Technical Deep Dive

What Is IGLA? The Digital Immobilizer Protecting High-Value Vehicles

IGLA prevents your vehicle's engine from starting—even if a thief has cloned your key fob, accessed your OBD port, or bypassed your factory alarm. This is the most comprehensive guide to understanding how it works, what installation involves, and whether it's right for your vehicle.

Updated January 2025 12 min read Technical Guide

In This Guide

How IGLA Works

IGLA connects directly to your vehicle's CAN bus—the digital network that controls everything from your engine to your windows. Think of the CAN bus as your car's nervous system: every command flows through it.

When you press the start button, here's what normally happens: your key fob sends a signal, the car's computer verifies it, and the engine starts. IGLA intercepts this process. It sits between the key fob authentication and the engine start sequence.

If you haven't entered your secret PIN first, the engine simply won't start. To the car's computer, it's as if you never pressed the button at all. There's no error message, no alarm—nothing to indicate what's blocking the start. The car just doesn't respond.

CAN Bus Integration

Connects to your vehicle's internal network at the hardware level, monitoring all start commands.

PIN via Factory Buttons

Uses existing controls: steering wheel buttons, turn signals, or window switches. Nothing new to install.

Completely Invisible

No external hardware, no signals, no LEDs. Thieves scanning for security systems find nothing.

The Key Insight

IGLA doesn't try to prevent someone from unlocking your car or sitting in the driver's seat. It prevents the final step: the engine actually starting. Even with a cloned key, relayed signal, or OBD programming tool, the engine won't turn over without the PIN.

PIN Entry Method

One of the most common concerns people have is: "Will I have to enter a PIN every time I drive?" The short answer is yes—but it's designed to be so seamless that it becomes second nature within a day or two.

Your PIN isn't entered on a visible keypad. That would be too obvious and easy for a thief to spot. Instead, you use buttons that already exist in your car: steering wheel controls, turn signal stalks, window switches, or other factory buttons. You choose the sequence during installation.

Here's what entering your PIN looks like in practice:

Example PIN Sequence

  1. 1 Tap left turn signal once
  2. 2 Press cruise control "up" twice
  3. 3 Press driver window down button once
  4. Start the car normally

Total time: 2-3 seconds. To anyone watching, you're just adjusting controls before driving. There's no visible indication that you're disarming a security system.

Buttons You Can Use

  • • Steering wheel controls (volume, cruise)
  • • Turn signal stalks
  • • Window switches
  • • Climate control buttons
  • • Seat memory buttons
  • • Any CAN-connected control

PIN Flexibility

  • • 2-10 steps in your sequence
  • • Mix different buttons
  • • Include "double taps"
  • • Change anytime you want
  • • Set a secondary "valet" PIN
  • • No limit on failed attempts

Why Thieves Can't Bypass It

This is the critical question. Any security system is only as good as its resistance to bypass. Here's why IGLA is fundamentally different from other anti-theft devices:

No Radio Signals

IGLA doesn't transmit anything. Relay amplifiers, RF scanners, and signal jammers can't detect it. There's literally nothing to intercept.

OBD-Proof

Even with direct OBD port access and professional programming tools, thieves cannot bypass IGLA's authentication layer. It's been tested extensively.

Cloned Keys Don't Work

A perfectly cloned key will unlock doors, turn on accessories, and appear to work—but the engine won't start without the PIN sequence.

Invisible Installation

No visible wiring, no keypads, no blinking LEDs. Professional installers hide the module in locations that would require hours to find.

Time Pressure

Most vehicle thefts happen in under 60 seconds. IGLA forces thieves into a situation where they need time they don't have.

No Detection Signature

Thieves often case vehicles before stealing them, checking for security systems. IGLA gives them nothing to find.

The Scenario

A thief successfully relays your key signal, unlocks your Hellcat, sits in the driver's seat, and presses the start button. Nothing happens. They try again. Nothing. They have no idea why. They can't see any security device. They don't know what buttons to press. They have maybe 30 seconds before a neighbor notices. They leave.

Installation Process

IGLA requires professional installation—this isn't a DIY project. The installer needs to access your vehicle's CAN bus, program the device for your specific car, and hide it in a location that's effectively impossible to find.

1

Vehicle Assessment (15-30 min)

The installer examines your specific vehicle to identify CAN bus access points and determine the optimal installation location. They'll also identify which factory buttons will work best for your PIN.

2

Hardware Installation (1-2 hours)

The IGLA module is connected to the CAN bus and secured in a hidden location. This might be inside the dashboard, behind panels, or in other areas that require significant disassembly to access.

3

Programming & Configuration (30 min)

The installer programs IGLA for your specific vehicle model, configures which buttons will be used for PIN entry, and sets up any additional features like service mode or secondary user PINs.

4

Training & Handoff (15-30 min)

You'll set your personal PIN sequence, practice entering it until it's comfortable, and learn about service mode, valet mode, and how to change your PIN later.

2-4
Hours total
0
Visible modifications
100%
Reversible

Daily Use & Convenience

The most important test of any security system is whether you'll actually use it. If it's annoying, you'll find ways to skip it. IGLA was designed with daily use in mind.

A Typical Morning

You walk to your car, unlock it with your key fob, get in, buckle your seatbelt. While you're settling in, you tap your PIN sequence on the steering wheel controls—same buttons you might use to adjust music volume anyway. Takes 2 seconds. Press start. Engine runs. You're moving.

Most owners report that PIN entry becomes automatic within 2-3 days. You'll do it without thinking about it.

Multiple Drivers

Set up secondary PINs for family members. Each person can have their own sequence. You can also add or remove users anytime.

Valet Mode

Giving your car to a valet? Enter valet mode with a special sequence. The car starts without the PIN until you disable it.

Service Mode

Taking your car to the dealer or mechanic? Service mode temporarily disables PIN requirement for a set time period.

Trusted Locations

Some IGLA models can be configured to skip PIN entry at trusted locations like your home garage (using Bluetooth geofencing).

Installation & Pricing

What's Included

IGLA hardware with lifetime warranty
Professional installation (2-4 hours)
PIN setup and user training
Post-installation support
Installation certificate

No Recurring Costs

Unlike GPS trackers or subscription-based services, IGLA has no monthly fees. Pay once, protected forever.

Typical Installed Cost

$1,200–$1,800

Price varies by vehicle complexity and regional installer rates. Luxury vehicles and those requiring more extensive disassembly may be at the higher end.

Cost in Context

  • Average comprehensive deductible $500–$1,000
  • Premium increase after theft claim $200–$400/yr
  • Replacement hassle & depreciation Significant

IGLA vs. Other Solutions

Solution Stops Relay Stops CAN No Monthly Invisible
IGLA
Faraday Pouch
GPS Tracker
Steering Wheel Lock
Factory Alarm
Kill Switch

= Partial protection (requires consistent use or has limitations)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my PIN?
IGLA has a "service mode" that you set during installation—a master code that allows temporary bypass. Your installer can also help reset the PIN if needed. Since the PIN uses buttons you press every day, most people find it very hard to forget. It becomes muscle memory.
Does it work with remote start?
Yes. IGLA can be configured to allow remote start while maintaining protection. The car can start remotely but won't shift out of park without PIN entry. This works for both factory and aftermarket remote start systems.
Will it void my warranty?
No. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your rights. Dealers cannot void your warranty simply because you installed aftermarket equipment. They would need to prove that IGLA specifically caused a failure—which it won't, since it's a passive device that only monitors and blocks start commands.
What about dealer service visits?
Before your appointment, put IGLA in service mode. This temporarily disables PIN requirement for a set period (you choose: 1 hour, 8 hours, etc.). The car operates normally during this time. Service mode automatically expires and protection resumes.
Can I transfer it to a new vehicle?
Yes. An installer can remove IGLA and reinstall it in your new vehicle for a labor charge. The hardware is reusable. Just factor in that there will be installation cost again ($300-500 typically for removal and reinstallation).
What vehicles are compatible?
IGLA is compatible with most vehicles manufactured after 2008 that have CAN bus architecture (virtually all modern cars). This includes domestic, European, and Asian manufacturers. Your installer can confirm compatibility for your specific make, model, and year.
How long does installation take?
Typically 2-4 hours depending on vehicle complexity. More intricate installations (some luxury vehicles, vehicles with extensive interior trim) may take longer. Your installer will give you an estimate when you schedule.
Is there a mobile app?
Some IGLA models (like IGLA 231) include optional Bluetooth connectivity and an app for PIN-less starting in trusted locations. However, the core security doesn't depend on an app—it's hardwired and works independently.
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Typical installed cost: $1,200–$1,800