What are the reasons why the Mercedes S500 ETC cannot be used?
2 Answers
The reasons why the Mercedes S500 ETC cannot be used include excessive speed, the card LED displaying no OBU, OBU device issues, or the ETC used not being the one registered for the vehicle. Excessive speed: Normally, ETC regulations stipulate that the vehicle's speed when passing through the detection system must not exceed 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too high, the system cannot properly scan the ETC card. Card LED displaying no OBU: This situation usually occurs when the card is not inserted properly. Reinserting the card correctly can resolve the issue. OBU device issues: This is typically due to the OBU being out of power or improperly positioned. Adjust the position promptly and recharge the device. The ETC used is not the one registered for the vehicle: Since ETC uses a one-vehicle-one-card recording method, using someone else's ETC that does not match the license plate number will result in failure to pass the toll station. In such cases, the manual lane can be used. The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU; a red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid, Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing 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 think the ETC issue with the Mercedes S500 could be due to several reasons. The most common is a dead battery in the ETC device—my car's ETC battery tends to drain over time, but it revives after charging. Poor wiring connections could also be the culprit, especially on bumpy roads where vibrations loosen the connections. If the card isn't inserted properly or is misaligned, the device might not detect it, so try adjusting it. Mercedes systems sometimes have software bugs, which an update can fix. Don’t overlook the vehicle’s power supply either—if the battery is weak, the ETC won’t function. I’ve also encountered compatibility issues with toll booth equipment, forcing me to pay manually. It’s best to address these issues promptly to avoid getting stuck at toll gates. I recommend getting it checked at a 4S shop—they can tweak the system.
