Q: Small transponder stuck under navigation panel

asked by on August 15, 2016

My toll road transponder is approximately 4x4x1/2 inches. I had put it on the dashboard in front of the navigation panel, which was closed at the time. I proceeded to back my car out of the driveway. The navigation panel opened on its own and the transponder stuck under the panel. Now, the panel will not open or close all the way. I have not been able to remove the transponder, so I went to the dealership. I consider this a design defect since the navigation panel opens on its own. Anything small will slide right under it and then jam it. Before I pay their hefty price, can you tell me if there is any way that I can get the road transponder out from under the panel and is there a way to prevent this happening again?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the security Warning Light mean?
The security Warning Light is located on your instrument panel. When the security Warning Light is illuminated, that means that the theft-deterrent system may not be working properly. Tip Like all warning lights, the security Warning Light will briefly illuminate...
Car key won't turn on the first time
If I were to take a guess, without any other information, I would say that fuel pressure is dropping off to zero when the car is parked. The fuel pump has a check valve to maintain some pressure for quick...
Getting a "Drivetrain Malfunction" light on a 2011 535i. Had a sensor replaced for almost $400 and that didnt fix the issue. wha
Hello. The drive train malfunction light indicates the computer has detected an issue with the vehicle's drive train or transmission. This can be caused by many things, ranging from a bad sensor, to the need for a new transmission. As...
code p0129
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having an issue with the air intake sensors. The point of this sensor is to detect atmospheric pressure, which in other terms means a measurement of the oxygen available in...
Engine light on
Check engine lights are just an indication to the operator that there has been a failure in the system and the computer will store a failure code for the failure. The problem you are having may be a misfire in...
Reduced Engine performance message, car cannot exceed 10 mph
Hello, thank you for writing in. The engine codes you are receiving are indicating that your throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/throttle-position-sensor) and its circuit are not functioning correctly. If you are comfortable with swapping the entire unit out, then that is...
Oil pressure gauge goes up when accelerating
Hi There, This is completely normal for the oil pressure to increase when accelerating. The oil pressure inside the motor increases as the motor works harder. Your oil pressure switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) reads this change in pressure and relays this to...
2011:C300 in limp mode
The power train warning light or “limp mode” light generally will come on when the computer has detected a fault within the transmission control system. When this happens, the transmission control system puts the vehicle into a "limp mode" which...
My car is very loud when accelerating and smokes when running, stops immediately when the car turns off.
The problem sounds like you have an exhaust problem. You may have a broken pipe or bad convertor and is rattling in the exhaust. Have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic inspect and diagnose the problem for you.

Related articles

How to Make Car Switches Last Longer
Every Every feature in your car is controlled by a switch or button. Most are actively controlled, such as the power windows and power door locks, by means of pressing a button. Systems that are actively controlled include: The rear...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LFA
When When it comes to supercars, Lexus probably isn’t the first name that comes to mind. The 2012 Lexus LFA was the automaker’s attempt to change that. It’s a compact coupe that seats two and offers blistering acceleration. However, the...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Lexus LX 570
Despite Despite pressure on the automobile industry to produce more – and better – fuel-stingy options for the mass market, there remains a place for luxury SUVs that are neither size conscious nor gas conserving. The 570 stands firmly in...