How to Fix ETC Malfunction?
2 Answers
You can first check if the OBU fixed on the car's front windshield has fallen off. If it falls off, the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU will reset, and you will need to go to the ETC card service point for reactivation. Below is a detailed introduction about ETC: 1. Introduction: ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, which is an automatic toll collection for highways or bridges. Through dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, it uses computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. 2. Technology: The ETC system uses automatic vehicle identification technology to complete wireless data communication between the vehicle and the toll station, enabling automatic vehicle sensing identification and the exchange of related toll data. It uses computer networks to process toll data, achieving a fully automatic electronic toll collection system without the need for stopping or setting up toll booths.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered quite a few ETC issues, usually caused by an unstable card insertion or depleted device battery. You need to check the ETC tag's battery indicator like you would with a phone battery—if it's flashing red, replace the battery immediately. Device aging is also common, and internal circuit shorts can lead to complete failure. It's advisable to avoid prolonged sun exposure when parking to reduce component damage and ensure the green light stays on before driving. If a manual reset doesn’t work, don’t force it—visit a professional repair shop for a proper check-up to save hassle. Once during a long trip, my ETC malfunctioned, and I had to use the manual lane to pay in cash—it was quite troublesome. Make it a habit to wipe the tag surface with a soft cloth monthly to prevent dust from interfering with the signal.
