What to Do When the Solar-Powered ETC Device Runs Out of Power?
2 Answers
Solutions for ETC power failure: Park the car under direct sunlight for a period to allow the solar charging panel of the ETC device to recharge. Alternatively, take the ETC device to an ETC service point or the original application office for inspection. If the device is within the 2-year warranty period and the damage is not caused by human factors, a free replacement may be provided. ETC Usage Precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When the vehicle in front stops, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the preceding vehicle, especially if it has a faulty ETC device or none at all. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and unsuccessful toll deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag becomes loose or detached, may cause the tag to deactivate. Take it to the bank where the ETC card was issued or a highway service center for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may be sufficient. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may lead to failed toll deductions. Follow the instructions of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card. Thick car windshields may cause poor signal reception. This is particularly important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or for those with modified front windshields.
I found that solar-powered ETC devices running out of power is quite common. Last weekend during a road trip, I encountered this issue and was really anxious at the time. Insufficient sunlight on cloudy days or battery aging can both cause the device to lose power. I tried moving my car to a shaded area, removing the ETC from the windshield, and placing it on the roof in direct sunlight for a while. After about 20 minutes of charging, the indicator light came on. If that still doesn't work, I always carry a USB charging cable with me to connect it to my phone or car charger for emergency power. I recommend everyone get into the habit of checking their ETC status before long trips, especially on cloudy or rainy days—don't rely solely on solar power. Buying a portable power bank as a backup is a good idea, and regularly cleaning the solar panel to prevent dust buildup is also important. This way, you won't delay your journey and can handle unexpected situations with ease. I really don’t want to embarrass myself or waste time on the highway again!
