What does 'Label Failed' displayed on ETC card insertion mean?
2 Answers
When 'Label Failed' is displayed on the ETC, it indicates that the ETC electronic tag is not activated. You need to take the ETC device to an ETC service center or ETC service outlet for inspection. If the failure is not caused by human factors, a secondary activation of the ETC will suffice for it to be usable. ETC installation process: 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 illuminate, 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 glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with your hand for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. ETC activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice consecutively until the electronic tag screen displays 'Bluetooth On.' If 'Tag Invalid' appears when inserting and removing the card twice without the electronic tag attached, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, you can press the button on the top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually with a download QR code on the electronic tag), then enter the device activation interface. Click 'Connect Device' and wait patiently for the 'Connection Successful' prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete the activation.
I've been repairing cars for over ten years and have seen many ETC issues. A tag failure means the ETC device can't recognize your card, usually due to a problem with the tag itself. It could be that the tag wasn't activated properly, the card isn't inserted tightly, or it's misaligned, leading to poor signal. The device has a small battery that tends to degrade, especially in extreme heat or cold, often failing after a year or two. Sometimes, windshield tinting or metal decorations can block the signal and cause malfunctions. For safety, check it immediately to avoid getting stuck at the toll gate—visit a professional repair shop or the card service point for testing. They can quickly diagnose the issue with tools, and replacing the device usually costs just around a hundred bucks. To prevent issues, avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight or rain, regularly clean the card slot to prevent poor contact, and adopt these small habits to save yourself a lot of trouble.
