Troubleshooting
These tips are for current users of the TrafficGauge.
Refer to our FAQs to learn about the device.
1) I renewed my service, but my device reads SERVICE EXPIRED.
2) Why does the DEMO MODE message keep appearing?
3) Why is my screen blank?
4a) What does the message 'Service to Expired in 4321 weeks' mean?
4b) Why is my screen showing every possible message, freeway section, and icon?
5) How do I get my FREE two months service? I only received one month!
6) My TrafficGauge seems to be inaccurate.
7) Traffic Data Outage/Service Alert
8) Why is Out of Range icon Showing?
9) Resetting TrafficGauge
10) Support
1) I renewed my service, but my device reads SERVICE EXPIRED.
Sometimes if the TrafficGauge has dead batteries or is out of range at the time of renewal it does not receive the additional weeks purchased. This problem can be corrected by resending the service to your TrafficGauge. Resend Service Now
2) Why does the DEMO MODE message keep appearing?
Press the backlight button on the front of your device for about 10 seconds until you see the "DEMO MODE" message disappear and then release the button. Allow 10 - 20 minutes for your device to re-establish communication with the wireless network (it may happen immediately, but you may have to wait). You will notice the antenna symbol flashing immediately after you exit demo mode. This will continue until communication is established. Once communication has restarted, the TrafficGauge will begin to display traffic info and it may display subscription status if you are expired or nearing expiration of service. The "DEMO MODE" (showing a traffic demonstration and not live traffic) will appear if the backlight button is pressed for a very long time (90 seconds or more). This can happen inadvertently if you carry it in a briefcase or store it in such a way that the backlight button is depressed continuously.
3) Why is my screen blank?
Your screen should never be completely blank provided it has battery power.
Press and hold the Backlight Button. If the device displays the flashing "Traffic Data Outage" or "Service Alert" notice than your device is working fine. Traffic is either all above the "clear/light" threshold, or traffic data is down. See Traffic Data Outage above.
Refer to the back of your TrafficGauge to see a picture of the icons that should always appear on your screen: The Battery Level icon and the Signal Strength Icon. If you do not see a Battery Level icon or if it is empty, replace the batteries. If you see a flashing antenna (the leftmost part of the Signal Strength icon) than the device is waiting for a traffic report or is out of range.
4) Why is my screen showing every possible message, freeway section, and icon?
There are two likely causes, batteries and temperature. First, make sure that you are not using lithium batteries. Lithium batteries do not work with the device and should not be used as they operate at too high a voltage for the display. Replace with regular alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries we have tested work fine, as long as they are not Lithium rechargeables. Second, if the device has been exposed to high temperatures, you will need to let it cool down so the display will begin to operate normally. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight as this may damage the batteries.
5) How do I get my FREE two months service? I only received one month!
Each device comes with one free month of service, in addition to any service purchased at time of order. Once the device is activated by the final owner of the product and is displaying traffic, it can be registered at www.trafficgauge.com/register at which time an additional free month is added to the device.
6) My TrafficGauge seems to be inaccurate.
Consider the following issues when evaluating the accuracy of your TrafficGauge readout:
Average speeds: TrafficGauge displays an average speed for each section of freeway. This is so that you can easily, at-a-glance, compare the relative speeds of the various freeways. But by averaging, it does filter out the "ups-and-downs" common to rush hour traffic. So it will not be uncommon to be in a section shown as "clear/light" and to experience a period of slow if not stopped traffic. In this case, it means the slowdown is temporary and your average speed will justify a "clear" designation. Trust us, showing the slowest part of each segment gives you very little useful information for selecting the fastest route.
Speed thresholds: The "clear/light", "solid/medium", and "blinking/heavy" designations are set based on your cities relative traffic patterns and are designed to give clear choices during the worst traffic. As a result, the "clear/light" designation is usually set at speeds above only 30 or 35 mph! So don't expect to fly along at 55 mph in a clear segment during rush hour.
Data Outages: Sometimes the device is inaccurate if data is not available - see "Traffic Data Outage" below.
7) Traffic Data Outage/Service Alert
If you see one of these icons appear automatically, we are alerting you to a significant change in available traffic information. If you press and hold the backlight button, the "Traffic Data Outage" or "Service Alert" notice will begin flashing and the map will indicate the sections of freeway where traffic information is not currently available. When you release the Backlight Button, your TrafficGauge will return to real-time traffic conditions and the "Traffic Data Outage" notice will disappear. You can check this screen anytime to keep current on data availability.
8) Why is Out of Range icon Showing?
You are in an area with poor reception. The icon will disappear when you drive into an area with better reception. If the problem persists, you can reset your device. You can monitor the TrafficGauge's signal reception by viewing the Signal Strength icon.
9) Resetting TrafficGauge
If your TrafficGauge experiences any other problems, you may want to remove and re-insert batteries to reset TrafficGauge. Wait up to 30 minutes for TrafficGauge to receive a signal and correct itself.
10) Support
If you are still having problems, please submit your question by clicking here, or call
(866) 872-3345. We'd be happy to help you.