What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a discreet vehicle security system that shields your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. 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.
It utilizes the buttons that are built into your steering wheel or center console to let you create an PIN code sequence. The sequence is stored to the device and utilized every time you need to disarm your vehicle for valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
It may sound scary it sounds, but the 'ghost immobiliser, is a cutting-edge anti-theft system that prevents thieves, who are tech-savvy and have the ability to take your vehicle even if they've copied your key fob or stolen it. It's completely hidden and works silently so thieves aren't aware it exists. It is also unnoticeable by thieves since it doesn't emit radio signals, and doesn't 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 usually entered using buttons on the steering wheel or on the centre console, and there's no new keypad installed to the vehicle. It's an obscure and subtle method to add an additional layer of security that will not only assist to prevent theft, but also ensure that your car is secure if you do happen to lose keys.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring that was a popular type of car theft in the 1980s and 90s, however, as technology has advanced and thieves have become more technologically adept, various forms of theft have been discovered such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are an increasingly popular option to protect your car against the more sophisticated forms of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other security systems, such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or full HD Dash Cams which can help reduce your insurance premiums. These can be installed on all cars and are an an affordable and effective way to improve the safety of your vehicle.
Autowatch's newest ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology. It gives your car protection from key cloning, hacking and even key theft. ghost immobiliser car prevents thieves from stealing your vehicle unless they physically take it away.
How can a ghost immobiliser be used?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system that protects your car from key cloning, hacking and even theft of keys. Autowatch, an innovative South African company, designed the system to stop car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser connects directly to the CAN data bus of your car and intercepts signals sent by ECUs which are electronic control units that start your engine. It stops your engine from starting until you enter an individual pin code or a sequence of buttons, in addition to the standard key fob. This is to stop thieves from using an application on their mobile phones to record the signal and then copy the key fob to take your car.
It is a discrete and undetectable system, which 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's a great add-on to any security package and can be integrated into other systems, such as alarm and tracking device. It's also a great option for people who need to let someone else drive their vehicle for a short period of time, for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers on the market: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar way by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your vehicle from starting unless a certain sequence of buttons is entered onto your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is personalised to you only known by you and is able to be altered in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified by a third party group of experts from police and security testing backgrounds. This confirms the high level of quality and reliability of the system.
Installers who are certified can install your Ghost immobiliser. You can locate one near you with our online search tool or talk to your local dealer.
How does a ghost-immobiliser prevent thefts?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system in 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 contain up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves do gain access to your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be unable to drive it off without entering the correct pin code.
In contrast to 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 operates completely and in a way that is independent. This makes it the most reliable method to safeguard your vehicle from modern theft techniques, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also a simpler installation process and is compatible with most vehicles, making it easy to use. In addition, if ever need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is easy to do this from the user interface. This lets your vehicle be serviced or valet parked without compromising security. The system will automatically revert back to secure mode after a short period of time, giving you assurance that your vehicle is protected.
In addition, putting a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle can potentially reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly applicable if the vehicle is a high-end model like a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. You should check with your insurance company to confirm this and to discuss other options for additional security measures that may be able lower 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 providing the highest levels of security making them a worthy investment for anyone looking to secure their vehicle from theft. This can even help you to preserve the value of your car when you decide to sell it, as potential buyers know that it's a high-security vehicle.
What is the cost to install an immobiliser ghost ?
Ghost immobilisers provide a sophisticated layer of security for your vehicle. They are undetectable and impossible to bypass which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft solutions available. The peace of head that a ghost immobiliser offers is worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser can vary dependent on the model you select as well as the prices set by your installer. However, most users are extremely satisfied with their investment, since they appreciate the added protection. Many also appreciate the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract from the look of their vehicle.
Unlike 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 like trackers or engine management systems (EMS) immobilisers, trackers and other.
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. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA, making it a great choice for modern vehicles that do not have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are thinking about the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you have it professionally fitted. A wrong installation could cause a variety of problems such as electrical issues or damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also invalidate the warranty of both your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures like the GPS tracking device or engine immobiliser may be more affordable than Ghost immobilisers. They can be more susceptible to tampering, and may not provide as much protection against determined thieves. Furthermore, they can be more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally believed to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.