What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is extremely difficult to break and is a great add-on to any security device for your vehicle such as an alarm system or tracking device.
The buttons on your console or steering wheel allow you to generate the PIN code. 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 helps to prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your car, even if they have cloned or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and operates in a quiet manner, so that thieves are not aware that it exists. It's also unnoticeable to thieves as it does not emit any radio signals, and it doesn't utilize additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle or require any wire cutting.
It connects directly to the vehicle's CAN bus system, and preventing the engine from starting in the event that a particular PIN code sequence is entered first. It's usually entered using buttons already present 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 add an additional layer of security that will not only help to prevent theft, but also ensure that your vehicle is fully protected if you happen to lose keys.
Traditional immobilisers were incredibly effective to stop hotwiring which was a typical form of car theft in the 80s and 90s but as technology has progressed and thieves have become more technologically adept, various forms of theft have been discovered such as relay car theft. ghost 2 immobiliser problems are an increasingly popular option as they help protect your car from the more sophisticated forms of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used as a standalone system or in combination with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which will reduce the cost of insurance. They can be fitted to most cars and are a cost-effective and efficient way to increase your vehicle's security.
Autowatch's most recent ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the forefront of security system technology. It offers your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. This system deters thieves from taking your car unless they physically drag it away.
How does a ghost immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system that protects your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even theft of keys. It was designed by Autowatch the South African company at the forefront of security systems for vehicles technology and works to prevent this kind of vehicle theft, ensuring your joy and pride remain on your drive where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers connect directly to the CAN data bus of your car and intercepts signals from ECUs which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It stops the engine from running until an additional pin code or sequence of buttons is entered in conjunction with your regular key fob. This is to prevent thieves from using an application on their phone to capture the signal, and then copy the key fob to steal your car.
It is a subtle and undetectable device that does not use any lighting or sound. It is not detectable with radar scanners or by radio detectors. Also, it does not have circuit wires that thieves can cut. It can be added to any security system, including an alarm or tracking device. It is also a great alternative for those who need to let someone else drive their car temporarily for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being repaired.
There are two primary ghost immobilisers that are available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar way by connecting to your data bus in CAN and blocking your vehicle from starting unless you press a certain sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it, and you can modify it if you want to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified, a third party group of experts who have backgrounds in security and police testing. This is a proof of the high level of quality and reliability of the system.
Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. Find one in your area by using our search engine online or contacting your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to your vehicle's CAN system and preventing the car from starting unless the code sequence is entered prior to. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, like the steering wheels, centre consoles, or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves successfully enter your vehicle and start driving it, they'll be not able to drive it away without entering the correct pin code.
A ghost immobiliser, unlike alarms or key fob signalling that can be snatched by external scanning devices It operates in a silent and independent manner. This makes it one of the most effective ways to safeguard your vehicle from modern theft techniques like hacking and signal relay.
It is also a simpler system to install and is compatible with most vehicles, making it easy to use. If you require to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so via the user interface. This allows your car to be parked or serviced without risking security. The system will automatically revert back to secure mode after a brief period of time, giving you assurance that your vehicle is always protected.
In addition, putting an immobiliser that is ghost-proof to your vehicle can reduce the cost of insurance. This is particularly relevant if your car is a high-end model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is worth contacting your insurance company to see if they can confirm this and to discuss other options for additional security measures that could help reduce your premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham accredited and recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both are regarded as providing the highest levels of security making them an investment worth it for anyone looking to keep their vehicle safe from theft. This can even help you to preserve the value of your car when you decide to sell it, since potential buyers are aware that it's a highly secure vehicle.
How much does it cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers add an additional layer of protection for your vehicle. They are undetectable and impossible to bypass, making them one of the most effective anti-theft solutions available. The peace of mind offered by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser is depending on the model you choose and the rates set by your installer. The majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase, valuing the extra layer of security. They also appreciate the fact the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract from the style of their car.
Contrary to key fobs and locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate without radio signals. This makes them a more discreet and efficient alternative to other car security measures, like trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It creates a PIN code that needs to be entered to start the car. The PIN code is entered by pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, making it virtually unnoticeable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA which makes it a great alternative for modern vehicles that do not have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if are considering the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, that you have it professionally fitted. Incorrect installation can lead to numerous issues, such as electrical issues or damage to your vehicle. In addition, improper installation could cause warranty cancellation on both the Ghost immobiliser and your car.
Other security measures like other security measures like a GPS tracking device or engine immobilisers may be less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. However, they are more susceptible to tampering and may not provide the same level of protection against a determined thief. They are also more difficult to integrate into older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally thought to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.