What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It is incredibly difficult to break, and is an excellent option to add to any security system, like an tracking device or alarm system.
It makes use of the buttons integrated into your steering wheel or central console to let you create a PIN code sequence. The code is saved to the device and is used to disarm your car to allow valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The term "ghost immobiliser" might sound scary and spooky, but it's actually a powerful, state-of-the-art anti-theft device that can keep thieves from stealing your vehicle, even if they have copied or taken your key fob. It's completely hidden and works silently so thieves aren't aware it exists. It's also invisible to thieves as it doesn't emit radio signals, and it does not make use of 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 stops the engine from starting until a PIN code is entered. It is typically activated by existing buttons on the steering or centre console. There is no new keypad installed to the vehicle. This adds an extra layer to security, which will not only stop theft, but also ensure the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys get lost.
The old immobilisers were effective in stopping hotwiring. This was a popular kind of car theft in the 1980s and 1990s. However as technology improved and thieves grew more tech-savvy new forms of theft began to emerge, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers are offered as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with other security equipment 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 a cost-effective and efficient method of increasing the security of your vehicle.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser from Autowatch. It safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. This system deters thieves from taking 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 hacking, key cloning and even theft of keys. It was designed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of security systems for vehicles technology and works to prevent these methods of car theft, ensuring your joy and pride remain 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) which allow your engine to start. It prevents your engine from running until you enter an individual pin code or a sequence of buttons, in addition to your standard key fob. This is to stop thieves from using a mobile phone application to collect the signal and then clone the key fob to steal your car.
It is a subtle and undetectable system that does not use any lighting or sound. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors, and also has no circuit wires that a burglar could cut. It can be integrated into any security system, such as an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great choice for those who wish to temporarily let someone else drive their vehicle, such as when valet parking is required or the car is being serviced.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers on the market: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar way by connecting to the CAN data bus. They stop your car from starting until a specific sequence of buttons is entered onto your dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you only known to you, and is able to be altered if you ever need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified by a third party group of experts who have backgrounds in police and security testing. This reaffirms that the system has a high reliability and quality.
It is important to remember that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective when they are installed correctly that's why it's essential to get your ghost immobiliser fitted by an authorized installer. You can locate one close to you using our search tool online, or speak to your local dealer.
How does a ghost-immobiliser prevent thefts?
A ghost immobiliser works by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and stopping the car from starting unless an appropriate code sequence is entered prior to. This is done using buttons in your vehicle like the steering wheel, centre console, or door panels. It can be as long as 20 characters long. This means that even if thieves successfully get into your vehicle and begin driving it, they'll be not able to drive it away without entering the correct pin code.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike alarms or key fob signalling that are able to be intercepted by scanners that are external, works silently and independently. 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 a much easier system to install 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 allows your car to be parked for service or valet without any compromise in security. The system will automatically go back to secure mode after a brief period of time providing peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always secure.
In addition, putting an immobiliser that is ghost-proof to your vehicle can potentially lower your insurance costs. This is especially true if you own a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. You should contact your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures which may help lower your insurance premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham certified and endorsed by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. These systems are both regarded for their high levels of security and security, making them a good investment for anyone who wants to protect their vehicle from theft. This may even help to keep the value of your car in the event that you decide to sell it as potential buyers will be aware that it is a secure car.
How how much is a ghost immobiliser will an immobiliser ghost cost?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of security for your vehicle. They are untraceable and inaccessible to anyone which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft solutions available. The added security 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 and the cost charged by your installer. However, most customers report high satisfaction with their investment, as they appreciate the additional layer of security. Many people are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract the look of their vehicle.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in silence without radio signals. This makes them a discreet and efficient alternative to car security measures, such as trackers or engine management systems (EMS), immobilisers.
A Ghost immobiliser works by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It then generates a unique PIN code that needs to be entered in order to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered by using the buttons on your dashboard and the steering wheel, which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also insurance Approved through TASSA, making it an ideal alternative for vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering installing a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly advised to have it professionally installed. Incorrect installation can lead to various issues, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. Additionally the incorrect installation can void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser and your car.
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 susceptible to tampering and may not offer as much protection against determined thieves. Additionally, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore, a Ghost immobiliser is generally considered the best choice for many drivers.