What are the reasons for ETC alarm?
2 Answers
ETC alarm may occur due to the following reasons: The newly arrived device has not yet been activated. It is normal for the device to beep when driving on the highway, but continuous beeping indicates an abnormality in the mailed device. The newly arrived device may have low battery due to shipping and storage time. If the solar panel is installed under a dark film, it may not be able to store electricity. If the anti-tamper button is pressed and released during installation, it may cause the device to beep. During the first installation of the ETC device, the sensor position on the glass may not be pressed firmly enough. ETC installation process: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. The red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered ETC alarms several times for various reasons. The most common issue is the device's battery running out—after all, that little box isn't a perpetual motion machine; after two or three years, the battery depletes, and the system beeps to remind you it's time for a replacement. Account problems are also frequent, such as an expired bank card or insufficient balance, which triggers an alarm signal from the toll station, though sometimes it's a system misjudgment. If there's metal reflective film on the windshield or the tag isn't securely attached and wobbles, the signal can become intermittent, setting off the alarm. Signal interference is another common issue, like when passing through tunnels or when nearby electronic devices cause disruption, but it usually resolves once you drive past. My advice is to first check the tag's position and your account status yourself. If that doesn't help, visit an ETC service point—don’t delay, as it can affect your travel efficiency.
