Issue
When swiping a card, you might encounter an error message such as invalid number of fields Track 1 error. This indicates that the card reader was only able to access some of the data on the card’s magnetic strip but not all of it.
Common Causes and Fixes:
Cause #1: Incomplete or Improper Swipe
The most frequent issue is an incomplete or improper swipe of the card. This happens if the card is swiped partially or not straight through the reader.
Solution
Ensure a full and smooth swipe. The card should be swiped from start to finish in one continuous motion.
Cause #2: Dirty Card Reader Head
Dirt and debris can accumulate on the card reader head, affecting its ability to read the magnetic strip.
Solution
Clean the card reader head using compressed air or a cloth slightly dampened with alcohol. For best results, use a magnetic card reader cleaning card designed for this purpose.
Cause #3: Damaged Card
The card itself might be damaged or have a worn-out magnetic strip. This can cause errors if the card reader reads other cards correctly.
Solution
Test the card reader with a different card. If the issue persists only with one particular card, it’s likely the card is damaged and may need to be replaced.
Cause #4: Faulty Card Reader
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, the card reader itself may be faulty.
Solution
If cleaning and proper swiping do not fix the problem, consider replacing the card reader.
Summary:
To resolve track read errors, first ensure you are swiping the card correctly. Clean the card reader head if necessary, check if the card is damaged, and replace the card reader if it remains faulty.
For additional assistance or if the problem persists, please contact support for further troubleshooting.