The Ghost Immobiliser II is one of the most advanced vehicle security devices on the market. As a TASSA-verified, Autowatch-approved installer, the Eydens Auto Locksmiths team speaks to countless drivers of vans and cars who want reliable, robust security to protect their vehicles and possessions.
Having this anti-theft device installed is a great way to defend against crime, and provided the immobiliser is installed by a qualified professional and properly programmed, the chance of any issues arising is minimal.
However, if you’ve fitted a Ghost Immobiliser yourself, or have had a device for some time that has stopped functioning correctly, we’ve run through some of the possible reasons to help you troubleshoot the cause and get back on the road.
1. Entering the Wrong Disarming Sequence
Part of the appeal of the Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is that you, as the user, can set any sequence you want to deactivate the immobiliser and start your car. There are a few potential challenges you might encounter if you’ve forgotten the sequence or have entered the wrong sequence too many times:
- The device locks and can’t be deactivated again for a minimum period of time
- Your vehicle battery drains down, and you can’t start the car even if you’ve since remembered the sequence
While we’d never recommend writing down the sequence, since this negates the value of having a unique entry code, it is important you pick a series of button presses you can remember with ease, or that you practice this enough so that you’re confident you won’t forget.
If you have found yourself in this situation, you’ll need to follow the correct reset instructions, which may include using the reset code in your product manual. However, the protocol can differ for some models, including Land Rovers, Audis, VWs, Porsches and BMWs.
Auto locksmiths with authorisation to install Ghost Immobilisers can, of course, guide you through this.
2. The Ghost Immobiliser Suddenly Stops Working
Immobilisers aren’t considered vulnerable to failure, so this is less common. However, a Ghost Immobiliser may stop working if it hasn’t been installed properly or if there are wiring issues.
In some situations, an older immobiliser installed several years ago may have degraded and need to be replaced. More often, it can be due to errors during installation.
3. Issues Connecting to a Ghost Immobiliser
Drivers with a Ghost II model can log in via a mobile app to disarm the immobiliser, as long as their phone is in range, but a number of possible things can cause connectivity issues:
- Firmware may need to be updated, and you’ll usually receive a notification in the app or on your vehicle dashboard, don’t ignore this!
- Programming issues can mean the immobiliser seems unresponsive.
- Trying to pair more than the maximum of two mobiles and tags can mean attempting to log in using a different device fails.
The best advice is to double-check that your Bluetooth is turned on, check for any updates in the app, and reconnect to see if this resolves the issue. If, however, there’s a programming issue, you may need to call an auto locksmith.
4. Problems Switching a Ghost Immobiliser Into Valet/Service Mode
Valet mode enables drivers with a Ghost Immobiliser to temporarily turn off the device while their car is being serviced, repaired, or cleaned, without resetting the disarming sequence or being physically present.
Generally, valet or service mode works smoothly, and the most common reason a driver can’t enter the mode, or turn it off, is because they’ve misunderstood the correct way to programme the device.
You can review the manual and follow the steps carefully to see if this is the case, and in most situations, the problem will be fixed.
5. The Ghost Immobiliser Is Interfering With Stop/Start Functions
It’s rare for a Ghost Immobiliser to cause any problems with starting or turning off your engine, because the device is engineered to re-arm automatically once the engine is turned off, without any additional steps required.
There have, though, been reports of issues where stop/start buttons don’t seem to be working. This is almost always either caused by errors during installation or an unrelated problem with the car’s ignition or electronics.
To check, you can put the immobiliser into valet mode and see if the same issues recur. If so, this may require an automotive professional to investigate the underlying reason.
6. You’re Seeing Warning Lights or Errors on Your Dashboard
Ghost Immobilisers are compatible with most modern vehicles, and an experienced technician will always advise whether this is the case or if there are specific models and variants that are most suitable for your car.
However, if you see warning lights flashing on your dashboard with no apparent cause, you might have entered the disarming sequence incorrectly or could have an incompatible immobiliser that is creating interference with your car’s electrics.
If you believe the problem is the latter, you may need to upgrade your immobiliser, update the software, or switch to a compatible device.
Avoiding Ghost Immobiliser Problems With Professional Advice and Installation
As we’ve seen, the vast majority of issues that are either linked to Ghost Immobilisers or thought to be caused by these security devices are actually related to user errors, issues during the installation and programming phase, or incompatibility.
Our advice is to speak with an approved installer rather than buying a vehicle security system online, and to rule out obvious minor issues first, such as updating the Ghost Immobiliser app, before you call a mechanic or an auto locksmith.
While we’re able to assist with emergency callout services throughout the West Midlands, it may be more cost-effective to pay for a professional installation in the first place rather than fixing, replacing, or rewiring an immobiliser only after a problem occurs.
You’ll find more information about Ghost Immobiliser models, installation services and options via our dedicated pages at Eydens Auto Locksmiths, or simply give us a call or get in touch here.
