Why can't the ETC card be used?
4 Answers
Here are the specific explanations for why the ETC card cannot be used: 1. Insufficient power: The current OBU, also known as the electronic tag, generally has a solar panel embedded in its casing to supplement the battery power. If the OBU is left in a place without light for a long time, coupled with the battery's self-discharge and the solar panel not receiving light, it cannot replenish the battery power, resulting in the OBU battery running out of power and failing to start. In this case, you can place it in a well-lit or strong light position to recharge the battery. 2. OBU detachment: After the OBU is installed and activated on the car's front windshield, if it accidentally falls off, the OBU will be locked. When you insert the ETC card again, it will prompt "Tag invalid." It is recommended to reactivate it.
Last time on the highway, my ETC card suddenly stopped working, and the machine at the toll station didn't respond, which was really frustrating. Later, I found out it was caused by either the magnetic strip wearing out after prolonged use or the battery in the device running out. I realized I hadn't been regularly checking the card's cleanliness or the battery status. Plus, the high summer temperatures can easily cause the device to overheat and malfunction. I suggest that if you encounter a similar situation, don't panic and stop by the roadside immediately. First, check if the device's light is on. If the light is still on, you can try restarting the car's ignition, but it's best to go directly to a service center to test and replace the battery to avoid similar troubles. Keep the card dry and avoid dirt or damage, and regularly test its functionality to reduce such incidents. It's also necessary to pay attention to whether your account balance is sufficient.
There are several common reasons why an ETC card may not work. First, the card itself might be damaged, such as a scratched magnetic strip that prevents signal reading. Second, the vehicle's OBU device may have a depleted battery or a loose antenna connection. Third, the ETC function might be temporarily disabled during system maintenance at toll stations. I've encountered similar issues before, and upon checking my account, I found that insufficient balance could also freeze the service, which was immediately restored after topping up. It's recommended to gently wipe the card surface before each trip to ensure cleanliness, regularly check the power indicator of the device, and remove the battery if unused for a long time to prevent leakage. These small habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of malfunctions. Just remember to pay attention to announcements before system maintenance.
Don't panic when your ETC card stops working. First, check if the card has cracks or stains blocking the reading/writing function. Then confirm the device's indicator light shows normal power supply. If your account balance is insufficient, simply recharge to unfreeze it. I've handled this issue before—just follow these simple steps: restart your car's ignition and try again; if that doesn't work, remove the device and reattach it firmly under the windshield. Continued failure may indicate system maintenance or signal blockage by the antenna. Regular cleaning of the card surface and keeping it dry can prevent most malfunctions.
