What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser guards your car from key cloning or hacking. It is incredibly difficult to get around and is a great addition to any security device in your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
It utilizes the buttons that are built into your steering wheel or center console to let you create the PIN code sequence. It is then stored to the device and used each time you want to arm your vehicle for valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
The term 'ghost immobiliser' may sound spooky and scary but it is an effective, state-of-the-art anti-theft device which helps keep thieves from stealing your vehicle, even if they have cloned or stolen your key fob. It is completely hidden and operates quietly, so thieves don't have any advance warning that it's there. It is also undetectable by thieves, as it does no emit radio signals, and doesn't require any additional hardware inside the vehicle or wire cutting.
It connects directly to the vehicle's CAN bus network and preventing the engine from starting until a specific PIN sequence is entered first. It is typically activated by buttons already present on the steering or central console. The keypads are not installed in the car. This adds an extra layer to security, which will not only deter theft but also ensure that the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys are lost.
The older immobilisers were effective in stopping hotwiring. This was a common kind of car theft in the 80s and 90s. However, as technology advanced and thieves became more tech-savvy new forms of theft were discovered, such as relay car theft. This is where ghost immobilisers are an increasingly popular option as they protect your car against these more sophisticated types of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers are available as a stand-alone system or in combination with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or full HD Dash Cams which will reduce your insurance rates. They can be fitted to most cars, and are cost-effective and efficient to improve the safety of your vehicle.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology. It offers your car with protection from key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. This system stops thieves from taking your car unless they physically take it away.
How do ghost immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser, a revolutionary system, protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It can also stop key theft. Autowatch is an innovative South African company, designed the system to protect against car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser is a device that connects directly to the car's CAN data bus system and receives signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) which allow your engine to start. It stops your engine from running until you enter an individual pin code or a series of buttons, in addition to the 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 discrete and undetectable system that does not emit any sound or emit lights. It isn't detected by radar scanners or by radio detectors. Also, it does not contain any circuit wires that thieves could cut. It is a great addition to any security package and can be integrated into other systems, such as alarm and tracking devices. It's also a great alternative for those who have to let someone else drive their car for a period of time for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being serviced.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers that are available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus in CAN and blocking your vehicle from starting unless you enter a specific sequence of buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is unique to you only accessible to you and is able to be altered if you ever need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified by a third party group of experts with experience in police and security testing. This confirms the high level of reliability and quality of the system.
Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. Find one near you by using our search tool online or contacting the local dealer.
How does a ghost immobiliser help prevent theft?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and preventing the car from starting until the code sequence is first entered. This is accomplished by pressing buttons on your vehicle like the steering wheel, centre console or door panels and can be as long as 20 characters long. This means that if a criminal were to enter your vehicle and start driving it away, they won't be in a position to drive away without the correct pin code sequence entered, making it nearly impossible for them to steal your joy and pride.
In contrast to alarms and key fob signals that can be snatched and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and works silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective ways to protect your car against modern theft methods such as hacking and signal relay.
It is also much easier to install and is compatible with all vehicles. This makes it simple to use. If you want to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so via the user interface. This lets your vehicle be serviced or valet parked without compromising security. After a brief period the system will return to secure mode. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
A ghost immobiliser can also reduce your insurance costs. This is especially true if have a high-end vehicle such as a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. It's worth checking with your insurer to find out if they are able to confirm this and discuss any other options available for additional security measures that may be able to further lower your cost.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems that are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both systems are recognized for their exceptional levels of protection, making them an excellent investment for anyone looking to ensure that their vehicle is safe from thieves. It can also help to keep the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it, since potential buyers know that it's a high-security vehicle.
How much does it cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers add an additional layer of protection for your car. They are untraceable and inaccessible to anyone, making them among the most effective anti-theft strategies available. The added peace of mind offered by a ghost immobilise r is well worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser is depending on the model you choose and the charges that your installer will charge you. However, most users report high satisfaction with their investment as they appreciate the additional layer of security. Many users also appreciate the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't affect the style of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers like key fobs or wheel locks, are invisibly and work in silence without radio signals. This makes them a discrete and efficient alternative to car security measures like trackers or engine management systems (EMS) immobilisers.
A Ghost immobiliser works by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It generates a pin code that must be entered to start the car. The PIN code is entered by using the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, making it almost undetectable. The system is also insurance Approved through TASSA, making it an excellent alternative for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are considering a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you get it fitted by a professional. Incorrect installation could cause a range of problems, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also void the warranties of your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.
Some other security measures, such as the GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser might be less expensive than an Ghost immobiliser. However, they can be more susceptible to theft and may not provide enough protection against determined thieves. In addition, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally believed to be the best option for a variety of drivers.