What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser protects your car from key cloning or hacking. It is incredibly difficult to bypass and is a great addition to any security device for your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
It utilizes the buttons that are built into your steering wheel or central console to let you create the PIN code sequence. The sequence is stored on the device and utilized every time you need to disarm your vehicle to enter valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?

It might sound frightening it sounds, but the 'ghost immobiliser,' is a modern anti-theft device that stops thieves, who are technically adept to steal your vehicle even if they've copied your key fob or stolen it. It's completely hidden and operates silently, so thieves aren't aware it exists. It's also undetectable to thieves since it doesn't emit radio signals and doesn't require any additional hardware visible inside the vehicle or cutting wires.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus network and prevents the engine from starting until a specific PIN 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 inscrutable and discrete method to add an additional layer of security that will not only help in preventing theft but also ensure that your car is protected in the event that you do happen to lose your keys.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring, which was a common method of car theft in the 1980s and 90s, however, as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more technologically adept, various forms of theft have emerged, including relay car theft. This is where ghost immobilisers have become a popular option to protect your car against these more sophisticated forms of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers are offered as a stand-alone device or in combination with other security equipment such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which will reduce your insurance rates. They can be fitted to most cars, and are an affordable and effective way to increase the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology. It gives your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. The only way that a burglar could steal your car using this system is physically towing it away, and even then they wouldn't be capable of driving your beloved vehicle.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system that protects your car from hacking, key cloning and even key theft. It was developed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of vehicle security systems technology. It works to stop these methods of car theft, and ensure that your pride and joy remains in your car where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to your vehicle'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 an additional pin code or sequence of buttons is entered alongside the standard key fob. This is intended to prevent thieves from using a smartphone application to record the signal and then clone the key fob to steal your car.
It is a discrete and undetectable system, which does not make any noise or emit any lights. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or by radio detectors. Additionally, it does not have circuit wires that the thief can cut. It is a great addition to any security package and can be incorporated into other systems like an 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, like valet parking or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are what is ghost immobiliser -immobilisers available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both of them function in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your vehicle from being started unless a certain sequence of buttons is entered on your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it, and you can alter it at any time.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified, a third party group of experts with experience in police and security testing. This confirms that the system is of high-reliability and quality.
It's important to know that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective if they're properly installed, which is why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an certified installer. Find one near you by using our search tool online or contacting your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
The ghost immobiliser connects to the CAN system in your vehicle and stops it from starting until an appropriate code sequence has been entered. This is done using buttons in your vehicle such as the steering wheel, the centre console, or door panels. It can be up to 20 characters in length. This means that if a criminal were to gain access to your car and begin driving it they will not be capable of driving it away without the proper pin code sequence being entered, making it nearly impossible for them to take your joy and pride.
Unlike alarms and key fob signalling that can be snatched and compromised A ghost immobiliser is unnoticeable by external scanners and works silently and independently. This is the most efficient method to safeguard your vehicle against modern theft methods like hacking or signal relay.
It is also a much easier installation procedure and is compatible with most vehicles, making it easy to use. In addition, if you ever require to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser it is easy to do this through the user interface. This lets you maintain your vehicle or even valet park it without risking its security. The system will automatically revert back to secure mode after a short period of time providing peace of mind that your vehicle is always protected.
Ghost immobilisers can lower your insurance premium. This is especially true if you have a prestige vehicle such as a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. You should contact your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for security measures which may reduce your cost.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham recognized and accredited by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. These systems are both recognized as offering superior levels of security which makes them a great option for anyone looking to protect their vehicle from theft. This could help keep the value of your car when you eventually decide to sell it as potential buyers will know that it is a very secured vehicle.
How much does it cost to install an immobiliser ghost?
Ghost immobilisers add an additional layer of protection for your vehicle. They are invisible and impossible to get around. This makes them one of most effective anti-theft devices on the market. The added peace of mind that ghost immobilisers provide is well worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser varies dependent on the model you choose and the prices charged by your installer. The majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase, and appreciate the additional security. Many people are also pleased with the fact that the device is discreet and does not detract the look of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers unlike key fobs and wheel locks, are invisible and operate silently without radio signals. This makes them a less noticeable and effective alternative to other security measures, such as trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers operate by connecting directly with your vehicle's CAN data network. It creates a PIN code that needs to be entered to start the vehicle. The PIN code is entered pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it almost undetectable. It is also endorsed by TASSA for Insurance, making it a fantastic choice for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's advised to install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to a range of problems that could result in electrical issues and damage to your vehicle. Additionally an incorrect installation may result in the cancellation of warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Other security measures, such as the GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, might be less expensive than a Ghost immobiliser. They are more vulnerable to being manipulated, and might not offer as much protection from determined thieves. Additionally, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally considered to be the best option for a lot of drivers.