What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a discreet car security system that protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is extremely difficult to bypass and is a great add-on to any security device for your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
It makes use of the buttons integrated into your steering wheel or center console to let you create the PIN code sequence. This code is saved on the device and can be used to arm your car for valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
It may sound scary, but the 'ghost immobiliser' is a modern anti-theft system that prevents thieves, who are tech-savvy to steal your vehicle even if they've copied your key fob or taken it. It's completely hidden and works silently so thieves don't even know it is there. It is also undetectable by thieves, as it does no emit radio signals, and doesn't require any additional hardware visible inside the car or cutting wires.
It is connected directly to the vehicle's bus system (CAN) and stops the engine from running until a PIN number is entered. It's usually used through existing buttons on the steering wheel or on the centre console, and there's not a new keypad that's fitted to the vehicle. It's an inscrutable and discrete method to add an extra layer of security that will not only assist in preventing theft but also ensure that your vehicle is secure if you happen to lose keys.
Traditional immobilisers were incredibly effective to stop hotwiring that was a popular method of car theft in the 80s and 90s but as technology has progressed and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, different types of theft have emerged such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used alone or combined with other security systems, such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD that will help to lower your insurance costs. These can be installed on the majority of cars, and are an 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. The only way that a burglar could steal your car with this system is by physically towing it away and even then they won't be able to drive your beloved vehicle.
How do ghost immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system, safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It can also prevent key theft. It was developed 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 stays on your drive where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to your car's CAN data bus system and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that allow your engine to start. It stops the engine from starting until you enter a unique pin code or a sequence of buttons in addition to your standard key fob. This is to prevent thieves from using an application on their mobile phones to capture the signal, and then copy the key fob to take your vehicle.
It is a silent and undetectable system that doesn't make any noise or emit lights. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors, and it also does not have circuit wires that the thief could cut. It can be integrated into any security system, including an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great option for people who want to temporarily let someone else drive their vehicle, such as when valet parking is required or when the car is being serviced.
There are two major ghost immobilisers available on the market, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar way by connecting to the CAN data bus and preventing your vehicle from starting unless you enter a specific sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is exclusive to you, and only you know it, and you can alter it if you want to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA certified by a third party group of experts with police and security testing backgrounds. This confirms that the system has a high-reliability and quality.
It is important to remember that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective if they're properly installed, which is why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an authorized installer. Find one near you using our online search tool or by contacting your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
The ghost immobiliser connects to the CAN system of your vehicle and prevents it from starting until an appropriate code sequence has been entered. This can be accomplished by pressing buttons on your vehicle, such as the steering wheels, centre consoles, or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters. This means that if a criminal were to enter your car and begin driving it away, they won't be in a position to drive away without the correct pin code sequence being entered, making it almost impossible for them to take your joy and pride.
A ghost immobiliser, unlike alarms or key fob signals which can be snatched by external scanners, works silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective methods to protect your car against modern methods of theft, such as hacking and signal relay.
It's also a easier installation procedure and is compatible with all automobiles, making it simple to use. Additionally, if you need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is simple to do it via the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be serviced or valet parked without risking security. After a short time the system will change back to secure mode. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
Ghost immobilisers can also lower your insurance premium. This is particularly true if your vehicle is a high-end model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. You should check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for additional security measures that could be able lower your premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham accredited and recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both are recognized as providing high levels of security, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to keep their vehicle safe from theft. This can even help you to preserve the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it, since potential buyers are aware that it's a security vehicle.
What is the cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers offer an advanced layer of security for your vehicle. They are inaccessible and difficult to bypass. This makes them one of the most efficient anti-theft tools available. The peace of mind that ghost immobilisers provide is well worth any initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser can vary according to the model you select and the rates charged by your installer. The majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase, and appreciate the added security. ghost car immobiliser appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and does not detract from the look of their vehicle.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in complete silence, without radio signals. This makes them a more discreet and efficient alternative to other car 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 creates an individual PIN code that must be entered to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it almost undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for Insurance, making it an excellent choice for modern vehicles which don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's recommended to install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to numerous issues, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also void the warranties of your vehicle as well as the Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures, like the GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, may be more affordable than an Ghost immobiliser. However, they can be more susceptible to tampering and may not offer the same level of protection against determined thieves. They can also be more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally considered to be the best choice for a variety of drivers.