What to Do When the ETC Device Falls Off?
4 Answers
If the ETC device falls off, it cannot be used anymore. You need to bring the original vehicle, the ETC device, and the bound bank card to the installation location of the ETC device to reactivate it. The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check whether the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. The red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Label Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating that the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back 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. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device.
When the ETC device fell off the windshield, I first found a safe place to park, avoiding changing lanes on the highway to prevent traffic disruption. After getting out of the car, I picked up the device to check for any cracks. If the exterior was intact, I tried reinstalling it: I wiped the dust and grease off the glass with a damp cloth, then dried it with a paper towel. I applied some spare adhesive (available online) to the ETC base and pressed it firmly against the original spot for a minute or two. After reattaching it, I didn’t rush back on the road—I went to a nearby ETC testing point to check if the indicator light turned green, confirming normal card reading. If it malfunctioned, I immediately contacted the bank’s customer service or visited an ETC service center for repairs, avoiding delays to prevent extra charges. Last time it fell off, it was due to summer heat softening the adhesive, and replacing the glue fixed the issue. Usually, parking in shaded areas helps extend the adhesive’s lifespan and prevents this problem.
Don't panic if your ETC device falls off—prioritize driving safety. Pull over to a flat roadside area before handling it, and avoid leaving the device rolling in the car to prevent hazards. First, check for damage: if the casing is broken, visit a professional service point for replacement to protect the internal chip. If intact, clean the glass surface with alcohol to remove oil residue before reattaching, then press firmly for over 10 seconds to secure it. Test functionality not just by the green light—actually pass through an ETC lane or scan the code at a service point. If reading fails, the circuit may be faulty; contact your provider promptly to avoid billing errors. Remember, the adhesive weakens in cold weather, so regularly check its grip in winter to prevent repeat falls. Driving with a loose device is risky, so always resolve the issue completely before resuming your trip.
If the ETC device falls off, promptly clean the glass and the device base before reattaching it. Wipe the glass with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry, then apply fresh adhesive to the base and press firmly for a few minutes to secure it in place. Next, test whether the device still works: drive through the ETC sensor zone at a highway entrance—if it passes smoothly, everything is fine. If the signal light turns red or the device malfunctions, replace it with a new one instead of forcing it to work. During installation, ensure it doesn’t obstruct your view or interfere with signal reception by being too close to window tinting. For regular maintenance, clean the glass edges with mild detergent. These simple steps can restore basic functionality and minimize hassle.
