SunPass Transponders
 

I have not been on the turnpike since I'm not sure when. I have my transponder automatically renew via my credit card when it gets low, so I know there is money in the account. What I need to know now is how do I tell if it still works since it has been living in its little foil envelope in the glove box a long time? I sure hope I'm making sense to someone. I called my neighbor who also has one and he didn't have a clue, either. I need to make a run to OIA in the near future and would like to not have a problem getting there. There were no toll roads in the Texas Panhandle so I am a real green-horn where they are concerned.

You can check your balance by going to www.sunpass.com

or call 1 888 865 5352

I would not worry about it as I only use mine perhaps once or twice a year.

As long as you have money in your sunpass account it will work. I have even used it with a car rental the last time we were in the Villages.

I don't know how things work with Sunpass because I don't live in Florida.

I do know that in New York State we have the E-Z Pass system and when you go thru the toll booths you get a green light if everything is OK. If your transponder malfunctions, you get a "Call E-ZPass" message instead of the green light.

I can also tell you that the transponders have a very long life span. In New York, they automatically replaced my transponder after five years because some transponders were starting to fail due to defects. But they are supposed to last much longer than five years and I think most states have automatic replacement schedules.

I would think you should have no problem using your transponder.

You may want to replace the battery. I had an issue with my transponder, and it was a low battery.

I didn't know you could replace the batteries on the Sunpass transponders. In New York, the E-Z Pass transponders are sealed units. When the battery malfunctions, you have to exchange the unit for a new one.

The large units sold in Florida, have batteries. I have changed the battery.

How did you know the batteries needed to be replaced? Hopefully, mine is still ok.

There are little lights on the transponder. When the yellow light comes on, the battery is low.

Yea!
 

Thanks, golf2140. That's what I needed to know. I'll check it out.

The transponder beeps loudly when you go through the toll station so you know if it's working. It also gives a different sound alert if the transponder is not working.

Trying to Plan Ahead
 

I just didn't want to find out that it wasn't working at the time I was going through and then get a ticket for running the toll. Thanks for responding, though.

I had the same worry last year so I drove through one of the pay booths very slowly and the green light came on and the toll attendent simply waved me through. You can always try that the first time you go through a toll plaza to make sure. I also replaced the battery and all was fine.

Here in IL if you go through a toll booth(s) and you find that your transponder isn't working, you can go online or phone the tollway department and report it. They deduct the missed tolls from you account - No fines and all is good. Maybe it's the same in FL?

In NY, the EZ Pass is tied to your license plate. If is defective and does not read at the toll plaza, a light comes on saying to call EZ Pass. You don't really need to call as they snap a picture of your license and can tie back to your account. They will automatically deduct the toll from your account.

Perhaps Sunpass does the same.