Ghost II or Ghost III? Vehicle Compatibility Guide
Resource by OJB Autocare
Ghost II and Ghost III are both Autowatch immobilisers that require extra driver authorisation before the car can be driven. For most owners, the practical difference is which vehicle data networks each model is designed to work with.
How the two models compare
| Attribute | Ghost II | Ghost III |
|---|---|---|
| CAN platform | Single CAN | Dual CAN |
| CAN-FD support | No | Yes |
| Legacy CAN network support | Supported network type; exact vehicle still needs checking | Supported network type; exact vehicle still needs checking |
| Production status | No longer produced | Current model |
| Authorisation | PIN via existing buttons, with phone or tag depending on setup | PIN via existing buttons, with tag or phone depending on setup |
Autowatch sets out these details on its Ghost II product page and its Ghost III help page.
Why your car's age does not decide it
CAN-FD is a newer, faster form of the CAN network that a vehicle's systems use to communicate with each other. Many owners assume that a recent car must need Ghost III and an older car must suit Ghost II. In practice, networks vary between manufacturers, between models and even between variants of the same model. The model year is a clue, not a rule.
Ghost III can also suit legacy CAN vehicles, but the specific car still has to be checked. On a Ghost III fitting, the installer also decides how the unit connects to that vehicle. This can involve CAN, LIN and, where needed, analogue immobilisation.
If Ghost II is already fitted
Autowatch says Ghost II is no longer produced and that an existing installation does not automatically need upgrading. If your Ghost II works well and suits your car, the arrival of Ghost III is not by itself a reason to replace it. If you have questions about your particular unit or vehicle, ask your installer.
Worksheet: details to gather before a check
Copy these prompts and fill them in before you speak to an installer:
- Make and model:
- Model year and registration:
- Fuel type and transmission:
- Trim or variant name:
- Factory remote features you use, for example app climate control:
- Aftermarket electrics already fitted:
- Ghost already fitted? If so, which model:
Nothing on this page confirms that either model will fit a particular car. Only a check of your exact vehicle can do that. If you are ready to look at the current model with OJB, its Ghost III immobiliser page has more detail.
