car.
ghost ii immobiliser is a quiet and undetectable device that does not use any lighting or sound. It is not detected by radar scanners or radio detectors, and it also does not have circuit wires that the thief could cut. It's a great addition to any security system and can be integrated into other systems such as an alarm and tracking devices. It's also a great choice for those who want to temporarily let someone else drive their vehicle, for instance when valet parking is required or the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost immobilisers available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both of them function similarly by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your vehicle from being started when a particular sequence of buttons is entered onto your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is unique to you and only accessible to you and is able to be altered if you ever need to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified, a 3rd party group of experts with police and security testing backgrounds. This reaffirms that the system is of a high-reliability and quality.
Installers who are approved can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can locate one close to you using our search tool online, or speak to your local dealer.
How does a ghost immobiliser prevent theft?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system in your vehicle and blocks it from operating until a code sequence has been entered. This is done using buttons located in your vehicle, like the steering wheel, centre console or door panels and can be as long as 20 characters long. This means that even if thieves manage to enter your vehicle and start driving it, they will be incapable of driving it off without entering the correct pin code.
A ghost immobiliser, in contrast to alarms or key fob signals which can be intercepted by external scanning devices it operates completely silently and autonomously. This makes it one of the most effective ways to safeguard your car from modern methods of theft, such as hacking and signal relay.
It's also a easier installation process and is compatible with the majority of automobiles, making it simple to use. If you require to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so via the user interface. This lets your vehicle be parked or serviced without risking security. The system will automatically revert to secure mode after a brief period of time providing assurance that your vehicle is protected.
Additionally, adding an immobiliser with ghosts to your vehicle can reduce the cost of insurance. This is particularly applicable if the vehicle is a luxury model, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for additional security measures which may help lower your insurance premium.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems that are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both of these are recognised as having exceptional levels of security, making them a worthy investment for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle safe from theft. It could also help protect the value of your vehicle in the event that you decide to sell it because potential buyers will be aware that it is a very secured vehicle.
How much does an immobiliser ghost cost?
Ghost immobilisers offer an extra layer of security for your vehicle. They are untraceable and are impossible to break which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft solutions available. The peace of mind ghost immobilisers offer is well worth any initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser can vary according to the model you select and the prices that your installer will charge you. However, the majority of users have high praise for their investment as they value the additional layer of security. Many also appreciate the fact that the device is discrete and does not alter the appearance of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers unlike key fobs and wheel locks, are invisible and operate silently without radio signals. This makes them a more discreet and effective alternative to other security measures, including trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers function by connecting directly to your vehicle's CAN data network. It then generates a unique PIN code that must be entered to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered pressing the buttons on your dashboard and steering wheel, making it virtually unnoticeable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for insurance, which makes it a fantastic option for cars that don't come with factory immobilisers.
If you're thinking about a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's advised to have it professionally installed. Incorrect installation can lead to a range of problems, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. An incorrect installation could invalidate the warranty of your vehicle as well as the Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures, like an GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, could be less expensive than a Ghost immobiliser. However, they can be more susceptible to tampering and may not provide as much protection against determined thieves. Furthermore, they can be more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally thought to be the best choice for many drivers.