What is a Ghost Immobiliser?

A Ghost immobiliser guards your car from key cloning or hacking. It is incredibly difficult to bypass and is a great add-on to any security device for your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.

The buttons on your console or steering wheel let you create the PIN code. The code is stored on the device and can be used to disable your car in valet mode.

What is a ghost immobiliser?

The term "ghost immobiliser" may sound spooky and scary but it's actually a powerful modern, high-tech anti-theft device that helps to stop thieves who are tech-savvy from taking your vehicle even if they've copied or taken your key fob. It is completely concealed and works silently so thieves are not aware 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 car or wire cutting.

It connects directly to the vehicle's CAN bus network and prevents the engine from starting unless a specific PIN code sequence is first entered. It is typically activated by buttons already present on the steering or centre console. The keypads are not installed to the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of security that will not only stop theft, but also ensure the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys are lost.

The older immobilisers were effective in stopping hotwiring. This was a popular kind of car theft in the 1980s and 90s. However, as technology advanced and thieves became more technologically adept new forms of theft began to emerge like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers have become a popular option as they protect your car against these more sophisticated forms of theft.

Ghost car immobilisers are available as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with other security devices, such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can reduce your insurance rates. They are able to be fitted to all automobiles and are a cost-effective and effective way of boosting your vehicle's security.

The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser from Autowatch. It safeguards your car against key cloning and hacking. The only way thieves could steal your car with this system is by physically towing it away and even then, they wouldn't be capable of driving your pride and joy.

How does a ghost immobiliser work?

The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary device that protects your vehicle from key cloning, hacking and even key theft. It's designed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of vehicle security systems technology. It is designed to stop these methods of car theft, and ensure that your joy and pride remain on your driveway where it belongs.

A ghost immobiliser connects directly to the CAN data bus in your vehicle and intercepts signals from ECUs, which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It prevents your engine from running until you enter an individual pin code or sequence of buttons, in addition to your standard key fob. This is to prevent thieves from using an application on their phone to record the signal and then clone the key fob to steal your vehicle.

It is a subtle and undetectable device that doesn't use lighting or sound. It is not detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors and it also does not have circuit wires that thieves could cut. It can be added to any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It is also a great option for people who need to allow someone else to drive their car for a period of time such as valet parking or when the vehicle is being serviced.

There are two main ghost immobilisers available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in a similar manner by connecting to your data bus in CAN and blocking your vehicle from starting unless you press a certain sequence of buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is exclusive to you, only you know it, and you can alter it if necessary.

Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch ghost immobiliser tracker have been TASSA-verified by a third party group of experts with experience in police and security testing. This confirms the high degree of reliability and quality of the system.

It's important to know that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective when they're properly installed This is why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an approved installer. You can find one near you using our search tool online or talk to your local dealer.

What is a ghost immobiliser to do to help prevent theft?

Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and preventing the car from starting until an appropriate code sequence is entered first. This can be done 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 thieves were to enter your vehicle and start driving it they will not be in a position to drive away without the proper pin code sequence being entered, making it near impossible for them to take your pride and joy.

Contrary to alarms and key fob signals which can be intercepted and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is undetectable by external scanning devices and works silently and independently. This makes it the most effective way to guard your vehicle against modern theft techniques, such as hacking or signal relay.

It is also a much easier system to install and is compatible with the majority of vehicles, making it easy to use. If you need to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it's simple to do this via the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be serviced or valet parked without risking security. The system will automatically go to secure mode after a brief period of time providing assurance that your vehicle is always protected.

Ghost immobilisers can also lower your insurance premium. This is particularly relevant if your car is a prestige model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It's worth checking with your insurer to see if they can confirm this and to discuss any other options available for additional security measures that may help reduce your premium.

The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems and are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both of these are recognised as offering exceptional levels of security, making them an investment worth it for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle safe from thieves. This could help protect the value of your vehicle when you eventually decide to sell it, as potential buyers will be aware that it is a highly secure car.

How much will an immobiliser ghost car immobiliser cost?

ghost car immobiliser immobilisers offer an advanced layer of security for your vehicle. They are invisible and impossible to get around. This makes them one of the most effective anti-theft devices on the market. The peace of head that ghost immobilisers provide is worth the initial investment.

The cost of a ghost immobiliser is depending on the model you select and the charges set by your installer. Most customers are pleased with their purchase and appreciate the added security. Many users also appreciate the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't alter the style of their vehicle.

Unlike key fobs and wheel locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in complete silence, without radio signals. They are a quiet and efficient alternative to car security measures such as trackers or engine management systems (EMS) immobilisers.

A Ghost immobiliser is a device that connects directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It generates a pin code that needs to be entered to start the car. The PIN code is entered using the buttons on your dashboard or steering wheel, making it almost undetectable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA, making it a great choice for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.

If you're thinking about a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's recommended that you get it installed by a professional. A wrong installation can cause a range of problems that could result in electrical issues and damage to your vehicle. An incorrect installation could void the warranties of your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.

Other security measures, such as a GPS tracking device or an engine immobilisers are less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. They are more prone to tampering, and may not provide as much protection against determined thieves. They are also more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally thought to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.