What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser shields your vehicle from key cloning or hacking. It is extremely difficult to break and is an excellent add-on to any security device for your vehicle such as an alarm system or tracking device.
It makes use of the buttons integrated into your steering wheel or center console to let you create the PIN code sequence. The sequence is saved to the device and used each time you have to disarm your vehicle for 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 which helps keep thieves from stealing your vehicle, even if they have copied or taken your key fob. It is completely concealed and operates silently, so thieves are not aware that it exists. It's also undetectable to thieves, as it does no emit radio signals and does not require any additional hardware visible inside the car or wire cutting.
It is directly connected to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN code has been entered. It's typically used with buttons already present on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's not a new keypad installed to the vehicle - it's an inscrutable and discrete method to add an extra layer of security that will not only assist to prevent theft, but also make sure that your car is protected in the event that you should lose your keys.
Traditional immobilisers were incredibly effective to stop hotwiring which was a typical type of car theft in the 90s and 80s but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more tech-savvy, new types of theft have been discovered like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used by themselves or combined with other security systems 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 effective way of boosting your vehicle's security.
Autowatch's newest ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology. It offers your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. This system stops thieves from taking your car unless they physically drag it away.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system, protects your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It can even stop key theft. It was designed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of security systems for vehicles technology. It works to stop these kinds of car theft, ensuring your joy and pride remain on your driveway where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to your vehicle's CAN data bus system and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) which allow your engine to start. It prevents the engine from starting unless an additional unique pin code or sequence of buttons is entered alongside your regular key fob. This is to stop thieves from using an app on their mobile phone to capture the signal, and then clone the key fob in order to steal your vehicle.
It is a subtle and undetectable system that doesn't use lighting or sound. It is not detectable with radar scanners or radio detectors. It also does not have circuit wires that thieves could cut. It is a great addition to any security program and can be integrated into other systems like an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great option for those who want to let someone else temporarily drive their vehicle, for instance when valet parking is required or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost immobilisers on the market, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both of them function in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your car from being started when a particular sequence of buttons is entered on your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is personalised to you and is only known to you, and can be changed at any time.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified which is 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.
autowatch ghost 2 immobiliser to note that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost can only be effective if they're installed correctly that's why it's essential to get your ghost immobiliser installed by an approved installer. Find one in your area by using our search engine online or by contacting your local dealer.
What is a ghost immobiliser to do to stop theft?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and preventing the car from starting unless a code sequence is first entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, for example the steering wheels, centre consoles or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves successfully gain access to your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be incapable of driving it off without entering the correct pin code.
Unlike alarms and key fob signalling that are susceptible to being hacked and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and works silently and independently. This makes it the most reliable way to guard your vehicle from modern methods of theft, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also much easier to install and is compatible with the majority of vehicles. This makes it easy to use. In addition, if you ever require to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is easy to do this from the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be serviced or valet parked without risking security. After a short period, the system will automatically return to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always secure.
In addition, putting a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle could reduce your insurance premium. This is especially true if you have a prestige vehicle such as a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. You should check with your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that could reduce your cost.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham recognized and accredited by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both of these are recognised as having the highest levels of security making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to secure their vehicle from thieves. This may even help to preserve the value of your vehicle in the event that you decide to sell it as potential buyers will know it is a highly secure car.
How much will it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers are a high-tech layer of security for your vehicle. They are completely invisible and impossible to get around. This makes them one of the most effective anti-theft devices available. The added security offered by a ghost immobiliser is worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser is according to the model you select as well as 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.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike key fobs or wheel locks, are not visible and work in 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 connects directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It creates a PIN code that needs to be entered to start the car. This is entered using buttons already present in your dashboard and 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.
It is highly recommended that if are considering the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you have it professionally fitted. A wrong installation can cause a range of problems such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. Additionally the incorrect installation can cause warranty cancellation on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Some other security measures, like a GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser may be more affordable than an Ghost immobiliser. They are more prone to theft, and may not offer 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 many drivers.