What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser shields your vehicle from hacking or key cloning. It is extremely difficult to bypass and is a great addition to any security device for your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
The buttons on the console or steering wheel let you create the PIN code. This code is saved on the device and is used to disarm your car for valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
It might sound scary, but the 'ghost immobiliser,' is a modern anti-theft device that stops thieves, who are technologically adept to steal your vehicle, even if they've cloned the key fob of yours or stolen it. It is completely hidden and operates in a quiet manner, so that thieves are not aware that it is there. It's also unnoticeable to thieves since it doesn't emit any radio signals, and it doesn't utilize additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle, or require any cutting of wires.
It is connected directly to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from starting until a PIN number is entered. It's usually entered using existing buttons on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's not a new keypad that's fitted to the vehicle - it's an obscure and subtle method to add an additional layer of security that will help to prevent theft, but also make sure that your car is secure if you do happen to lose your keys.
The older immobilisers were effective in preventing hotwiring. This was a common type of car theft during the 1980s and 1990s. However as technology improved and thieves became more tech-savvy, new types of theft emerged, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are an increasingly popular option to help protect your car from these more sophisticated forms of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers are offered as a standalone system or in conjunction with other security equipment such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can reduce your insurance rates. These can be installed on all cars and are an cost-effective and efficient to improve the safety of your vehicle.
Autowatch's most recent ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology and provides your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. The only way thieves could take your car with this system is by physically towing it away and even then, they wouldn't be capable of driving your car that you love.
How does a ghost immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary device that safeguards your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even key theft. It was developed by Autowatch, a South African company at the leading edge of vehicle security technology. It works to stop these methods of car theft, making sure that your joy and pride remain on your drive where it belongs.
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 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 designed to stop thieves from using a smartphone app to capture the signal and then clone your key fob in order to steal your car.
It is a silent and undetectable system that doesn't make any noise or emit any lights. It is not detected by radar scanners or radio detectors, and it also does not have circuit wires that the thief could cut. It can be integrated into any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It's 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 repaired.
There are two major ghost-immobilisers that are available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus CAN and stopping your vehicle from starting until you press a certain sequence of buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is exclusive to you, only you know it, and you can modify it if you want to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified, a 3rd party group of experts with security and police backgrounds. This confirms that the system is of a high reliability and quality.
It's important to know that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective if they are installed correctly that's why it's important to have your ghost immobiliser installed by an approved installer. Find one near you using our online search tool or contacting your local dealer.
How can a ghost immobiliser stop theft?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system of your vehicle and prevents it from operating until an appropriate code sequence has been entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, like the steering wheels, centre consoles or door panels. ghost autowatch immobiliser can be up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves successfully get into 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 signals which can be intercepted and compromised Ghost immobilisers are not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and works silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective ways to protect your car against modern theft techniques like hacking and signal relay.
It is also a lot easier to install and is compatible with most vehicles. This makes it simple to use. If you want to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so via the user interface. This lets you service your vehicle or even valet park it without any compromise to its security. After a short time the system will change back 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 lower your insurance costs. This is especially relevant if your car is a high-end model, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is worth contacting your insurer to see if they can confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that may be able to further lower your cost.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham accredited systems and are recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both are recognized as having the highest levels of security making them a worthy investment for anyone looking to secure their vehicle from theft. It could also help protect the value of your vehicle in the event that you decide to sell it as potential buyers will know it is a secure car.
How much will it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers offer an extra layer of protection for your car. They are indetectable and impossible to bypass which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft measures available. The added peace of mind offered by a ghost immobiliser is worth the initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost varies dependent on the model you choose and the cost that your installer will charge you. However, the majority of users are extremely satisfied with their investment, as they appreciate the added protection. They also appreciate the fact the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract from the style of their car.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike key fobs or wheel locks, are invisibly and operate in complete silence, without radio signals. This makes them a more discrete and efficient alternative to other car security measures, such as trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers operate by connecting directly with the CAN data network of your vehicle. It generates a PIN code which must be entered in order to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered by pressing the buttons on your dashboard or steering wheel, making it virtually undetectable. It is also endorsed by TASSA for Insurance, making it a great choice for modern cars that don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if are considering the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, that you install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to a variety of problems such as electrical issues or damage to your vehicle. Additionally an incorrect installation may result in the cancellation of warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser and your vehicle.
Other security measures, such as other security measures like a GPS tracking device or an engine immobilisers are less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. They are more prone to tampering, and may not offer as much protection against determined thieves. They are also more difficult to integrate into older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally regarded as the best choice for many drivers.