What are the reasons for the failure of the ETC tag?
4 Answers
ETC tag failure can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. ETC is designed for specific vehicles and has a protective linkage during installation. There is a push-button switch on the side that adheres to the car's windshield. If this switch is triggered twice consecutively, it will cause the ETC electronic tag to fail. 2. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag becomes detached or loose, may also lead to the failure of the ETC electronic tag. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, which is an automatic toll system for highways or bridges. It utilizes 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. Through computer networking technology, it processes background settlements with banks, enabling vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay the tolls.
After driving for a long time, my ETC tag has failed several times, mainly due to the battery running out. The device lasts about three to four years before the power is depleted, and aging issues are quite common. Sometimes, it was installed crookedly, and the antenna loosened due to road bumps and vibrations, causing signal disconnection. Another time, it couldn’t be recognized after a system upgrade and had to be reactivated. It’s really embarrassing when the barrier doesn’t lift at the highway toll gate, causing delays in queues and potential fines. I recommend regularly checking the battery status via a mobile app or seeing if the tag’s indicator light is green. When it fails, I go directly to the ETC service center for assistance—they can test the device, replace it, or repair it to ensure smooth passage and avoid disrupting travel. Don’t try to dismantle a faulty tag yourself; professional maintenance may cost a little but saves time and hassle. Also, avoid exposing the device to extreme heat or cold to prolong its lifespan.
ETC tag failures are often caused by dead batteries, as the battery inside the tag has a limited lifespan and may deplete after a few years or be affected by extreme temperatures. Signal interference from the antenna is another major reason, such as nearby metal objects or magnetic fields disrupting the induction. Physical damage, like dropping the tag and damaging the antenna or causing internal circuit short circuits, is also common. I regularly check if the tag is securely installed to ensure it doesn't interfere with the windshield film or block signals. System compatibility issues, such as old devices not supporting new toll station systems, require timely updates and activation. When troubleshooting, test the battery or use simple tools to diagnose the issue to avoid delays on the highway. Remind everyone to replace old tags with newer, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly versions when they expire—don't cut corners for convenience. Long-term neglect can lead to toll payment delays, wasting time, effort, and money.
Long-distance driving with ETC failure gives me a headache, mainly due to battery issues. Daily usage leads to fast power consumption, and extreme temperatures in summer and winter accelerate aging. If the device is dropped or hit, a broken antenna means immediate failure, causing system malfunctions. Arriving at the toll gate only to find the barrier not lifting is frustrating, leading to long queues and delays in reaching the destination—always keep cash handy for emergencies. Loose installation results in weak signals and unreliability; it’s advisable to periodically check the device’s stability by hand to prevent minor issues from turning into major faults. Prevention is always better than repair—smooth and fast passage saves fuel and hassle.
