Why Ghost Immobiliser Problems Is Harder Than You Think

Protect Your Pride And Joy With The Ghost Immobiliser

Guard your precious possessions against theft by using the Ghost Immobiliser. It's discreet and does not require any additional key fobs to operate.

The device makes use of the buttons on your vehicle (steering wheel, door panels & centre console) to create a unique changeable pin code sequence that can be up to 20 presses. This then authorizes the vehicle to start.

Simple PIN code change process

Many owners are upgrading their security due to the increase in vehicle theft. There are many kinds of security products that are available for sale that range from tracking systems to alarms and immobilisers. However they do not all are equally effective in protecting your car. While a tracking system may assist you in locating your vehicle in the case of theft, it will not prevent the crime from happening in the first in the first place. Immobilisers, however are exactly what they say on the label - they shut off your car's engine so that it can't be started. The Autowatch Ghost is one of the most advanced options available, making it virtually impossible for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The ghost device makes use of the buttons on your car to create a unique sequence that must be entered to allow the engine to begin. This can be accomplished using the indicator stalk windows or heater buttons. Additionally it is possible to use an app on mobile that acts as an emergency PIN code bypass and allow the driver to operate the car without having to use the button sequence. This is a great solution for those who want to offer your car to valet parking or for servicing. The immobiliser will remain active.

The Ghost is a very unique and innovative device which is used in conjunction with the buttons in your vehicle rather than being a standalone device. This means that it's not just a powerful deterrent against vehicle theft but can also be transferred over to any future cars you may have, making it more investment-wise than a traditional steering wheel lock.

Small, weatherproof device

The Autowatch ghost immobiliser is a sophisticated security system that protects your vehicle from key cloning, hacking & ECU swapping. It's a weatherproof and small device that connects directly to your vehicle's ECU via the CAN data bus to disable the engine. It can be placed in the vehicle without the need for additional wiring and has been thoroughly tested to make sure it is compatible with all vehicles. It also is resistant to jamming devices which is the most common method used by car thieves to circumvent the immobilisers in place.

The benefit of using CAN data is that it operates in a silent manner in comparison to conventional systems. It can't be detected by sophisticated RF scanning or code-grabbing technologies and is likewise unreadable by conventional diagnostic tools. The Autowatch ghost doesn't emit LED indications and uses the buttons on your vehicle such as steering wheel, centre console or door panels to create a unique, customizable disarm sequence. You can make this sequence up to 20 presses long for added security. The iPhone app allows one, authorized connection with the pairing code unique to the Ghost and the communication between the two devices is encrypted.

The Ghost also stops car thieves from using a new key or replacing the ECU to bypass the immobiliser and begin the engine. It will only allow the engine to run when the correct PIN code is entered. It is able to be operated temporarily in the Valet/Service mode (with the appropriate parameters, like 30mph speed limit) which means you can give your car to an attendant or valet without entering a code.

Tested for each vehicle

The Autowatch Ghost is the world's first aftermarket immobiliser for CAN bus that is able to be connected to the wiring of your vehicle and connects to your engine control unit (ECU). The device detects electronic signals that block your car's system from performing its normal startup routine until you input a custom passcode. The system can be turned on and off by using your smartphone's app without the need for additional wires.

Standard factory immobilisers in automobiles function through an electronic transponder in the key that transmits a signal to the ECU. The car will start when the correct code is sent. However, if the transponder of a different vehicle is used instead, the immobiliser doesn't recognise it. This enables the vehicle to start and be stolen. A South African company that is at the forefront of safety systems technology created the Ghost immobiliser. It shields your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even key theft. Only by physically towing your car away from thieves could they steal it, and they would still not be able drive it.

Ghost makes use of the buttons on your vehicle, including the indicator stalk as well as the steering wheel and door panels to create a unique PIN sequence that can be changed that must be entered before you can use your car. This is done without the need for additional hardware, such as a key-fob and can last up to 20 presses long. It is also inaccessible to diagnostic equipment and does transmit radio frequency signals, so thieves are not able to use sophisticated RF scanners or code-grabbing technologies to identify that the system has been set up.

Ghost is more difficult to remove than car alarms, which require disarming with several buttons. This makes it a fantastic alternative to a GPS tracking device which can be used to track your vehicle after it's been stolen.

Emergency PIN code override

You do not have to look far on social media to find stories or videos of vehicles that were stolen using the most advanced technology tools. Key-cloning devices, for instance, and hacking tools that allow thieves to start the vehicle with your original keys.

The Ghost immobiliser helps combat this and provides you with an additional layer of security to stop your vehicle from being taken when it is targeted by thieves. It creates an individual pin code sequence that is triggered by the buttons you have on the steering wheel, door panel and centre console. The unique pin code is entered along with your original key fob to stop the engine from starting. The unique override pin can be located on a black card that you receive following the installation. It is easy to remember because there aren't any LED indicators.

The device is hidden within the vehicle's wiring and does not emit radio signals, therefore it isn't able to be identified by modern thieves using diagnostic software that can detect the type of security system you have installed. This makes it a great alternative to the tracker.

In contrast to other security systems, which have a relay in the engine bay, CANBUS Immobilisers communicate with the vehicle's ECU and BCM via CAN data bus (brand dependent). This enables them to shut down the vehicle completely by sending the use of a digital block of commands for both the ECU and the engine.

It is also possible to connect a separate analogue immobiliser, alarm or tracker with these systems, however this must be specified before installing the device. They also work with valet/service modes and a great alternative to a tracking device when you take your car into the dealer to address an electrical problem.

Service/Valet mode

In recent years there has seen an increase in the number of cars being stolen without the owners keys. With easy access to key cloning equipment and door lock pick sets it is now easier than ever for thieves to steal your joy and pride. To prevent this from happening, we have launched the autowatch ghost immobiliser fitting [read this] Ghost immobiliser that prevents your vehicle from being driven despite the fact that your keys have been cloned or your vehicle was stolen.

It directly communicates with your vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) via the CAN data circuit. It's completely silent as it doesn't use radio frequencies or keys fobs. This means that it can't be detected by diagnostics or any other car hacking devices. It also protects you from introducing the new ECU or key to circumvent the system, since only the PIN code allows the engine to start.

The device is hidden in your vehicle and is accessible via buttons on your steering wheel, centre console, and door panels. Before you can begin your car, you need to enter a unique, changeable PIN code up to 20 digits.

This is the first aftermarket CAN bus immobiliser to be created that will stop your car from being driven away or started without a PIN code being entered first. If the device is armed and you attempt to drive away, it will display a warning on your dash, which will flash regularly for around 300m. If you type in your PIN code at this point, it will disarm the anti-hijack device and your car will continue to operate as normal. If you do not enter your PIN code at this point, the indicator will keep flashing & will require a new PIN code for every attempt to start your car.