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 break and is a great supplement to any security system, such as an tracking device or alarm system.
It uses the buttons built into your steering wheel or center console to allow you to create a PIN code sequence. The sequence is saved to the device and utilized every time you have to disarm your vehicle to enter valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
The term "ghost immobiliser" may sound scary and scary, but it's actually a reliable modern, high-tech anti-theft device that helps to prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your vehicle, even if they have cloned or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and operates quietly, so thieves don't have any prior notice that it's there. It's also undetectable to thieves, as it doesn't emit radio signals and does not require any additional hardware inside the vehicle or wire cutting.
It connects directly to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from starting until a PIN number is entered. It's typically used with buttons already present on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's no new keypad installed to the vehicle. It's a hidden and discreet way to provide an extra layer of security that will not only assist in preventing theft but also make sure that your car is protected in the event that you should lose your keys.
Traditional immobilisers worked incredibly well to stop hotwiring which was a typical form of car theft in the 80s and 90s however, as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, new types of theft have emerged like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are an increasingly popular option as they help protect your car from the more sophisticated forms of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other security systems such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or full HD Dash Cams that can reduce your insurance premiums. These can be installed on most cars, and are an affordable and effective way to improve the safety of your vehicle.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser from Autowatch. It protects your car against key cloning and hacking. This system deters thieves from stealing your vehicle unless they physically tow it away.
How do ghost immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system that protects your vehicle from key cloning, hacking and even theft of keys. Autowatch is a pioneering South African company, designed the system to prevent car thefts.
Ghost immobilisers connect directly to the CAN data bus of your vehicle and intercepts signals from ECUs, which are electronic control units that start your engine. It stops the engine from starting until you enter an individual pin code or sequence of buttons, in addition to the standard key fob. This is to stop thieves from using a mobile phone app to capture the signal, and then copy your key fob to take your car.
It is a subtle and undetectable system that does not use any lighting or sound. It isn't detected by radar scanners or radio detectors. Also, it does not have circuit wires that the thief can cut. It's a great add-on to any security system and can be added to other systems such as an alarm or tracking device. It is also a great option for people who need to allow someone else to drive their car temporarily for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being repaired.
There are two major ghost immobilisers that are available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in the same way by connecting to the data bus in CAN and blocking your vehicle from starting until you enter a specific sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you and only known by you and is able to be altered at any time.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified by a third party group of experts with police and security testing backgrounds. This is a proof of the high level of reliability and quality of the system.
Installers who are certified can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find an installer near you by with our online search tool or contact your local dealer.
How does a ghost immobiliser stop theft?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system in your vehicle and prevents it from operating until an appropriate code sequence has been entered. This is accomplished by pressing buttons in your vehicle like the steering wheel, centre console, or door panels. It can be up to 20 characters in length. This means that if a criminal were to successfully enter your vehicle and start driving it, they would not be able to drive it away without the correct pin code sequence entered, making it almost impossible for them to steal your pride and joy.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike alarms or key fob signals that can be intercepted by external scanners, works silently and independently. This makes it the most reliable method to safeguard your vehicle against modern theft techniques, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also a easier installation process and is compatible with most vehicles, making it easy to use. Additionally, if you ever require to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is easy to do this through the user interface. This lets you maintain your vehicle or valet park it without risking its security. The system will automatically go back to secure mode after a short period of time and gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always protected.
Additionally, adding a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle could reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly true if you own a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. You should check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for additional security measures that could help lower your insurance premium.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems and are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). These systems are both recognized for their high levels of security which makes them a great option for anyone looking to ensure that their vehicle is safe from thieves. This could help you to preserve the value of your car when you decide to sell it, as potential buyers know that it's a highly secure vehicle.
How much does it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of security for your vehicle. They are untraceable and impossible to bypass which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft measures available. The added security provided by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial cost.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser can vary according to the model you choose and the charges set by your installer. However, the majority of users have high praise for their investment, as they appreciate the added layer of protection. Many customers also appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and does not detract the style of their vehicle.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in silence without radio signals. They are a quiet and efficient alternative to car security measures like trackers or engine management system (EMS), immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers function by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It then creates a unique PIN code that must be entered to start the vehicle. The code is entered via buttons already on the dashboard and steering wheel and dashboard, which makes it virtually unnoticeable. cost of ghost immobiliser is also approved by TASSA for insurance, which makes it a great choice for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly recommended to install it by a professional. A wrong installation could cause a variety of problems including electrical faults or damage to your vehicle. In addition an incorrect installation may void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser and your car.
Some other security measures, such as an GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, could be less expensive than a Ghost immobiliser. They can be more susceptible to theft, and may not offer as much protection from determined thieves. In addition, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally considered the best option for most drivers.