What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser guards your car from hacking or key cloning. It is extremely difficult to break 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 centre console to let you create a PIN code sequence. The sequence is stored to the device and used each time you need to disarm your vehicle to enter valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
It might sound frightening, but the 'ghost immobiliser,' is a modern anti-theft device that stops thieves, who are technologically adept and have the ability to take your vehicle even if they've cloned your key fob or stolen it. It is completely hidden and works silently so thieves don't even know it is there. It's also undetectable to thieves since it does no emit radio signals and does not require any additional hardware inside the car or wire cutting.
It connects directly to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and stops the engine from starting until a PIN code is entered. It's usually entered using buttons on the steering wheel or center console, and there's not a new keypad fitted to the vehicle - it's an obscure and subtle method to provide an extra layer of security that will help in preventing theft but also make sure that your car is fully protected if you do happen to lose your keys.
The traditional immobilisers were very effective in preventing hotwiring. This was a typical kind of car theft in the 80s and 1990s. However as technology advanced and thieves grew more tech-savvy, new types of theft began to emerge like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a popular choice as they safeguard your vehicle from these more sophisticated types of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers are able to be used on their own or combined with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD that can lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to a wide range of vehicles and are an affordable and efficient method of increasing your vehicle's security.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser from Autowatch. It guards your car against key hacking and cloning. The only way a thief could steal your car with this system is by physically towing it away and even then they wouldn't be capable of driving your beloved vehicle.
How do Ghost Immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system, protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It can also protect your keys from theft. Autowatch, an innovative South African company, designed the system to prevent car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser connects directly to the CAN data bus of your vehicle and intercepts signals from ECUs, which are electronic control units that start your engine. It prevents the engine from running until an additional unique pin code or sequence of buttons are entered along with your regular key fob. This is designed to stop thieves from using a smartphone application to collect the signal, and then copy the key fob to steal your car.
It is a discrete and undetectable device, which doesn't make any noise or emit lights. It isn't detected by radar scanners or by radio detectors. Also, it does not have circuit wires that thieves could cut. It can be integrated into any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It is an excellent alternative for those who have to allow someone else to drive their car temporarily like valet parking or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost immobilisers available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in the same way by connecting to your CAN data bus and preventing your vehicle from starting until you press a certain sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is customized to you and is only known by you and is able to be altered in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified, a third party group of experts with backgrounds in police and security testing. This confirms that the system is of a high level of reliability and quality.
It's important to note that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective when they're installed correctly that's why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an authorized installer. Find one in your area by using our search engine online or contacting the local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system of your vehicle and blocks it from operating until a code sequence has been entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, such as the steering wheels, centre consoles or door panels. The code can contain up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves successfully gain access to your vehicle and begin driving it, they'll be not able to drive it away without entering the correct pin code.
Unlike alarms and key fob signalling that are susceptible to being hacked and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is undetectable by external scanning devices and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This makes it the most effective method to safeguard your vehicle against modern methods of theft like hacking or signal relay.
It is also a lot easier to install and is compatible with the majority of vehicles. This makes it easy to use. Additionally, if you need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is easy to do this via the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be parked for service or valet without compromising 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.
In ghost immobiliser 2 , fitting an immobiliser that is ghost-proof to your vehicle can potentially lower your insurance costs. This is particularly relevant if your car is a prestige model, such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. You should contact your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that could help lower your insurance cost.
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 a worthy investment for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle safe from thieves. It can also help to keep the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it, as potential buyers will know that it's a high-security vehicle.
How much does it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. They are inaccessible and difficult to bypass. This makes them one of most effective anti-theft devices on the market. The added peace of mind offered by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser is dependent on the model you select and the prices that your installer will charge you. Most users are happy with their purchase and appreciate the extra layer of security. Many also appreciate that the device is discreet and does not alter the style of their car.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate without radio signals. This makes them a discrete and effective alternative to 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 must be entered to start the vehicle. This is entered through buttons that are already in your dashboard and steering wheel, making 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 considering a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly recommended that you get it installed by a professional. Incorrect installation could cause a range of problems such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also invalidate the warranty of your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures like other security measures like a GPS tracking device or an engine immobilisers are less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. They are more vulnerable to tampering, and may not provide as much protection against a determined thief. They may also be more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Therefore it is recommended to use a Ghost immobiliser is generally thought to be the best choice for many drivers.