If your vehicle has a Ghost immobiliser installed, is it still possible to sell the vehicle? Will it lower or raise the price? Can the Ghost immobiliser be removed once it’s installed?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Can you sell a car with a ghost immobiliser?’
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
How do they install ghost immobilisers?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in installing a Ghost immobiliser, please note that this process may vary between installers:
- Vehicle preparation: The installer will begin by preparing the vehicle. This may involve removing parts of the dashboard, centre console, or other interior components to access the necessary wiring and components.
- CAN bus connection: The Ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN bus network, which is a network of interconnected ECUs that control various functions in your car. This connection allows the Ghost to communicate with the vehicle’s ECUs and intercept their signals.
- Wiring: The installer will then connect the Ghost immobiliser to specific components within the vehicle, such as the ignition or steering lock. This may involve running wires through various parts of the vehicle, including under the dashboard or through the firewall.
- Programming: Once the device is physically connected, the installer will program it to work with your specific vehicle model. This involves entering a unique code that is specific to your vehicle. This code is used to authenticate the Ghost immobiliser and prevent unauthorised access.
- Testing: After programming, the installer will test the Ghost immobiliser to ensure it is functioning properly. This may involve attempting to start the vehicle without entering the correct code or simulating different scenarios to test the device’s response.
- Final adjustments: The installer may make some final adjustments to the installation, such as securing the wires and restoring the removed components of the vehicle.
- Documentation: The installer will provide you with documentation regarding the installation, including the unique code for your Ghost immobiliser. This documentation is important to keep in case you need to have the device serviced or removed in the future.
Remember, the installation process can be complex and time-consuming. It’s essential to have it done by a qualified professional who has experience with Ghost immobilisers and your specific vehicle model.
Can any car get a ghost immobiliser?
Generally, most cars can have a Ghost immobiliser installed. However, there may be a few exceptions depending on the specific vehicle model and its electronic systems.
Here are some factors that could make a vehicle incompatible with a Ghost immobiliser:
- Very old vehicles: Older vehicles with outdated or non-standard electronic systems may not be compatible with the Ghost immobiliser’s technology.
- Custom modifications: Extensive modifications to a vehicle’s electrical system or CAN bus network could potentially interfere with the Ghost immobiliser’s functionality.
- Certain manufacturers: In rare cases, some manufacturers may have security systems or software that are incompatible with the Ghost immobiliser.
- Damages: If your vehicle has suffered damages that have not been addressed, specifically with electrics, this will likely affect the performance of the Ghost immobiliser.
- Incorrect installation: If your installation is not handled by a professional, you run the risk of installing the Ghost immobiliser incorrectly, resulting in more time and money spent trying to fix it.
Can you sell a car with a Ghost immobiliser?
Yes, you can sell a car with a Ghost immobiliser that is already installed. In fact, having a Ghost immobiliser installed can be a selling point, as it can increase the vehicle’s perceived security and value.
When selling your car, it’s important to disclose the presence of the Ghost immobiliser to potential buyers. This will help them understand the additional security features of the vehicle and may even increase the asking price.
It is also recommended that you provide documentation or proof of installation to the buyer, which can help them verify the authenticity of the device. In any case, you should never reveal the unlock code for your Ghost Immobiliser until the vehicle is officially sold. Alternatively, you can reset your unlock code.
Can a Ghost immobiliser be removed and placed on another car?
Yes, a Ghost immobiliser can be removed and placed in another car. This is extremely handy if you want to install your current Ghost immobiliser system onto your new vehicle. However, it’s important to note that this process should only be carried out by a qualified professional.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Professional installation: Ghost immobilisers are complex electronic devices that require specialised knowledge and tools for installation and removal. Attempting to remove or install a Ghost immobiliser yourself could damage the device or your vehicle.
- Transferability: While Ghost immobilisers can be transferred from one vehicle to another, there may be compatibility issues depending on the specific models involved. It’s essential to consult with a professional to determine if the Ghost immobiliser is compatible with your new vehicle.
- Cost: The cost of removing and reinstalling a Ghost immobiliser can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the location of the professional.
If you’re considering transferring a Ghost immobiliser from one vehicle to another, it’s highly recommended to seek the advice of a qualified automotive security specialist. They can assess the feasibility of the transfer and provide you with accurate information about the costs and potential challenges involved.
Explore Ghost immobilisers today
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Wheel refurbishment:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have provided insight by answering the question ‘Can you sell a car with ghost immmobiliser?’. Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
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