Automobile thefts in British Columbia are becoming an increasingly serious concern. The issue has escalated to the point where insuring certain vehicles has become challenging. To enhance the car alarm and vehicle tracking solutions offered at Ralph’s Radio, we’ve introduced the Autowatch Ghost 2 vehicle immobilizer. The Ghost 2 is one of the few insurance company-approved solutions available. Read on to discover how it protects your vehicle.
What is the Autowatch Ghost 2?
The Ghost 2 is an advanced vehicle immobilizer designed to work with the Controller Area Network (CAN) system, which enables the computers in your car to communicate with each other. The Ghost 2 prevents the vehicle from starting until it is deactivated. Best of all, it doesn’t require a key fob in most applications.
How Does the Ghost 2 Work?
In most vehicles, starting the engine is a straightforward process. You typically get into the vehicle and turn the ignition on, either with a key or by pressing the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. Now, it’s time to enter the custom unlock code. The Ghost 2 is unique because it allows you to use existing vehicle buttons and switches to enter the code. For example, you might press the driver window up, driver window down, passenger window up, and then passenger window down. If the code you entered matches the programmed code, the system will flash the turn signal lights on the dash or produce two beeps. The Ghost 2 then permits the engine to start. Turn the key or press the start button with your foot on the brake, and you’re ready to go.
Is My Code Secure?
Some owners worry that the installer might know their code. While our staff is thoroughly vetted, we understand your concern. Fortunately, reprogramming the code to something different is a simple process you can perform at home without any special tools. In fact, we’ll show you how to do that when you pick up your vehicle.
Speaking of security, once installed, the Ghost 2 system remains completely invisible. There are no buttons, LEDs, switches, or displays to indicate that your car has upgraded protection.
What Happens When I Take My Car or Truck in for Service?
The Autowatch Ghost 2 features a dedicated service mode that eliminates the need to enter the code during vehicle servicing. To activate it, you enter your unlock code when dropping off your car at the dealership, then press the button you’ve chosen for service mode five times. The lights on the dash will flash five times to confirm that the service mode is activated. Once you retrieve your car from service, unlock the Ghost 2 with your standard code, and your vehicle will be protected again.
Can a Thief Disconnect the Battery or Hack the CAN Network?
Concerned that a thief might disconnect the battery to turn off the Ghost 2? Don’t be. The system’s integration with the CAN BUS and data storage remains unaffected even if the battery is disconnected or drained. What about hacking into the CAN system to disable the Ghost 2? That’s not possible either. Ghost 2 communicates with the vehicle’s computers but operates independently, making it immune to cloned keys, relay attacks, new key programming, OBD port hacks, and mobile app exploits.
How Important is Installation Quality with the Ghost 2?
We frequently receive questions about the cost of integrating the Ghost 2 into a new vehicle. The process is time-consuming because making all the correct connections with the vehicle’s computers is crucial. Additionally, we take extra care to conceal the Ghost 2 hardware under the dash. Simply connecting the wires and tie-wrapping the bare module to the wire harness would leave it vulnerable to being cut out in seconds by a thief. At Ralph’s Radio, we take great pride in our installations. From selecting a completely concealed mounting location to wrapping the wiring with the same cloth, fleece, or vinyl tapes as the factory harness, we ensure everything under the dash and center console looks 100% original when we’re done.
Is the Ghost 2 a Car Alarm?
A common question is whether the Ghost 2 is a car alarm. In general terms, it is not. The Ghost 2 system won’t alert you if someone opens a door. It lacks shock, motion, or tilt sensors. However, even if someone manages to get inside your vehicle, they won’t be able to start it and drive away. The Ghost 2 provides the ultimate in anti-theft protection.
Protect Your Vehicle with the Ghost 2 Immobilizer
If you’re concerned about automobile theft, visit Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver or Victoria and speak with our team about the Autowatch Ghost 2 vehicle immobilizer. We can provide a detailed quote to help ensure your pride and joy is safe and secure. If you can’t visit one of our stores during regular business hours, give us a call or use our online contact form to send an email to one of our Product Specialists.