Troubleshooting Meters

No Time Displayed After Coins were Inserted

Please ensure that you are using US currency in the accepted forms. Pennies, coins from other countries and tokens are NOT accepted. If there is a visible jam and you can see coins stuck in the slot, DO NOT continue inserting coins. That will make the jam worse and it will not give you any time. Park in a different meter, if possible and report the meter as broken.

Coins or Other Object Stuck in the Slot

The meter is most likely jammed and will not accept money or give time. DO NOT continue inserting coins. Park in a different meter, if possible and report the meter as broken.

Blank Screen on Meter

If the meter is working properly, it will read "00:00". If the screen is blank, it is likely the battery is dead and it will not register time when coins are inserted. Do not insert any more coins and move to a different meter if possible. Report the meter as broken.

The Screen is Displaying Weird Characters

When a meter is jammed it will display the word "JAM" and when the meter has a low battery is will display "LOW". If you see anything other than the normal clock ticking down time, DO NOT insert any more coins and move to a different meter if possible. Report the meter as broken.

Red Light on the Meter

This could mean many things. Move to a different meter if possible and report the meter as broken.

Tan or Red Bag on the Meter

DO NOT park in a meter that has been bagged. These meters have been paid for and reserved for specific people or events. If you were not specifically authorized to park there, then you are not allowed to park there. You may be ticketed and towed if you are not authorized to parked in bagged meters.  You will need to find another meter to park in.

Cannot Read the ParkMobile Zone Number, Sticker is Scratched

Check the meters to either side and use process of elimination to find the correct number. If you are unable to do that, pay for the nearest meter that you can read and report the meter as broken. Include which meter you actually paid for so you don't get a ticket.

I paid with ParkMobile and my meter is still showing red (expired).

The wheel will not turn green because the meters are not connected to internet, therefore there is no way for the mobile payment to communicate with the meter itself. Enforcement officers check an online system that shows which vehicles are paid.

Troubleshooting Pay by Stall Machine Kiosk

Pay Machine Kiosk not accepting change

The coin chute in the machine may be jammed, which triggers a response to stop accepting coins to keep the problem from becoming worse. Each pay by stall lot has two pay machines for your convenience. Locate the other machine or use the ParkMobile App to complete your payment. Please report the machine promptly to the ISU Parking Office to be fixed.

My Coins Keep Falling Through and there is no Apparent Jam

Please ensure that you are using US currency in the accepted forms. Pennies, coins from other countries and tokens are NOT accepted. If you are using the correct currency, continue inserting your coins. On some occasions, it may take a few tries before it is accepted. If coins continue to fall through, locate the other machine or use the ParkMobile App to complete your payment. Please report the machine promptly to the ISU Parking Office to be fixed.

Pay Machine Kiosk not Accepting Smart Card

If the machine fails to recognize your smart card, first make sure to gently insert it all the way into the slot until it makes a "click" sound. If you get an error message saying the card is not recognized, it is likely the card is dirty or has been damaged. Try gently rubbing a soft cloth over the chip to clean it and try again. If you are still getting an error message visit the Parking Office for a new card.

Screen is Black

Push any button to wake the screen. Wait 15 seconds. If the screen does not wake up, locate the other machine in the lot or use the ParkMobile App to complete your payment. Please report the machine promptly to the ISU Parking Office to be fixed.

Screen Appears to be Frozen

Each pay by stall lot has two pay machines for your convenience. Locate the other machine or use the ParkMobile App to complete your payment. Please report the machine promptly to the ISU Parking Office to be fixed.