BigHat

Did a search here and checked the manual and there doesn't seem to be a problem with the IR rejecting glass blocking the sensor or suggested locations, but I have gotten the "toll not paid" yet again after getting a fresh tag from the vendor. It's at the top of the windshield to the right of the rearview mirror as you sit in the car.

Any comments on this?

red308

I am using a "Fastrak" module in California. Have it in the upper right part of the windshield near the rear view mirror. Works perfectly.

BigHat

Getting my front end bra installed today. Drove home with a loaner and the pass worked fine. Something in the windshield. They have license plate tags. May need to get one.

BigHat

x

ajm0623

in illinois, you have the option of using the (inside) window mounted transponder (that a lot of people complain about finding just the right sweet spot in order to transmit) or the (outside) front license plate mounted transponder, which works flawlessly every time. this is what i do. does your state permit such a mounting on the outside, front license plate bracket? that might just a thought.

BigHat

Hey AJM,
The license plate option exists in VA. On the way back from picking up my car today I just slapped it on the window in the lower left corner and it worked fine. Must be something interfering close to the mirror. I really don't need to use it that often. I'll have to mull over the front plate sensor or just mount it when I need it. VA claims the license plate mount isn't optimal as the reader is high overhead, but it seems to be workable.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Appreciate it.

California John

I'm in California and have a Fastrak module mounted in the lower left hand corner of the windshield in front of me at just about the level of the dashboard joint to the window. Works fine. California recommends any of the four corners of the windshield.

BigHat

Thanks John,
I don't know if they're worried about vision obstruction but in VA there are two suggested options 1) below the mirror (no room on our car) and to the right of the mirror. For some reason this doesn't doesn't seem to work (tried two transponders). It might be a bit too high on the windshield (supposed to have a half inch clearance) but mounting it like yours worked great today.

The guy that did my bra was awesome. Glad to have that done. Thanks for the note.

mtrevelino

Slightly off subject, but did EZ-Pass charge you a service fee each time it failed to register? I had a problem with the Maryland EZ-Pass one time mine failed to register on my motorcycle.
Mike T.

BigHat

Hi Mike,
Jury is still out on that. First problem was on Sat the 27th. The following Monday I called them to register the new temp tag, give them the time and station were the sensor failed to work and to request a new one. If it's being processed into a violation I suspect I'll get it sometime soon. I'll let you know.

red308

In California, I believe there is a license plate reader. If you have a Fastrak account, your account will be charged without a violation if your transponder fails or is not in the correct position.

California John

Maybe so - but then it must do it from the rear (in my case) as I don't have a plate on the front.

mtrevelino

EZ-Pass has license plate readers also, but they want to charge you a processing fee for doing it manually. I think they charged me $11 one time and would not waive it. I tried explaining to them that why would I "run" the toll when I know they will find and ticket me. It did no good.
Mike T.

branmin

As a matter of interest, I took my old pass off the 09 and did I read somewhere that you could not re-place this back onto another vehicle......?
Thx.

BigHat

Branmin,
I think a sensor is a sensor. I don't think it knows what car it's in. It certainly not paired electronically in any way with the car.

Now if your point is you "can't" legally use it in another vehicle...without updating the E-Z Pass system I do agree, but that's not germane to my situation.

"The Don"

I have the same issues. I had a 2007 SL 550 that had the EZ pass in the middle of the windshield at the top with NEVER any issues... Now I have a brand new 2013 SL 550 and constant problems getting stuck at the tolls. I placed the EZ pass to the very top to the left of the rear view mirror as it says in the instruction manual after reading them and it's definitely helped tremendously, but just the other day I got stuck yet again.

An officer nearby told me that the windshields on the new Mercedes are very thick and that's why it's not working and that he's telling everyone with the new Mercedes to hold them up through the sunroof. Pretty annoying if you ask me, so I'm leaving mine where it is for now...

Anyone else have any suggestions? The front plate will not work for me as I never put a front plate on even in NY state. On a nice car like this, that is a sin. I have never had a front plate on any MB I've owned and never really had a problem. As long as you have your DEA/PBA cards and carry the front plate with you, you should be good.

BigHat

"Don,"
I have found that mounting mine about two inches down in the upper left corner of the windshield works great for me. Have made three trips w/o a problem now. I purchased one of those plastic sensor holders and pop it on when needed, but otherwise it sits in my center console.

Matt

impex4

i picked up my car today and so far - upper corner around the mirror works for me w ez pass.

now if i can only figure out how to open the trunk with my foot

BigHat

Your post gives me hope. Thought I was the only one that didn't get it quickly. I blame it on my salesman, because I emulated him until I read the manual.

In a nut shell: Stay far enough away, closer isn't better; be patient and give it a second, too many tries too fast locks it; wave your leg under the license plate and count "one and two" and it will probably be opening.

mikey94025

I find it works best if I just kick in and out under the license plate. Wave implies sideways motion which I think is not correct.

BigHat

I agree with you, Better stated and what I do.

ajm0623

pretend you are doing a short punt. works everytime.

ezpass

One way to avoid billing issues is to make sure that your license plate number is on file with your toll agency. Many agencies utilize video as a back up for the transponder.