Watch Out: How What Is Ghost Immobiliser Is Taking Over And How To Respond

What is a Ghost Immobiliser?

A Ghost immobiliser guards your car from hacking or key cloning. It is extremely difficult to bypass and is a fantastic supplement to any security system, like an tracking device or alarm system.

The buttons on the console or steering wheel allow you to generate the PIN code. It is then stored on the device and used every time you want to arm your vehicle to allow valet mode.

What is a ghost immobiliser?

It might sound scary It may sound scary, but the ghost immobiliser, is a cutting-edge anti-theft device that stops thieves, who are technically adept, from taking your vehicle, even if they've cloned your key fob or stolen it. It's completely hidden and operates silently which means that thieves don't get any prior notice that it's there. It is also undetectable to thieves as it doesn't emit any 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 bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and stops the engine from starting until a PIN number is entered. It's usually entered using existing buttons on the steering wheel or on the centre console, and there's not a new keypad that's fitted to the vehicle. It's an inscrutable and discrete method to add an extra layer of security that will not only help to deter theft but to ensure that your vehicle is protected in the event that you should lose keys.

Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well 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 tech-savvy, different types of theft have been discovered, including relay car theft. This is where ghost immobilisers are an increasingly popular option as they protect your car against the more sophisticated forms of theft.

Ghost car immobilisers are offered as a standalone system or in combination with other security equipment such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or full HD Dash Cams, which can lower your insurance rates. They are able to be fitted to all cars and are a cost-effective and effective way of boosting the security of your vehicle.

The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser by Autowatch. It protects your car against key hacking and cloning. The only way that a burglar could steal your car using this system is physically towing it away, and even then they would not be able to drive your car that you love.

How can a ghost immobiliser be used?

The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system, protects your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It also helps to protect your keys from theft. Autowatch, an innovative South African company, designed the system to prevent car thefts.

A ghost immobiliser is a 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.  ghost 2 immobiliser problems  stops your engine from starting until you enter a unique pin code or a series of buttons, in addition to your regular key fob. This is to stop thieves from using an app on their mobile phone to record the signal and then copy the key fob to steal your car.

It is a quiet and undetectable device 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 the thief could cut. It's a great addition to any security system and can be integrated into other systems like an alarm and tracking devices. It's an excellent alternative for those who have to let someone else drive their car temporarily for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being maintained.

There are two major ghost immobilisers on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your vehicle from being started when a particular sequence of buttons are entered on your dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it and you can alter it if you want to.

Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been verified by TASSA by a third party group of experts with backgrounds in police and security testing. This is a proof of the high level of reliability and quality of the system.

Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find an installer near you by with our online search tool, or speak to your local dealer.

How can a ghost immobiliser prevent theft?

The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system of your vehicle and prevents it from starting until the code sequence is entered. 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 away, they won't be able to drive it away without the correct pin code sequence being entered, making it nearly impossible for them to steal your pride and joy.

Unlike alarms and key fob signals which are susceptible to being hacked and compromised Ghost immobilisers are undetectable by external scanning devices and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This is the most efficient way to protect your vehicle from modern theft techniques like hacking or signal relay.

It is also much simpler to install, and compatible with most vehicles. This makes it easy to use. If you want 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 revert to secure mode after a brief period of time providing assurance that your vehicle is protected.

In addition, fitting an immobiliser that is ghost-proof to your vehicle can reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly applicable if the vehicle is a prestige model such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that may 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). These systems are both recognized as providing high levels of security which makes them a great investment for anyone looking to keep their vehicle secure from thieves. It can also help to keep the value of your car when you decide to sell it, because potential buyers will know that it's a security vehicle.

How much does it cost to install a ghost immobiliser?

Ghost immobilisers offer an advanced layer of security for your vehicle. They are inaccessible and difficult to get around. This makes them one of the most effective anti-theft devices on the market. The peace of mind ghost immobilisers offer is well worth any initial investment.

The cost of an immobiliser ghost varies according to the model you choose as well as the cost that your installer will charge you. Most users are happy with their purchase and appreciate the additional security. They also appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and doesn't alter the style of their car.

In contrast to key fobs and wheel locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in silence without radio signals. This makes them a more discrete and efficient alternative to other car security measures, including trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.

Ghost immobilisers operate by connecting directly with your vehicle's CAN data network. It then generates an individual PIN code which must be entered to start the vehicle. The code is entered via buttons already on your dashboard and steering wheel which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA, making it an ideal option for vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.

It is highly recommended that if you are considering a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you have it professionally fitted. A wrong installation can cause numerous issues such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also invalidate the warranty of your vehicle as well as the Ghost immobiliser.

Some other security measures, such as a GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, could be less expensive than an Ghost immobiliser. However, they are more susceptible to tampering and may not provide enough protection against a determined thief. They can also be more difficult to integrate into older vehicles. Therefore it is recommended to use a Ghost immobiliser is generally considered the best choice for many drivers.