Why is my prepaid meter token showing an error? Find out now!

It is always frustrating when you try recharging your token on your prepaid meter and it keeps showing errors. This is usually disheartening; hence, it becomes imperative for you to know the reasons why your prepaid meter is not accepting tokens so that you will be able to tackle it.

There are different types of prepaid meter token errors. Some of these errors occur when you try to load  expired, used, invalid, or duplicate tokens into your meter. If the meter is full or the terminal cover is open, this error may also occur. Nevertheless, at the end of this guide, you will be able to identify different kinds of token errors, their causes, and their possible solutions. 

Recommended: Why is my prepaid meter not supplying power

Types of Token Error and its Symbols

The table below summarizes different types of token errors and their symbols.

S/N	Type of Token Error	Symbol
1.	Invalid Token
2.	Token entry lockout
3.	Meter full
4.	Expired token
5.	Duplicate or used token
6.	Token processing failed
7.	Expired meter decoder key
8.	Terminal cover open
9.	Display overrun

Read also: Why is my prepaid meter showing failed

Types of Token Errors, Reasons & Solutions

There are about nine different kinds of token errors that your prepaid meter may show when you want to enter a token. For the sake of clarity, we shall be taking the token errors one after the other. Let’s begin.

1. Invalid Token

This kind of token error occurs when the validation of the token fails. So, if your token authentication fails, it may lead to this kind of error. 

Reasons

• The meter’s physical number differs from the meter’s serial number. 
• The token was entered wrongly.
• The tariff index programmed into the meter doesn’t match with the tariff index on the token.
• The supply group code in the meter is not the same as the supply group code that the token is built with.

Solution

• Check out the token printout to ensure that it is correct.
• Input #030# on your keypad to solve the supply group code problem.
• Enter ‘#006#’ to fix the tariff index problem
• Finally, cross-check and validate the necessary details to get it fixed.

2. Expired Token

An expired token error occurs when the new token’s ID is older than the oldest token that has ever been loaded on the meter. 

Reason

• The token has expired
• It is outdated to be loaded on the meter.

Solution

• Input new and valid token

3. Token processing failed

This kind of error occurs when the meter is unable to process the accepted token.

Reason

• Network abnormally

Solution

• Try later, after an hour. 

4. Used or Duplicate token

Used tokens may also show a fail message on your prepaid meter screen when you want to load them. This type of error usually occurs when the token you want to load has the same ID as an already-loaded token.

Reason

• Used token
• The token has the same ID as an already-used one.

Solution

• Load another token.

5. token entry lockout is active

This is another type of token error that occurs when the prepaid meter automatically locks out for a while. This normally happens when consumers input tokens incorrectly. 

Reasons

• The token was entered incorrectly.

Solution

• Wait for the lockout time to be completed, and then re-enter the valid token.

6. Meter full

A meter full token error occurs when the credit load exceeds the maximum balance that the meter can hold.

Reason

• The token exceeds the meter’s credit limit.

Solution

• You can finish your current credit balance and try reloading the token again.

7. Expired meter decoder key

This kind of token error occurs if the meter decoder key is outdated/expired.

Reason

• The special meter key has expired and the meter can’t take in tokens again.

Solution

• Reach out to your disco for them to change your meter key by inputting a key change token.

8. Terminal cover open

Whenever your terminal cover is not well-suited, it may lead to this kind of error. 

Reason

• Wrong installation of the meter cover
• The clear tamper token is entered wrongly.

Solution

• Reach out to your disco for assistance.

Conclusion

Your prepaid meter may show token errors due to different reasons. Some of the reasons are due to expired tokens, invalid tokens, used tokens, or duplicates. Another reason why your meter may still display a token error is due to the meter being full and the terminal cover being open, among others. These issues can be resolved by loading valid and new tokens, but in severe situations, you may need to contact your disco’s support unit for assistance.