What are the reasons for the ETC display screen not lighting up?
3 Answers
Reasons for the ETC display screen not lighting up: If the ETC light does not turn on or the screen is black, and there is no response when pressing the top button or inserting the ETC card, it may be due to the ETC device being out of power or damaged. In this case, you can take the ETC device and the ETC card to a nearby ETC service center for inspection. If the device is not damaged due to human factors, it can be reactivated or replaced. ETC is an electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles equipped with ETC on-board units to use dedicated ETC lanes. It employs electronic toll collection methods, and the non-stop toll collection system is currently the most advanced road and bridge toll collection method in the world. It uses dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station.
When encountering this situation, my first thought is a power supply issue—perhaps a blown fuse or poor wiring contact, since the display screen requires stable power to function. If the car charger connection is loose, the ETC device won't start up, and the screen will naturally go black. It could also be a device malfunction, such as aging internal components or water damage, especially common during hot summer temperatures. Additionally, check the vehicle battery status; low voltage can also trigger this issue. I remember last time during a business trip when the screen suddenly went black, I nearly missed the toll booth in panic. After pulling over, turning off the engine, and restarting, the problem disappeared—likely a temporary glitch. I recommend regular maintenance of the device, cleaning plug connections, using a hairdryer to remove moisture, and avoiding similar troubles. If any abnormalities persist, visit a professional repair shop for inspection.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe that an unlit ETC display is usually caused by wiring or power issues. Blown fuses are the most common culprit, especially after prolonged use on bumpy roads. Loose plugs can also lead to unstable connections, causing the screen to flicker on and off. Internal device failures are not uncommon either, such as broken sensors or software crashes requiring reactivation. Speaking of causes, problems with the vehicle's alternator can result in insufficient power supply, affecting all electronic components. For prevention, clean the connectors during each car wash to avoid water accumulation and rust. If self-inspection doesn't help, try visiting an ETC service center to refresh the card, as sometimes it's a system bug. In short, don't delay addressing this issue to avoid getting stuck at highway toll gates and disrupting your trip.
