What are the reasons for ETC not responding?
2 Answers
ETC not responding can be due to the ETC device being out of power or the card being inserted incorrectly. Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Incorrect card insertion: If a solar-powered ETC device does not respond when inserting the card, you need to remove the card, flip it, and insert it into the other side of the ETC device. If the display lights up and shows the balance, it means the card has been successfully inserted. 2. ETC out of power: If a battery-powered ETC device does not respond when the card is inserted correctly, you need to visit the service location to have the staff handle it, as the owner cannot charge it themselves. ETC refers to the Electronic Toll Collection system, which involves dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at toll stations on highways or bridges. It uses computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay the fees.
It's quite common for the ETC to suddenly malfunction while driving, and I often encounter similar situations. Possible reasons include the ETC device's battery running out—these typically need replacement every three to five years, and if the battery quality is poor during initial installation, issues are more likely to arise. Another reason could be the ETC tag not being firmly attached or becoming loose, leading to undetected signals and no feedback received by the toll station's antenna. Device failures are also not uncommon, such as water damage or internal circuit short circuits, especially after driving in rainy conditions. Signal interference can also cause trouble, like in strong electromagnetic environments or when nearby electronic devices disrupt the signal. Additionally, a poorly inserted or faulty card connection may prevent the machine from reading data. I think the most straightforward approach is to first pull over and check the battery and tag status. If simple issues are ruled out, it's best to promptly visit a repair service. Otherwise, it could delay your trip on the highway or even compromise driving safety.
