What to do if the ETC is installed upside down?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be moved once it is stuck in place. Once the ETC is removed from the car's windshield, it can no longer be used and must be reactivated by a professional. You can go to the original installation point or the provincial expressway ETC service center to have it reinstalled and reactivated before it can be used normally in the ETC-dedicated lane. This is because there is a button on the back of the ETC. Once removed, the button will automatically pop out, and the information inside the ETC will be cleared, rendering it unusable. Where can ETC be installed: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, the OBU device should be installed on the upper-middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, it should be installed on the lower-middle part. ETC installation requirements: The height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane).
I had an issue with my ETC device being installed upside down. That time on the highway, it kept failing to be recognized at the toll booth, causing a traffic jam behind me, which was really embarrassing. After parking, I carefully checked and found that the film was too thick or the position was misaligned, leading to poor signal reception. I tried using a small tool to gently pry open the double-sided tape and reattach the device to the center of the windshield inside the car, making sure the arrow on the device faced outward toward the toll bar. After adjusting it, I test drove a few times, and the problem was solved. Now, every time I wash my car, I wipe the surface of the device to prevent dust interference, and I’ve developed a habit of regularly testing the signal with a mobile app. If it’s installed upside down, don’t panic—find a safe place to fix it first. Doing it yourself saves time and money, but if you can’t manage it, just go to a roadside professional shop for adjustment; it usually takes just a few minutes and won’t affect your trip.
After discovering my ETC device was installed upside down, I immediately found an open area to pull over and inspect it. The first step was to turn off the device power to prevent short circuits. Then I checked the installation manual to confirm the correct orientation of the arrow and labels. If they didn't match, I used a hairdryer to heat the double-sided tape for softening, gently adjusted the angle without cracking the windshield. After repositioning, I turned it back on to test if the indicator light and sensor worked. Personally, I make it a habit to test ETC functionality before every long trip—like driving to the toll gate entrance—to ensure flawless operation. Also, I regularly check for aging or loosening components; if the adhesive fails, I reinforce it with new double-sided tape. The whole process is straightforward—don’t cut corners. Addressing issues early avoids payment failures and fines while improving travel efficiency. Small fixes build experience—I often help friends with such problems, sharing tips for peace of mind.
