Does the ETC Need to Be Reinstalled After Windshield Replacement?
3 Answers
There is an anti-removal switch button on the back of the ETC device, which is pressed against the windshield after installation. If the front windshield is replaced, this button will automatically pop out. At this point, the ETC service will be suspended, and it will need to be reinstalled and reactivated at a designated service point before it can be used again. ETC Installation Method: Sensor Installation. The ETC device is uniformly installed on the interior of the car's front windshield, next to the rearview mirror. It comes with a plastic suction cup to attach to the windshield. Choose an installation position that does not obstruct the driver's front view. Sensor Wiring Installation. Plug the sensor's wiring harness connector into the sensor's port. The wiring harness is connected through the car's internal network, branching out from the vehicle's intelligent information system. The harness can be tucked under the headliner without removing interior panels—simply press it into place to neatly conceal the wiring. Inserting the Card into the ETC Sensor. Gently insert the side of the card with the chip into the ETC sensor's card slot. The sensor detects the chip and reads the express pass card. If the card is inserted correctly, the sensor's display will light up and show "Start Billing," indicating a successful connection between the sensor and the express pass card. ETC Working Principle: The system uses a vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield to communicate with microwave antennas in the ETC lanes at toll stations via dedicated short-range communication. It leverages computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, enabling vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay fees.
I remember once helping a car owner replace the windshield, and the ETC device always needed to be reinstalled. Since it's stuck to the glass, removing the old windshield might loosen or damage the tag head, and if not properly fixed, it might fail to recognize toll stations. I suggest communicating with the workers beforehand during repairs, asking them to carefully remove the device and then taking it to an ETC service point for reattachment and reactivation. This process is quite simple, taking just about ten minutes, but don’t skip this step. Otherwise, you might get stuck at a toll booth while driving, wasting more time and causing bigger trouble. Nowadays, device activation is usually free, but it's important to check if the connection cable is secure to avoid poor contact affecting the signal. Safety comes first—don’t let small issues lead to big problems.
When I had my car's windshield replaced before, I didn't think much about the ETC device. The workers accidentally removed it during the replacement process. After installing the new glass, I stuck it back on, but the alarm went off when passing through the toll station. I immediately went to the service center to inquire, and they told me it needed to be reactivated. It took some time waiting in line to get it fixed. I recommend making an appointment with an ETC service point before replacing your windshield, and remember to bring the device and your ID card to avoid unnecessary trips. The cost isn't high, but don't forget to check if the tag is properly aligned, otherwise the sensitivity might decrease. For those who rely on ETC for daily commuting, a malfunction can really disrupt your travel plans.
