What is a ghost immobiliser and how does it work?

A ghost immobiliser has nothing to do with Halloween, ghouls, or anything spooky. It’s an extra layer of security that helps prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your car, even if the criminal has cloned or stolen your keys.

What is a ghost immobiliser?

A ghost immobiliser is a type of immobiliser that uses a unique code to prevent thieves starting your car. There’s no new keypad fitted, instead it uses buttons in the car, such as those on the steering wheel or centre console. You have to press the right buttons in the right order to start the car. Once the right sequence has been entered the system communicates with the car’s engine control unit (ECU), allowing the engine to start.

There’s more than one system of this type on the market. When we refer to a ghost immobiliser we’re talking about all security devices of this kind. The Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is the name of one particular well-established system. When we refer to Autowatch’s immobiliser we’ll use its full name to avoid any confusion.

Key features of the ghost immobiliser

A ghost immobiliser has several important features:
· PIN code. The car won’t start unless the PIN is entered correctly.
· Fob option. Worried you will forget the PIN? Some systems allow the owner to opt to carry a fob instead which will override the immobiliser when you enter the car.
· Wide compatibility. A ghost immobiliser will work with almost all modern cars.
· Hidden. There’s no obvious sign that a car is fitted with a ghost immobiliser, so a thief won’t necessarily expect this extra layer of security.
· Phone app. Some systems allow owners to communicate with the system through an app, allowing them to disarm the immobiliser if you forget the PIN.
· Service/valet mode. Systems with this feature can be temporarily disarmed so that someone else can drive the car without the owner having to disclose the PIN.
· No radio signals. This means there are no transmissions for a thief to detect, which might warn them of the need to overcome the system.
· No wire cutting. There’s no need to cut any wires to have the system installed.

How does a ghost immobiliser work?

A ghost immobiliser connects to the car’s control area network (CAN) system. It prevents the car being started by turning the key or pressing the start button unless a PIN code is entered first. The length of the code can vary, but it uses buttons on the doors, centre console, or steering wheel.

There’s no additional keypad fitted, the system uses the car’s existing buttons. This preserves the look of the car’s interior and means that thieves won’t know that there’s an extra level of security to be overcome.

Alternatively, some systems allow owners to disarm the system through a smartphone app. This can also be used to allow other drivers behind the wheel temporarily without disclosing the PIN code and so preserving the system’s effectiveness.

A ghost immobiliser is especially effective against modern, tech-savvy car thieves. While criminals may be able to clone keys, or take a car by first stealing the keys, there’s no easy way to defeat a ghost immobiliser. There isn’t a signal to clone or block, and no simple way for the system to be bypassed.

Even if a thief is sat behind the wheel with the car keys in their hand, the car won’t start unless the PIN is entered. With so many buttons in the car and so many possible combinations it’s very unlikely that the car will be going anywhere.

CAN Phantom vs Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser

CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser are both aftermarket security products. They work in a similar way, preventing a car from starting unless a specific sequence of buttons is pressed. There are some differences to be aware of.
· Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser has a fob option.
· The CAN Phantom has a ‘Valet and Maintenance’ mode, controlled through a web app.
· Autowatch Ghost comes with an emergency code override on a scratch card.
· CAN Phantom is UK designed and manufactured.
· Autowatch Ghost is a South African system.

How to check if my car has a ghost immobiliser

The easiest way to check is to ask the person selling you the car. There’s no obvious sign that a ghost immobiliser is fitted, as the system is intended to be stealthy so a thief doesn’t look for a way to overcome the system.

These security devices can’t be detected by radio scanners or by plugging into the car’s on-board diagnostics, so they are difficult to detect.
In practice, it’s quite likely that somebody selling a car with a ghost immobiliser fitted will want to transfer the system to their new car. If they don’t plan to move it to their next car, they will want you to know about it as it’s a selling point making the car more desirable.

Does a ghost immobiliser reduce insurance?

A ghost immobiliser may reduce your insurance. While neither the Autowatch Ghost or the CAN Phantom have been approved by Thatcham, the motor insurance industry’s research arm, they are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA).
It’s certainly worth checking with your insurer if fitting a ghost immobiliser will reduce your premium.

Ghost immobiliser FAQs

Is ghost immobiliser insurance approved?

The motor insurance industry research arm does not officially approve this style of immobiliser, but that doesn’t mean they are not effective.

Is it worth fitting a ghost immobiliser?

Yes, especially if you have a desirable car and live in an area with a lot of car thefts. It’s an extra layer of security that can be effective against modern tech-savvy thieves. 

Can a ghost immobiliser be bypassed?

Never say never, but it’s very hard to do. The various ghost immobilisers on the market are designed to stay well hidden, so a thief doesn’t know that there’s an extra level of security to be bypassed.

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