What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser shields your vehicle from key cloning or hacking. It is incredibly difficult to break and is a fantastic option to add to any security system, including an tracking device or alarm system.
The buttons on the console or steering wheel allow you to create the PIN code. It is then stored on the device and used each time you want to arm your vehicle for valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The term 'ghost immobiliser' might sound scary and spooky, but it's actually a reliable modern anti-theft device that can prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your car even if they've copied or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and works silently which means that thieves don't get any prior notice that it's there. It's also unnoticeable to thieves because it does not emit any radio signals, and it does not make use of additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle, or require any wire cutting.
ghost car immobiliser is directly connected to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN code has been entered. It's typically used with existing buttons on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's not a new keypad that's fitted to the vehicle - it's an inscrutable and discrete method to provide an extra layer of security that will help in preventing theft but also ensure that your vehicle is secure if you do happen to lose keys.
The old immobilisers were effective in preventing hotwiring. This was a typical type of car theft during the 80s and 90s. However as technology improved and thieves became more tech-savvy new forms of theft emerged, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers are able to be used on their own or combined with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD which can help reduce your insurance premiums. They can be put on all cars and are an inexpensive and effective ways to boost your vehicle's safety.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser by Autowatch. It safeguards your vehicle from key hacking and cloning. This system deters thieves from taking your car unless they physically tow it away.
How can a ghost immobiliser be used?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary device that protects your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even key theft. It was designed by Autowatch which is a South African company at the leading edge of vehicle security technology. It is designed to stop this kind of vehicle theft, and ensure that your pride and joy remains in your car where it belongs.
A ghost immobiliser connects 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 an additional pin code or sequence of buttons is entered in conjunction with your standard key fob. This is to stop thieves from using a smartphone application to record the signal, and then copy your key fob to take your car.
It is a discreet and undetectable device that doesn't use lighting or sound. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors and it also does not have circuit wires that a burglar could cut. It is a great addition to any security program and can be added to other systems such as an alarm and tracking device. It's also a great alternative for those who have to allow someone else to drive their car for a period of time for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost-immobilisers that are available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in a similar method by connecting to your data bus CAN and stopping your vehicle from starting until you press a particular sequence of buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is personalised to you and only known to you, and can be changed at any time.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA certified by a third party group of experts with security and police backgrounds. This proves that the system is of high reliability and quality.
Installers who are certified can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find one close to you using our online search tool or contact your local dealer.
What is a ghost immobiliser to do to help prevent 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 done by using buttons on your vehicle such as the steering wheel, centre console, or door panels. It can be as long as 20 characters in length. This means that even if thieves manage to get into your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be unable to drive it off without entering the correct pin code.
Unlike alarms and key fob signalling that can be intercepted and compromised Ghost immobilisers are unnoticeable by external scanners and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This makes it one of the most effective ways to safeguard your car from modern theft methods such as hacking and signal relay.
It's also a simpler system to install and is compatible with all vehicles, making it easy to use. If you require to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it's simple to do this via the user interface. This lets you maintain your vehicle or even valet park it without compromising the security of your vehicle. After a short time the system will switch back to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
In addition, fitting an immobiliser with ghosts to your vehicle could reduce the cost of insurance. This is especially relevant if your car is a prestige model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is worth contacting your insurer to see if they can confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that could help lower your premium.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham accredited systems and are recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both are recognized as having exceptional levels of security, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to protect their vehicle from thieves. It can also help to preserve the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it, as potential buyers will know that it's a highly secure vehicle.
How much will it cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers offer an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. They are untraceable and are impossible to break, making them one of the most effective anti-theft solutions available. The peace of mind ghost immobilisers offer is worth the initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost varies depending on which model you select and the price charged by your installer. However, most customers report high satisfaction with their investment, since they value the added layer of protection. Many users are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract the style of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike key fobs or wheel locks, are invisible and operate silently without radio signals. This makes them a more discreet and effective alternative to other security measures, such as trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers operate by connecting directly with the CAN data network of your vehicle. It generates a pin code which must be entered to start the car. The PIN code is entered pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA, making it an excellent choice for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are thinking about a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to various issues such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. In addition an incorrect installation may void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Other security measures, such as other security measures like a GPS tracking device or engine immobilisers may be less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. However, they're more vulnerable to tampering and may not offer as much protection against 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.