Why Do I Keep Getting A “Blow Harder” Message On My IID?

When your SSI-20/20™ or SSI-20/30™ device has the “Blow Harder” message on the screen, it is generally because the device doesn’t have enough of an air sample to accurately read your test.

Smart Start understands that having an Ignition Interlock Device may be a new experience. Our training videos and the one-on-one training you’ll receive at our many service centers are extraordinarily helpful. However, sometimes you’ll feel as though you’re doing everything right, but you’re still getting an error message. We know that you probably feel like you’re blowing your lungs out, but the best way to avoid a “Blow Harder” message is to blow steadily. A steady stream of air can help the device test more accurately. That steady breath will have to be a strong one, but you should be able to blow consistently for 6-7 seconds without running out of air. Here’s a good step-by-step guide to effective breathing:

Take a deep breath.
Make sure your lips are tightly closed around the mouthpiece.
If you need to, grip the mouthpiece with your teeth to keep from pulling away.
Blow out, making sure to blow a steady stream of air throughout your test.
Don’t stop blowing or slow down your breath.
The device will beep when it has received enough air to constitute an effective sample. Blow a bit past the beep, just to be sure that the “Blow Harder” message does not re-appear.

It may take a few tries for you to get used to blowing strongly and steadily at the same time, but have faith in your lungs! If you persevere, your test will pass, and then you can get back on the road safely. Don’t forget that, if you have other questions about your Ignition Interlock Device, you can always check our Frequently Asked Questions page for more solutions. We’re here to help you in any way we can.

Schedule an Installation

Get a quick and easy IID installation with Smart Start! Get started today!

"* (required)" indicates required fields

Company

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fieldset Begin

spanish_espanol

Contáctame en español

First Name* (required)

Last Name* (required)

Cellphone* (required)

Zip Code* (required)

Email* (required)

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Entry Priority* (required)

Reason for Interest *

Interested in an IID ASAP (within 7 days)

I eventually need an IID (in MORE than 7 days)

I am a current customer and need customer service

This field is hidden when viewing the form

contact_consent* (required)

I consent to 1A Smart Start LLC and/or its franchisees’ reaching out to me multiple times on an ongoing basis using telephone, text and/or email, including autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts, about our products, services, promotions, and other offers. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services. To opt-out of text messages reply “STOP”, and to opt-out of emails click the unsubscribe link in the email. For texts, text “HELP” for help.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

franchisee_consent

By providing my information and clicking “Book Your Install Now,” I authorize [Insert Legal Name of Franchisee, distributor, or affiliate] to contact me at the phone number above via phone and/or text using multiple and periodic autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes. Not a condition for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out of texts, reply “STOP”.

Fieldset Begin

Fast-Track Your Installation

Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
We can get you a quote faster if you fill out the information below.

Vehicle Year

Vehicle Make

Vehicle Model

Vehicle Start Type

State of Conviction

County of Conviction

Installation Due Date

Program Duration

Date of Birth

Drivers License #

VIN #

State Authority Name

Referral Promo Code

Preferred Date

Preferences are subject to change based on availability.

Preferred Time

Questions/Comments

Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!

By providing your information and clicking “Get Help Now”, I authorize 1A Smart Start LLC and its affiliates and franchisees’ to contact me at the phone number and/or email address above via phone, text, and/or email using autodialing technology and artificial or prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes. Not a condition for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out of texts, reply “STOP,” and to opt-out of emails click the email unsubscribe link.

When your SSI-20/20™ or SSI-20/30™ device has the “Blow Harder” message on the screen, it is generally because the device doesn’t have enough of an air sample to accurately read your test.

Schedule an Installation

Fast-Track Your Installation

Want to speed up the installation appointment process?We can get you a quote faster if you fill out the information below.

Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
We can get you a quote faster if you fill out the information below.