What to Do When ETC Shows Low Battery?
3 Answers
ETC showing low battery requires timely charging: For solar-powered ETC devices, you can park the vehicle under the sun for a few hours to charge the device. For ETC devices without solar charging panels, you can plug in the dedicated power cable and charge via the cigarette lighter socket. 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 tamper-proof button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring 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 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. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues; Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, and minimizing pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces expenses by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more efficient. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
Last time when I was driving, my ETC suddenly showed a low battery warning, which really startled me. I quickly pulled over to a safe roadside area and checked the device. Turned out the battery was drained with the indicator light flashing red - I'd been too busy to notice it before. I went to a supermarket, bought a new AA battery, replaced it, and everything worked fine again. The repair shop told me ETC batteries typically last 1-2 years, and older vehicle wiring tends to loosen, so they recommend checking every six months and replacing preemptively. If this happens on the highway, remember to pull over first - never operate the device while driving or temporarily switch to cash payment. Though these small devices seem simple, neglecting them can cause mid-journey troubles. Developing good maintenance habits ensures worry-free and safe travels.
I've also encountered an ETC low battery warning. Don't panic, safety first. Park your car and find a place to handle it - don't try to fix it while driving. Most devices can be recharged or have replaceable batteries. Check if there's a charging port - I used a portable power bank as emergency power for half an hour and it worked fine. For old batteries, just remove and replace them - supermarkets sell replacements for about 5 yuan. Regularly check if the device lights are working to detect issues early. On highways, deal with it at service areas or ask toll station staff for help - don't force through. For prevention, replace the battery every two years to ensure stable operation. Remember to test the device functions before setting off - it's just a small matter that shouldn't cause trouble.