What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is incredibly difficult to break, and is an excellent addition to any vehicle security system, such as an tracking device or alarm system.
The buttons on your console or steering wheel allow you to generate the PIN code. The code is stored on the device and is used to arm your car for valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The term 'ghost immobiliser' may sound spooky and scary but it is an effective modern, high-tech anti-theft device that helps to stop thieves who are tech-savvy from taking your vehicle, even if they have copied or stolen your key fob. It is completely hidden and operates silently, so thieves don't have any prior notice that it's there. It is also undetectable to thieves because it does not emit any radio signals, and it doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle, or require any wire cutting.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus network and prevents the engine from starting until a specific PIN sequence is first entered. It's usually used through buttons already present on the steering wheel or on the centre console, and there's no new keypad fitted to the vehicle. It's a hidden and discreet way to provide an extra layer of security that will help in preventing theft but also ensure that your vehicle is fully protected if you should lose your keys.
The old immobilisers were effective in preventing hotwiring. This was a common type of car theft during the 1980s and 1990s. However as technology advanced and thieves became more technologically adept new forms of theft were discovered, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a great way to protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used as a standalone system or in combination with other security devices, such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can lower your insurance rates. They are able to be fitted to all cars and are a cost-effective and efficient way to increase the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology and provides your car protection from key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. This system deters thieves from stealing your car unless they physically tow it away.
How does a ghost immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system that safeguards your vehicle from key cloning, hacking and even theft of keys. It's designed by Autowatch, a South African company at the leading edge of vehicle security technology and works to prevent this kind of vehicle theft, and ensure that your joy and pride remain on your drive where it belongs.
A ghost immobiliser connects directly to the CAN data bus of your vehicle and intercepts signals sent by ECUs which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It prevents your engine from starting until you enter an individual pin code or a sequence of buttons, in addition to your regular key fob. This is designed to stop thieves from using a mobile application to record the signal and then copy your key fob in order to steal your car.
It is a discrete and undetectable system that does not emit any sound or use lights. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or by radio detectors. It also does not have circuit wires that the thief can cut. It can be incorporated into any security system, such as an alarm or tracking device. It is also a great alternative for those who need to let someone else drive their car for a period of time such as valet parking or when the vehicle is being serviced.
There are two major ghost immobilisers on the market, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in a similar way by connecting to your data bus CAN and stopping your vehicle from starting until you enter a specific sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is exclusive to you, and only you are aware of it, and you can modify it at any time.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified by a third party group of experts with security and police backgrounds. This confirms that the system is of high level of reliability and quality.
Installers who are certified can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find an installer near you by using our online search tool, or speak to your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser stop thefts?
A ghost immobiliser works by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and preventing the car from starting until a code sequence is entered prior to. This is accomplished by pressing buttons on your vehicle like the steering wheel, centre console, or door panels. It can be as long as 20 characters long. This means that if someone were to gain access to your vehicle and start driving it away, they won't be capable of driving it away without the correct pin code sequence being entered, making it nearly impossible for them to take your joy and pride.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike alarms or key fob signalling that can be snatched by external scanning devices It operates in a silent and independent manner. This makes it one of the most effective methods to safeguard your vehicle from modern theft techniques like hacking and signal relay.
It is also much easier to install, and compatible with all vehicles. This makes it easy to use. In addition, if you ever need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is easy to do this from the user interface. This allows your car to be parked or serviced without any compromise in security. After a short period, the system will automatically switch back to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is always secure.
Ghost immobilisers can reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly true if you have a high-end vehicle like a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. You should contact your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for security measures that could be able lower your cost.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems and are recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both are regarded as providing high levels of security, making them an investment worth it for anyone looking to secure their vehicle from theft. It can also help to keep the value of your car when you decide to sell it, since potential buyers know that it's a high-security vehicle.
How much does it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers offer an advanced layer of security for your vehicle. They are indetectable and impossible to bypass, making them one of the most effective anti-theft measures available. The peace of mind offered by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial cost.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost is different according to the model you choose as well as the cost charged by your installer. Most customers are pleased with their purchase, and appreciate the added security. Many people also appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and does not detract the look of their vehicle.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate without radio signals. This makes them a discreet and efficient alternative to car security measures like trackers or engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN data network. It generates a PIN code that must be entered in order to start the car. The PIN code is entered by using the buttons on your dashboard and the steering wheel, which makes it virtually undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for Insurance, making it a great choice for modern vehicles which don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're thinking about a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's advised to get it installed by a professional. Incorrect installation could lead to various issues, like electrical faults or damage to your vehicle. Additionally the incorrect installation can result in the cancellation of warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Other security measures such as the GPS tracking device or engine immobilisers are less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. They can be more susceptible to being manipulated, and might not offer the same level of protection from determined thieves. Additionally, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally considered to be the best option for many drivers.