Autowatch Ghost 3 Is Here: The Ghost Immobiliser Built for Modern CAN FD Cars
Everything you already trust about the Ghost, now compatible with the faster networks in today's cars and ready for remote immobilisation.
For years, the Autowatch Ghost has been one of the most popular immobilisers we fit. It's invisible, it doesn't rely on a key fob, and it stops a thief driving your car away even if they've cloned or stolen your keys.
There was one catch, though. As carmakers moved to a newer, faster type of in-car network called CAN FD, the Ghost 2 couldn't talk to it. On some of the newest BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi models, for example, we had to recommend an alternative.
Autowatch has now solved that with the Ghost 3. It keeps everything people love about the Ghost 2 and Ghost Pro, works on CAN FD vehicles, and can be programmed for remote immobilisation.
What's new in the Ghost 3?
If you already know the Ghost, the short version is this: same Ghost, more cars, more control. The new features are highlighted.
What is CAN FD? (In plain English)
Every modern car is full of small computers called control modules: one for the engine, one for the gearbox, one for the doors, one for the airbags, and dozens more. They need to talk to each other constantly, and they do it over a shared network called the CAN bus (Controller Area Network).
Think of it like a motorway
Standard CAN is a reliable but fairly narrow road. Each "vehicle" on it (a single message) can only carry a small load, and there's a speed limit. That was fine 15 years ago. But today's cars run lane-keeping cameras, radar cruise control, big touchscreens and electric drivetrains, and the old road has become congested.
CAN FD (Flexible Data-rate) is the upgraded version of that road: wider lorries and a higher speed limit. It was developed by Bosch and has been rolled out across more and more new models, because it lets carmakers move more information without adding extra wiring.
Why it matters for security: an immobiliser like the Ghost works by reading and talking on your car's network. If it can't understand the language that network speaks, it can't be fitted. That's why older units, including the Ghost 2, can't go on a CAN FD vehicle, and why the Ghost 3 is such an important update.
Does my car use CAN FD?
There's no badge or switch that tells you. It depends on the make, model and year, and sometimes even the trim. CAN FD is now common on recent models from premium brands, and it's spreading across mainstream manufacturers too. The easiest thing to do is send us your make, model and year, and we'll check it against Autowatch's compatibility data before you book.
Been told your car "can't have a Ghost"? If that was because your vehicle runs on CAN FD, the Ghost 3 may well change the answer. Get in touch and we'll take another look.
Remote immobilisation: locking your car from anywhere
Normally, the Ghost unlocks for driving when you enter your PIN or when your paired tag or phone is nearby. That's ideal day to day. But there are times you'd want the car to stay locked down no matter what:
- You're away on holiday and the car is sitting on the drive
- Your house has been broken into and your keys or phone have been taken
- The car is stored for a long period, such as a weekend or classic car in winter
- You run a business vehicle and want control over when it can be used
The Ghost 3 can be programmed for remote immobilisation. Paired with the Autowatch CANbot and the Ghost Link app, you can put the car into a full lockdown from your phone. While it's active, the usual PIN, tag and phone disarm methods are ignored until you release it, and you'll get an alert if anyone tries to start the car.
Ghost 2 vs Ghost 3 at a glance
| Feature | Ghost 2 | Ghost 3 |
|---|---|---|
| PIN entered on the car's own buttons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tag or smartphone disarming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Service / valet mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency override code | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard CAN vehicles | ✓ | ✓ |
| CAN FD vehicles | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vehicle networks connected | Single CAN | Dual CAN as standard |
| Remote immobilisation | ✗ | ✓ (programmable) |
| Processor | Previous generation | New high-speed, lower power |
| Availability | Being phased out | Current model |
The Ghost 3 carries over all of the Ghost 2 and Ghost Pro's everyday features.
How the Ghost 3 protects your car
The Ghost 3 sits deep inside your vehicle's wiring and connects directly to its network. Until it's disarmed, it stops the car from being driven, either digitally over the network or with a traditional circuit cut where a vehicle needs it. We choose the right method for your car at installation.
That means it defends against the theft methods we see most often:
- Relay attacks on keyless cars, where thieves boost your key's signal from inside your house (how relay theft works)
- Key cloning and key programming through the diagnostic port
- CAN injection, where thieves wire into the car's network from outside, a method that's hit Toyota and Lexus owners hard (Toyota & Lexus security)
- Stolen keys: even with your real key in hand, a thief can't drive away without your code
Because the Ghost has no fob of its own and doesn't transmit a radio signal while protecting the car, there's nothing for a thief to detect, scan or jam.
Service and valet mode
Taking the car in for a service, MOT or valet? Put the Ghost 3 into service mode before you hand over the keys, and the garage can drive it without knowing your code. If the car is driven continuously for a set time (15 minutes by default, adjustable at fitting), service mode switches itself off. The engine won't cut out mid-journey; the Ghost simply re-arms the next time the ignition is turned off.
Factory remote climate still works
If your car has a manufacturer app that pre-heats or pre-cools the cabin, on many vehicles that will carry on working with a Ghost 3 fitted. The engine can run for climate control, but the car still can't be driven away until the Ghost is disarmed. A small number of vehicles don't support this, so we'll confirm it for your model before fitting.
What's included for £499
- Compatibility check. Before booking, we check your make, model and year so you know the Ghost 3 will work on your car.
- Mobile installation at your door. We come to your home or place of work anywhere across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. Most installs take a few hours.
- Careful, hidden fitting. Every connection is properly insulated and the unit is hidden away. We never do a box-standard install.
- Your PIN set up. We programme your personal disarm sequence using your car's own buttons and set up service mode.
- Full handover. We walk you through using the PIN, service mode and emergency code, and leave you with your documentation.
Already have a Ghost 2 that's working well? There's no need to rush out and replace it. It still protects your current car. The Ghost 3 matters most if you're moving to a newer CAN FD vehicle or you want remote immobilisation. Autowatch is phasing out the Ghost 2, so all new Ghost installations from us will be Ghost 3.
Build on your Ghost 3
Every car and every owner is different, and we'd always rather have a quick chat than push a one-size-fits-all package. If the Ghost 3 isn't the best fit for your vehicle, we'll tell you, and suggest what is. You can also check whether your car appears on our list of the UK's most stolen cars.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Autowatch Ghost 3 cost?
We supply and fit the Autowatch Ghost 3 for £499, fully fitted at your home or place of work anywhere across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex.
What is the difference between the Ghost 2 and the Ghost 3?
The Ghost 3 keeps everything the Ghost 2 and Ghost Pro do, such as a PIN entered on the car's own buttons, tag or phone disarming and service mode. It adds compatibility with CAN FD, the faster network used in many modern vehicles, and it can be programmed for remote immobilisation. It also uses a faster processor with lower power consumption.
What is CAN FD?
CAN FD (Controller Area Network with Flexible Data-rate) is an upgraded version of the CAN bus network that lets a car's control modules talk to each other. It carries up to 64 bytes per message instead of 8 and can switch to a much faster speed while sending data. Many newer vehicles use it, and older immobilisers such as the Ghost 2 cannot work on it.
How do I know if my car uses CAN FD?
You usually can't tell from the outside. CAN FD is increasingly common on recent models from brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Send us your make, model and year and we'll check compatibility before booking.
Can the Ghost 3 immobilise my car remotely?
Yes. The Ghost 3 can be programmed for remote immobilisation. When set up with the Autowatch CANbot and the Ghost Link app, you can put the car into a full lockdown from your phone so the normal PIN, tag and phone disarm methods won't work until you release it.
Will my car's remote heating or cooling still work with a Ghost 3 fitted?
On many vehicles, yes. Factory app features such as pre-heating or pre-cooling can still run the engine for climate control, but the car can't be driven away until the Ghost 3 is disarmed. A small number of vehicles may not support this, so we confirm it for your model before fitting.
I have a Ghost 2. Do I need to upgrade?
Not necessarily. If your Ghost 2 is working well on your current car it still protects it. The Ghost 3 matters most if you're buying a newer CAN FD vehicle or want remote immobilisation. Autowatch is phasing out the Ghost 2 in favour of the Ghost 3, so new installations will be Ghost 3.
Get the Ghost 3 fitted for £499
Mobile installation at your home or workplace across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. Send us your vehicle details and we'll confirm compatibility first.
Product details based on Autowatch UK's Ghost III information. CAN FD figures from published technical guidance on the CAN FD protocol. Features and compatibility vary by vehicle.
