What is an Immobiliser and How Do I Fit one on My Vehicle?

Vehicle theft has been a prominent issue in the UK for some time now. In 2023-24, up to 129,159 vehicle thefts took place in the country alone. Since 1998, it has been a legal requirement for cars to be fitted with an immobiliser. However, this means many classic cars are missing the anti-theft device. With a car alarm and immobiliser, you can reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen or broken into. This guide aims to explain why it is so important to have an immobiliser and will explain how to fit one to your older vehicles.  So, let’s jump right in. 

What is an Immobiliser? 

You might be wondering, what is an immobiliser? An immobiliser is a car security system designed to only allow your car to start if it receives the right code from the car key. Essentially, it prevents vehicle thefts from being able to bypass the ignition system and driving away with your vehicle. Now for how it all works. Every time you start up your motor, your keys or fob device sends a code to the electronic code unit (ECU) that permits the car to start. 

This would mean if someone attempted to steal the vehicle without the keys, the Immobiliser would activate and prevent the Electronic Control Unit from receiving this code meaning the engine would fail to start. Since their introduction to the car security system category, cars with immobilisers have had a huge impact on reducing keyless car theft. Home Office statistics show that between 1993-2013, immobilisers contributed to a 20-45%  decrease in keyless vehicle theft. 

Some benefits of Immbolisers: 

  • Reduced Vehicle Theft: Cars equipped with an immobiliser are much harder to steal for vehicle thieves as they reduce the chances of keyless entry
  • Cheaper Insurance Policies: Having an immobiliser can, in some cases, reduce your insurance premium due to them making the vehicle less likely to be stolen 
  • Low Cost: Compared to other car security systems, immobilisers can be considered a relatively cheap anti-theft device given their effective level of security 

 Different Types of Immobilisers

Now that we have a better understanding of what an immobiliser does, we can take a look at the differences between immobilisers. For most vehicles, there are two main types of immobilisers. The first type is called a Touch Key Immobiliser. This immobiliser requires you to touch the coded key into a receptacle in the vehicle and then the system will disarm and the car will start. The second type of anti-theft immobiliser is called a Transponder Type Immobiliser. This usually requires carrying a small chip on your keyring. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch, the transponder is read by the immobiliser and then disarms the system.  

Certain advanced types of security systems have advanced features to further the level of security on vehicles. For example, the Pandora Light V2 Car Alarm & Immobiliser gives you access to advanced control of your vehicle from your smartphone and also has an alarm installed. Other systems like Autowatch’s Ghost Immobiliser protect your car from key-cloning, hacking and even key theft with their sophisticated security systems. This ghost immobiliser allows you to start your car by using the buttons in your vehicle to create a unique pin that is required to start the car, meaning it can’t be stolen with just the keys alone. 

Some Immobilisers We Offer: 

COBRA 8510 Thatcham Approved Cat 2 Immobiliser (Fitted)

  • Electronic emergency override 2 Keys
  • Passive arming immobiliser
  • 2 Circuit immobilisation (starter, ignition or fuel)
  • LED Status indication
  • Ignition-on safety circuit
  • Insurance approved
  • User / Fitting instructions
  • Installation certificate

AUTOWATCH GHOST Immobiliser 2 Fully Fitted TASA Approved: 

  • No wire cutting means safer installations
  • Immobilisation by communicating with the ECU
  • PIN code via buttons on steering wheel / dash
  • Undetectable using diagnostics
  • Cannot be bypassed using standard theft methods
  • No radio frequency signals
  • No additional fobs
  • Uses the on-board CAN data network
  • Silent, no relay operation
  • Unique user changeable PIN code
  • Service / Valet mode means the PIN code is never compromised
  • Secure, unique emergency code should the PIN be forgotten
  • Protection from Key Cloning and Key Theft.

Pandora Storm Plus Immobiliser

  • GSM smartphone control Anywhere in the world
  • Tracking and real time location
  • Bluetooth Smartphone app IOS & Android
  • Smartwatch control
  • 6 months free subscription*
  • 2 x Pandora immobiliser tags
  • Minimum of 2 x engine immobiliser
  • Controlled from vehicle factory remote.
  • Bluetooth Smartphone app IOS & Android
  • 128 Bit Encryption on tags and app​
  • Anti-hijack with worldwide shut down
  • Tilt sensor  – Detects vehicle jacking up, towing and wheel theft.
  • Dual Shock sensor  – Detects hard impact Light impact.
  • Motion – Accelerometer, detects speed and movement, vehicle towing.
  • Handsfree arming & disarming
  • Option to add – Remote engine start.

How to fit an Immboliser in your car 

No matter if you’re looking to fit an immobiliser to your car that doesn’t currently have one or are looking to upgrade your current system, it can sometimes seem confusing how to fit an immobiliser to your vehicle. For different immobilisers, the installation process can be different. Some immobilisers can be plugged into the OBD port under the car’s dashboard by the steering wheel, and other types like Ghost Immobilisers are hidden to prevent thieves from finding them. However, even if you have some mechanical experience, installing an immobiliser system can be a tricky task to complete. Without professional installation, it opens up the risk of electrical issues, damaging the equipment and even your vehicle. 

Hopefully, this guide will help you understand more about what a vehicle immobiliser is and how to fit it. Perhaps you are now considering purchasing one of our Immbolisers. Here at Motor Guard, we are the Midlands leading Vehicle Security & Audio specialists. We understand the importance of protecting your vehicle with enhanced security measures. Also, we are the only Platinum Approved Pandora Alarms dealer in the Midlands, so you can have peace of mind knowing we provide the highest standard of service from our industry experts.  For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our expert team today for an unbiased assessment on 0121 373 3122, and we will be happy to answer any questions. 

Areas We Install: 

  • Birmingham
  • Sandwell Specialist Car Security Installation Services
  • Dudley Specialist Car Security Installation 
  • Car Security Installation Coventry 
  • Car Security Installation Staffordshire
  • Specialist Car Security Installation West Bromwich 

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