Why can't the ETC card be used?
2 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.
