What to Do When the ETC Light Doesn't Turn On?
3 Answers
If the ETC light doesn't turn on or the screen is black, and there's no response when pressing the top button or inserting the ETC card, it may indicate that the ETC device is out of power or damaged. You can take the ETC device and card to a nearby ETC service center for inspection. If the damage is not caused by human factors, the device can be reactivated or replaced with a new one. Here is some relevant information about ETC: 1. When installing ETC, you need to visit a professional service center to have it installed on the windshield of your car. 2. The ETC device consumes power during use but doesn't require manual charging. There is a solar panel on the back of the ETC device that automatically charges it. 3. For newly received ETC electronic tags (OBU devices), when pressing the anti-tamper switch on the back, the red light will briefly turn on, and the screen will display messages such as 'Tag Invalid' or 'Please Insert Card,' indicating that the device is functioning normally and can be activated.
When you notice the ETC light is off, don't panic—try some basic checks first. As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I find this is usually a minor device issue, like a loose power connection or unplugged cable. After parking, turn off the engine and check if the ETC unit on the windshield has come loose—road bumps can sometimes dislodge it. Reconnect the charging or USB cable and wait a few seconds to see if the light turns on. If there's no response, it might be a blown fuse, especially common in older cars. Locate the fuse box in your vehicle and inspect it. If the light still doesn’t work, the device may be faulty. Don’t force it; use cash or mobile payment at toll booths to avoid incorrect charges. Finally, visit the nearest ETC service center for a thorough check—safety comes first. Regularly inspect the device’s mounting and clean dust around the dashboard to prevent such issues.
I've also experienced the sudden malfunction of the ETC light, which is quite annoying. As someone who frequently drives long distances, my first step is to recall any recent changes—was the new device not properly installed after a car change? Has the device's battery run out? Or was it just signal interference from entering a tunnel or driving in the rain? After parking safely, I take matters into my own hands: check if the device is still connected, restart the car to power the ETC, and wait a minute or two to see if it works. If not, I check the mobile app for any abnormal payment records—if there are any, it means the device might just have a faulty indicator light but is still functional. Don't rush to the repair shop; first, try using the spare ETC card from the trunk to pass through the toll station temporarily. Regular maintenance is key—avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight for too long to prevent internal circuit aging. Small issues can snowball into big troubles if ignored, so addressing them early saves a lot of hassle. If the light goes out while driving, stay calm, pull over safely to check, and if all else fails, use alternative payment methods to pass through safely.
