Installation Times: Monday - Thursday: 7:30am to 5pm | Friday: 7:30am to 3pm | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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At Safe & Sound, we understand that vehicle security is more important than ever for UK motorists. Modern thieves use sophisticated methods such as relay attacks and key cloning, making standard alarms or steering locks insufficient for many vehicles.
The Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser 2 provides a stealthy, advanced layer of protection. It prevents the engine from starting unless the correct PIN or authorised device is used, making it almost invisible to thieves. In this Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser guide, we answer the most common questions about Ghost immobilisers, covering how they work, daily use, installation, security benefits, and potential limitations.
An Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is a covert security device that prevents a vehicle's engine from starting - even with a physical or cloned key - unless a unique PIN code is entered via the car's factory buttons (steering wheel, door panels, or console). Unlike traditional alarms that use sirens or flashing lights, the Ghost operates silently and is virtually invisible; it is a tiny device hidden within the wiring loom that communicates directly with the vehicle's CAN-bus system. Because it emits no radio frequency signals and does not require a physical key fob, it is immune to modern theft techniques like relay attacks, key cloning, and OBD port hacking. It also features a "Service Mode," allowing the car to be driven by mechanics without revealing your secret PIN, and a secure Bluetooth connection for smartphone-based disarming.
Ghost connects to your vehicle’s CAN bus, the internal communication system for your car’s electronics. When the system is armed, it intercepts the engine start process and locks the vehicle until the correct disarm code is entered through the car’s own buttons or a paired device.
Physically, a Ghost immobiliser is a compact, hidden electronic module that is installed out of sight, typically deep within your vehicle’s wiring harness. Unlike traditional alarms, it has no LEDs, fobs, or visible components, so there’s nothing for a thief to see or tamper with. This stealth design is intentional - it prevents criminals from knowing your car has an advanced immobiliser installed.
The unit is small enough to be concealed behind panels or inside the dashboard, and once installed, it integrates seamlessly with your vehicle’s electronics without affecting normal operation. For vehicle owners, this means the security system is active without altering the look or functionality of your car, providing protection without compromise.
Ghost immobilisers are not currently Thatcham approved, the recognised UK standard for vehicle security certification. This means that, in some cases, insurers may not automatically offer a discount on your premium for having a Ghost system installed.
However, the lack of Thatcham certification does not mean the system is ineffective. In fact, Ghost’s stealth design and CAN bus integration provide protection against modern theft methods such as key cloning and relay attacks, which many standard approved alarms or immobilisers may not prevent. At Safe & Sound, we find that customers value the real-world security benefits of Ghost, even if insurers do not explicitly reward it with a discount.
A professionally installed Ghost immobiliser is designed to be completely invisible. There are no visible indicators such as lights, fobs, or tags, so you cannot tell just by looking at the vehicle.
The main sign that your car has a Ghost immobiliser is how it behaves when starting the vehicle. If the system is armed, the engine will not start unless you enter the correct disarm sequence via your PIN or an authorised device, such as a paired smartphone. At Safe & Sound, we ensure that every customer is fully briefed on recognising, disarming, and using the system effectively, so you always know your car is protected.
No, Ghost immobilisers are completely legal in the UK. They are classified as aftermarket vehicle security systems and are designed to safely integrate with your car’s electronics without interfering with essential functions or communication networks.
Because Ghost is stealthy and fully integrated into the CAN bus, it does not use external signals or radio transmissions that could conflict with other devices. When professionally installed by Safe & Sound, it meets all legal requirements, giving drivers peace of mind that their vehicle is both secure and compliant.
Whether a Ghost immobiliser is “better” than a traditional alarm depends on what you want from your vehicle security system.
Alarms provide visible and audible deterrence, often alerting passersby when someone attempts to tamper with your vehicle. They are effective for drawing attention to potential theft, which can discourage opportunistic criminals.
Ghost immobilisers, on the other hand, are invisible and silent, offering a different type of protection. They do not make noise or flash lights; instead, they prevent the engine from starting unless the correct PIN or authorised device is used. This means that even if a thief has a cloned key, relay device, or manages to enter your car, the vehicle cannot be driven away.
At Safe & Sound, we often recommend using Ghost in combination with other security measures for layered protection: an alarm can deter attention, while Ghost ensures your car cannot be started without authorisation. For modern vehicles vulnerable to keyless theft, this combination offers a high level of security that neither system can provide alone.
Service mode (also called valet mode) allows the car to start without entering the PIN, useful for MOTs or valet parking. For the Ghost 2, this involves entering your PIN and pressing a specific sequence of buttons on the car multiple times, following the installation guide provided by our technicians.
Steps to enable service mode:
Disarm the Ghost immobiliser using your normal PIN or paired smartphone.
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine (vehicle‑specific).
Press the programmed button sequence on the vehicle multiple times, as set during installation.
Wait for confirmation (such as dashboard indicators or vehicle behaviour, depending on model).
The vehicle can now be started and driven without entering the PIN.
To exit service mode, repeat the process or follow the exit sequence explained during installation.
The system can be temporarily disarmed by entering service mode or using a paired authorised device. In normal use, Ghost cannot simply be switched off - it must be disarmed before starting.
Steps to deactivate the device:
Use a paired smartphone to disarm the immobiliser automatically via Bluetooth, or
Enter service/valet mode using your PIN and the vehicle’s button sequence.
Start or move the vehicle as required while the system remains temporarily deactivated.
Once the ignition is switched off, Ghost re‑arms automatically to maintain full security.
Important: Permanent deactivation or removal can only be performed by a qualified Safe & Sound installer, ensuring no damage to your vehicle’s electronics.
For day-to-day driving, Ghost is not “turned off.” You disarm it each time you start the vehicle using your PIN or a paired smartphone. Only a qualified installer can fully remove the device.
Steps to turn the device off:
Start the vehicle ignition as normal.
Enter your unique PIN sequence using the vehicle’s buttons or
Allow a paired smartphone to automatically disarm the system via Bluetooth.
Drive as normal once the system is disarmed.
If the Ghost immobiliser is not disarmed, the engine will remain immobilised even if a valid key is present.
Important to note:
The Autowatch Ghost can be placed into service/valet mode for garages or MOTs, but it is not fully “turned off.”
Permanent deactivation or removal of the system can only be carried out by a qualified installer, such as the Safe & Sound team, to avoid electrical or vehicle safety issues.
Changing the disarm code involves entering programming mode, entering the current PIN, and following the instructions to set a new code. Our Safe & Sound team provides full guidance during installation to make this process straightforward.
Steps to changing the device code:
Disarm the immobiliser using your current PIN or paired device.
Enter programming mode by following the vehicle-specific button sequence.
Enter your new PIN code using the vehicle’s buttons as instructed.
Confirm the new code to store it in the Ghost system.
Test the new code by locking and unlocking or starting the car to ensure it works.
Contact Safe & Sound for assistance if you forget the code or need a reset.
The Ghost 2 can pair with up to two smartphones via Bluetooth. Simply enable Bluetooth on your phone, open the Ghost app, and follow the pairing instructions while the immobiliser is in programming mode. This allows convenient disarming without entering the PIN manually.
Steps to connect the device to your phone:
Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
Download and open the Ghost app on your phone.
Disarm the Ghost immobiliser using your existing PIN.
Put the immobiliser into pairing/programming mode following the vehicle‑specific sequence.
Select the Ghost device in the app when prompted.
Confirm the pairing to authorise your phone.
Test the connection by locking and unlocking or starting the vehicle.
The Ghost immobiliser is designed to be extremely difficult to bypass. Its hidden installation and direct integration with the vehicle’s CAN bus system make common theft techniques such as hot‑wiring, key cloning, and relay attacks largely ineffective. Because there are no visible components, fobs, or radio signals, thieves have nothing obvious to target.
While no vehicle security system can be considered completely immune, Ghost significantly increases the time, complexity, and risk involved in attempting a theft. In many cases, this level of protection is enough to deter criminals altogether, as modern vehicle theft typically relies on speed and minimal exposure.
While the Ghost immobiliser is highly effective, there are a few points worth considering:
Minor battery usage: Ghost draws a very small amount of power from the vehicle’s CAN bus. If a car is left unused for an extended period, such as several weeks, a slight battery drain may occur.
No Thatcham approval: Ghost immobilisers are not currently Thatcham approved (it is but it is widely TASSA accredited) which means some insurers may not automatically apply a security discount.
Learning curve: New users may need a short adjustment period to become comfortable entering the PIN or using a paired smartphone to disarm the system.
At Safe & Sound, the Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser 2 is priced at £499 (inc. VAT), including full professional installation. Our mobile technicians will fit the system at your location, programme your unique disarm code, and provide a demonstration so you fully understand its operation.
Professional installation is essential to ensure the Ghost immobiliser works correctly and safely. At Safe & Sound, our trained technicians install the device discreetly within your vehicle’s wiring harness and integrate it with the CAN bus system.
This hidden installation ensures the system is invisible to thieves while maintaining full functionality. During installation, we also program your unique PIN code and pair any authorised devices, making sure the system works seamlessly with your car’s existing controls. Proper installation minimises any risk of electrical faults or interference with the vehicle’s electronics.
Removing a Ghost immobiliser requires a careful and professional approach. The device is fully integrated with your vehicle’s CAN bus, so it cannot simply be unplugged without risk.
Our Safe & Sound technicians trace the system and disconnect it safely, ensuring no damage is caused to your vehicle’s wiring or electronics. Attempting to remove the system yourself could lead to engine starting issues, electrical faults, or voiding of other systems, so professional removal is strongly recommended.
When installed professionally by Safe & Sound, a Ghost immobiliser does not affect your manufacturer warranty. The system is installed without cutting key wiring or altering factory modules, meaning it integrates safely without impacting other vehicle systems.
We always recommend using a qualified installer to ensure your warranty remains fully valid and your vehicle remains compliant with manufacturer requirements.
Ghost immobilisers are designed to draw a minimal amount of power from the vehicle’s CAN bus. In typical daily use, the impact on your battery is negligible.
If a vehicle is left unused for long periods, there may be a small, gradual battery drain, but our professional installation practices minimise this risk. We also advise customers on how to manage the system for long-term storage to prevent any inconvenience.
