What to do if the ETC falls off after installation?
3 Answers
ETC falling off after installation requires reactivation and reinstallation at the local customer service center. ETC, translated as Electronic Toll Collection system in Chinese, is one of the service functions of the intelligent transportation system, particularly suitable for use on highways or in busy bridge and tunnel environments. The purpose of ETC is to achieve non-stop toll payment for vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations by using dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station, and by utilizing computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks.
I've been driving for several years and often encounter the issue of my ETC device inexplicably falling off, especially during summer when parked under the sun for too long—the adhesive softens and loses its grip. Once, before hitting the highway, I noticed it was loose and immediately pulled over to a safe spot to remove and inspect it. If the adhesive strip on the back is still sticky and usable, clean the windshield surface—use alcohol to remove dust and grease, ensuring it's completely dry; otherwise, it won’t adhere properly. Then, press the device firmly for 10 seconds to secure it. Don’t rush back on the road—test it to see if the light turns on. Scratches or moisture residue on the windshield can also affect adhesion, so choose a smooth spot for installation, avoiding the heating wire area. I’ve fixed this issue myself a few times—it’s quick and hassle-free, but be careful not to damage the built-in chip. For prevention, regularly wash your car and pay attention to cleaning that area, and try to park in a garage when possible. Safety first—if it falls off, don’t panic, just handle it calmly.
As someone who enjoys hands-on car repairs, an ETC device falling off is a perfect opportunity for a DIY practice. Last week when my device suddenly dropped, I found the adhesive had aged after removing it, so I went to an auto parts store and bought specialized double-sided tape for just a few bucks. The steps are simple: first, clean the windshield surface with alcohol wipes to ensure it's dust-free and dry; wait five minutes for it to dry completely, then cut a new piece of tape and attach the device, aligning it to its original position and pressing firmly for 30 seconds—done. Be careful not to touch the sensor area during the process, and wear gloves to prevent fingerprints. I also discovered that high temperatures can weaken the adhesive, so parking in the shade helps prolong its lifespan. If the device isn’t broken, don’t throw it away—test it after repair to ensure normal highway use. DIY saves money and time; just have the right tools ready and don’t delay too long to avoid affecting travel. Remember, choose high-strength adhesive tape to prevent repeated detachment and wasted resources.
