12/07/2026
This is a small, yet very important reminder for owners of vehicles fitted with a Ghost immobiliser - and why my handovers always include a 20 - 30 minute demonstration. 💪🏻
Have you had a Ghost installed in your vehicle?
It is only as SECURE as you make it.
Long read but extremely important for all Ghost customers.
GHOST IMMOBILISER SECURITY — IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION!!!!
The Ghost immobiliser provides a highly effective layer of protection against vehicle theft by preventing the vehicle from being driven unless an authorised disarm method is used. Depending on the system configuration, this may include:
• Entering a personal PIN using the vehicle’s existing buttons.
• Connecting through the authorised Ghost mobile application.
• Using an approved Bluetooth identification fob.
The security of the system depends not only on the installation, but also on how the owner uses and protects these authorised access methods.
INCORRECT USE OF BLUETOOTH FOBS
A Bluetooth fob is designed to automatically identify an authorised driver when it is within range of the vehicle. While convenient, it must be treated as a security device—not simply as another keyring accessory.
The vehicle may be at increased risk if the Bluetooth fob is:
• Left inside the vehicle.
• Stored close to the vehicle while it is parked at home.
• Attached to the vehicle keys and handed to an unknown person.
• Left with a workshop, valet, car wash or transport company.
• Lost or stolen without being removed from the Ghost system.
• Carried in luggage or personal belongings that remain inside the vehicle.
If the fob is within operational range, the Ghost may recognise it as an authorised driver. This could allow the vehicle to be started without requiring the personal PIN.
For maximum security, the Bluetooth fob should be kept separate from the vehicle keys and stored well away from the vehicle when it is not being used.
If a fob is lost, stolen or unaccounted for, contact an approved Ghost installer immediately so that it can be removed from the system.
INCORRECT USE OF MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION
The Ghost mobile application can provide convenient authorised access, but the phone effectively becomes part of the vehicle’s security system.
The vehicle may be vulnerable if:
• The phone is left inside the vehicle.
• The phone is unlocked and handed to another person.
• The phone’s screen lock, fingerprint recognition or facial recognition is disabled.
• The Ghost application or pairing information is shared with another person.
• An old phone remains paired after it has been sold, traded or given away.
• A lost or stolen phone is not immediately secured or removed from the system.
• The owner relies only on the phone and stops protecting or remembering the personal PIN.
Owners should use a secure phone passcode and enable biometric protection where available. Lost, stolen, replaced or sold phones should be removed from the Ghost system as soon as possible.
The Ghost emergency card number and mobile application pairing information must also be kept confidential. A photograph of the emergency card should not be stored in an unsecured photo gallery, email account or shared messaging service.
Do Not Leave the Phone or Fob With the Vehicle
Leaving an authorised phone or Bluetooth fob inside the vehicle may effectively leave the Ghost in an authorised state. This can significantly reduce the protection provided by the immobiliser.
The phone, Bluetooth fob, personal PIN and emergency card should never be stored together in the vehicle.
The safest everyday procedure is to retain control of the phone or fob and use the personal PIN whenever there is any doubt.
TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE
Always Activate Service Mode
Service Mode is specifically designed for situations where another person needs to operate the vehicle temporarily, including:
• Mechanical servicing.
• Dealership repairs.
• Tyre replacement.
• Auto-electrical work.
• Windscreen replacement.
• Panel beating.
• Vehicle detailing.
• Transport or towing.
• Valet parking.
• Any situation where the ignition may be switched on.
Service Mode allows authorised workshop personnel to start and move the vehicle without being given the owner’s personal PIN, Bluetooth fob, mobile phone or emergency information.
The Security Risk of Not Using Service Mode
Taking the vehicle to a workshop without activating Service Mode may create an unnecessary security breach.
To allow the workshop to operate the vehicle, an owner may be tempted to:
• Disclose the personal PIN.
• Demonstrate the PIN sequence in front of workshop personnel or cameras.
• Leave the Bluetooth fob with the vehicle.
• Leave an unlocked or paired phone with the vehicle.
• Provide the emergency card or pairing code.
• Tell the workshop where the Ghost unit is installed.
• Explain details about the immobilisation circuit or installation location.
Any of these actions can compromise the confidentiality of the Ghost system.
The personal PIN should remain known only to the vehicle owner and other trusted authorised drivers. It should never be written on a job card, service booking, key tag, invoice or workshop paperwork.
The location of the Ghost unit and its immobilisation connections must also remain confidential. Workshop personnel generally do not need this information to service the vehicle.
Workshop Problems When Service Mode Is Not Activated
Failure to activate Service Mode may also cause operational problems, including:
• The vehicle failing to start for the technician.
• Repeated immobilisation attempts.
• Unnecessary fault-finding.
• Incorrect diagnosis of a vehicle electrical problem.
• Delays to the service or repair.
• Additional labour charges.
• The Ghost installation being unnecessarily disturbed.
• Workshop personnel attempting to bypass or disconnect the system.
Repeated unsuccessful starting attempts may draw attention to the presence and operation of the immobiliser. Unauthorised interference can also compromise the quality and concealment of the original installation.
Recommended Procedure Before a Service
Before handing over the vehicle:
1. Activate Ghost Service Mode.
2. Confirm that the vehicle starts without entering the PIN.
3. Keep the Bluetooth fob, mobile phone and emergency card with you.
4. Do not disclose the personal PIN.
5. Do not disclose the Ghost installation location.
6. Tell the workshop that an aftermarket immobiliser is fitted and that it has been placed into Service Mode.
7. After collecting the vehicle, exit Service Mode and confirm that the normal PIN or authorised identification procedure is operating correctly.
Service Mode should only remain active for the period in which the vehicle is being serviced or handled by another person.
OWNER SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES
To maintain the highest level of Ghost protection:
• Keep the personal PIN confidential.
• Never store the PIN inside the vehicle.
• Keep the emergency card in a secure location away from the vehicle.
• Protect the mobile phone with a strong passcode and biometric security.
• Remove old or lost phones from the system.
• Report missing Bluetooth fobs immediately.
• Keep Bluetooth fobs away from the parked vehicle.
• Never leave an authorised phone or fob inside the vehicle.
• Use Service Mode whenever the vehicle is given to a workshop or another third party.
• Exit Service Mode as soon as the vehicle is returned.
• Contact an approved Ghost installer if there is any concern that the PIN, fob, phone pairing or emergency information has been compromised.
The Ghost immobiliser is most effective when its authorised access methods remain private and under the owner’s control. Convenience features must be used carefully so they do not unintentionally reduce the vehicle’s security.
