What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that protects your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It is extremely difficult to break and is a great addition to any security device for your vehicle such as an alarm system or tracking device.
It utilizes the buttons that are built into your steering wheel or center console to let you create an PIN code sequence. The code is stored on the device and can be used to arm your car to allow valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
The term "ghost immobiliser" may sound spooky and scary but it's actually a reliable modern anti-theft device that helps to keep thieves from stealing your vehicle even if they've copied or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and operates silently, so thieves don't have any prior notice that it's there. It's also invisible to thieves because it doesn't emit any radio signals, and doesn't utilize additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle or require any wire cutting.
It connects directly to the vehicle's bus system (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN number is entered. It is typically activated using buttons already present on the steering or central console. No new keypad is fitted to the car. This adds a new layer of security that will not only prevent theft but also ensure that the vehicle's safety if your keys get lost.
The older immobilisers were effective in stopping hotwiring. This was a typical type of car theft during the 80s and 1990s. However as technology advanced and thieves became more technologically adept, new types of theft began to emerge, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a great way to protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers are offered 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 lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to all cars and are an an affordable and effective way to improve the safety of your vehicle.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser by Autowatch. It guards your car against key cloning and hacking. The only way thieves could take your car with this system is by physically towing it away, and even then they would not be capable of driving your pride and joy.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser, a revolutionary system, safeguards your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It can even protect your keys from theft. It's designed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of vehicle security systems technology. It is designed to stop this kind of vehicle theft, and ensure that your pride and joy remains on your driveway where it belongs.
A ghost immobiliser is connected directly to the data bus for CAN in your car and intercepts signals from ECUs which are electronic control units that start your engine. It stops the engine from running until an additional unique pin code or sequence of buttons is entered alongside your regular key fob. This is designed to stop thieves from using a mobile phone application to collect the signal and then clone your key fob to take your car.
It is a discreet and undetectable system that doesn't use lights or sounds. 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, such as an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great option for people who need to allow someone else to drive their vehicle for a short period of time, for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers that are available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in a similar manner by connecting to your CAN data bus and preventing your vehicle from starting until you press a particular sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is customized to you and is only known to you, and can be changed in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified by a third party group of experts with backgrounds in police and security testing. This confirms the high level of quality and reliability of the system.
It's important to note that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective when they're properly installed that's why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an authorized installer. Find one near you using our search tool online or speaking to your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser stop thefts?
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 accomplished by pressing buttons in your vehicle like the steering wheel, the centre console, or door panels. It can be as long as 20 characters long. This means that if someone were to enter your vehicle and start driving it away, they won't be able to drive it away without the correct pin code sequence being entered, making it nearly impossible for them to take your pride and joy.
In contrast to alarms and key fob signals that are susceptible to being hacked and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is undetectable by external scanning devices and functions silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective ways to protect your car against modern methods of theft, such as hacking and signal relay.
It is also a simpler installation process and is compatible with the majority of vehicles, making it easy to use. Additionally, if you need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do it from the user interface. This lets you maintain your vehicle or even valet park it without compromising its security. The system will automatically go to secure mode after a short period of time, giving you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected.
Ghost immobilisers can also reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly true if you have a high-end vehicle such as a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for security measures that may reduce your premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham certified and endorsed by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both are recognized as offering high levels of security, making them a worthy investment for anyone who wants to secure their vehicle from theft. This could help keep the value of your car in the event that you decide to sell it as potential buyers will know that it is a very secure car.
How much does a ghost immobiliser cost?
Ghost immobilisers offer an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. They are completely invisible and impossible to get around. This makes them one of most effective anti-theft devices available. The added peace of mind that ghost immobilisers provide is well worth the initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost is different dependent on the model you choose and the rate set by your installer. However, most customers report high satisfaction with their investment as they appreciate the additional layer of security. They also appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and does not detract from the style of their car.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in complete silence, without radio signals. They are a quiet and effective alternative to security measures like trackers, or engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers operate by connecting directly with your vehicle's CAN data network. ghost car immobiliser creates a PIN code that must be entered in order to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered using the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA, making it a great choice for modern vehicles that do not have factory immobilisers.
If you're thinking about a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly recommended that you install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to a variety of problems including electrical faults or damage to your vehicle. Additionally an incorrect installation may cause warranty cancellation on both the Ghost immobiliser and your vehicle.
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 being manipulated, and might not provide as much protection against determined thieves. Additionally, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally considered to be the best option for a lot of drivers.