What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that safeguards your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is incredibly difficult to bypass and is a great addition to any security device for your vehicle, such as an alarm system or tracking device.
The buttons on your console or steering wheel let you create the PIN code. This is then stored on the device and utilized every time you need to disarm your vehicle for valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
The term 'ghost immobiliser' may sound spooky and scary but it is an effective, state-of-the-art anti-theft device that can prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your vehicle, even if they have cloned or taken your key fob. It is completely hidden and operates silently which means that thieves don't get any advance warning that it's there. It's also invisible to thieves since it doesn't emit any radio signals, and doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle or require any wire cutting.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus system and preventing the engine from starting unless a specific PIN code sequence is first entered. It is typically activated using buttons already present on the steering wheel or centre console. There is no new keypad installed in the car. This adds a new layer to security, which will not only stop theft but also ensure that the vehicle's safety if your keys get lost.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring, which was a common form of car theft in the 1980s and 90s, but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more technologically adept, various forms of theft have emerged like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used by themselves or combined with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD which can help lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to a wide range of automobiles and are a cost-effective and efficient method of increasing the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's most recent ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology. It offers your car protection from key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. This system deters thieves from taking your vehicle unless they physically tow it away.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser be used?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary device that safeguards your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even key theft. Autowatch, an innovative South African company, designed the system to prevent car thefts.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to the car's CAN data bus system, and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that allow your engine to start. It prevents the engine from starting until you enter a unique pin code or a series of buttons, in addition to your standard key fob. This is designed to stop thieves from using a mobile phone app to capture the signal and then copy the key fob to steal your car.
It is a silent and undetectable system, which does not emit any sound or emit lights. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors. Also, it has no circuit wires which thieves could cut. It can be added to any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It is also a great alternative for those who have to allow someone else to drive their car for a period of time like valet parking or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both function in the same manner by connecting to the data bus in CAN and blocking your vehicle from starting unless you press a particular sequence of buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it, and you can alter it if necessary.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified which is a third-party group of experts with experience in security and police testing. This confirms that the system is of high reliability and quality.
Installers who are approved can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can locate one close to you with our online search tool, or speak to your local dealer.
How does a ghost-immobiliser prevent thefts?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system of your vehicle and stopping the car from starting unless an appropriate code sequence is entered prior to. This is done using buttons on your vehicle like the steering wheel, centre console or door panels and can be up to 20 characters in length. This means that even if thieves successfully get into your vehicle and begin driving it, they'll be incapable of driving it off without entering the correct pin code.
In ghost immobiliser car to alarms and key fob signals that are susceptible to being hacked and compromised Ghost immobilisers are not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This makes it the most effective way to protect your vehicle from modern theft methods like hacking or signal relay.
It is also a lot easier to install and compatible with the majority of vehicles. This makes it simple to use. Additionally, if you ever require to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is easy to do this via the user interface. This lets you service your vehicle or park it for valet without any compromise to the security of your vehicle. After a short time, the system will automatically switch back to secure mode. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
In addition, fitting an immobiliser with ghosts to your vehicle could reduce the cost of insurance. This is especially applicable if the vehicle is a prestige model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. You should check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for security measures which may be able lower your premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham recognized and accredited by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both are regarded as having exceptional levels of security, making them a worthy investment for anyone who wants to secure their vehicle from theft. This could help you to keep the value of your car when you decide to sell it, as potential buyers will know that it's a security vehicle.
What is the cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of security for your vehicle. They are indetectable and impossible to bypass making them among the most effective anti-theft measures available. The peace of head that ghost immobilisers provide is well worth any initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost is different dependent on the model you choose and the price set by your installer. However, most customers report high satisfaction with their investment as they appreciate the added protection. Many people are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't alter the look of their vehicle.
In contrast to key fobs and wheel locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in silence without radio signals. This makes them a discreet and effective alternative to security measures such as trackers or engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN data network. It creates a PIN code that needs to be entered in order to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered by pressing the buttons on your dashboard and the steering wheel, which makes it almost undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for insurance, which makes it a great option for cars which don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering installing a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly recommended that you get it installed by a professional. A wrong installation can cause a range of problems, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. Additionally an incorrect installation may void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser and your car.
Other security measures like the GPS tracking device or engine immobiliser may be more affordable than Ghost immobilisers. However, they can be more susceptible to tampering and may not provide as much protection against a determined thief. They can also be more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally thought to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.