Vaporizer malfunctions aren’t uncommon. Whether you’re a new or seasoned vaper, there will be times when your vape device simply fails to work as required.
Numerous factors could cause your vaporizer to not function properly. Fortunately, it’s reassuring to know that there are equally many ways to troubleshoot these problems.
Below is a guide on how to fix the most common vape pen malfunctions.
1. Recharge or Replace Dead Batteries
A dead battery is among the most common reasons for vape pen not working properly. Note that the term “dead” in this context can denote either temporary or permanent drainage.
Recharging your vaporizer battery is the only viable way to reenergize a temporarily drained battery. If you suspect that the cell is permanently dead, then you’ll have no option but to look for a replacement.
The surest way to establish that your vape pen battery needs replacing is if it won’t charge.
Also, note the total charging time and charge duration. If your vape pen takes a suspiciously short time to achieve full charge and then drains up after a few puffs, then it’s a perfect candidate for replacement.
Another way to determine that your vaporizer battery is permanently dead is if it has served you regularly for between six and 12 months. Expectedly, this duration isn’t cast in stone. It depends on several factors, including your vaping frequency, vaping temperature, and the type of vape device you’re using. Simplistic vaporizers like cigalikes typically come with a shorter battery life than the more sophisticated gadgets like vape mods.
Last but not least, establish if your vape pen is disposable or reusable. Disposable pens typically come with a pre-charged, non-rechargeable battery. You discard the device when the initial charge runs out.
2. Set the Right Vaping Temperature
Many vapers cite 420 degrees Fahrenheit or 216 degrees Celsius as the ideal vaping temperature. This should be the default setting for new and intermediate vapers.
But as you gradually proceed to advanced vaping levels, you’ll realize that many factors dictate your sweet spot. These include your vape pen’s wattage rating and the materials you consume.
It’s also important to note that the wrong vaping temperature may not necessarily cause your vape pen to stop working entirely. Rather, it significantly affects your vaping experience.
High-temperature vaping can cause a burnt hit, which is an unpleasant experience akin to inhaling burnt smoke. It’s the same feeling you get when you power on your vape pen with not enough e-liquid on the wicks.
On the other hand, low-temperature vaping can reduce your vape pen’s flavor- and vapor-producing abilities. This consequently affects your ability to savor the therapeutic compounds in the vaping materials.
3. Refill the Vape Tank
Most vaporizers won’t work effectively with an empty tank. This is especially true for vape cartridges, special types of vape devices that use liquid-based products called e-liquids or e-juices.
Vape cartridges are commonly contrasted from dry herb vaporizers designed for vaping dried herbal extracts and wax pens for inhaling wax concentrates.
The easiest way to fix the problem of a drained vape tank is to refill the tank.
The exact filling procedure may vary depending on your vape pen’s design and intended functionality. But in most vape pens, the process will unfold as follows;
- Screw off the top of your vape tank by twisting or sliding it.
- Locate the e-liquid fill hole and wipe it down if necessary.
- Place the tip of your e-juice bottle into the fill hole.
- Tilt the vape tank at a gentle angle to prevent air pockets from forming inside the tank.
- Squeeze the e-juice slowly until the tank is full.
Be sure to leave an air bubble at the top of the tank. This creates a vacuum that prevents the liquid from flooding the heating chamber and possibly compromising your vaping experience.
- Screw the top of the tank back on.
- Wipe any spilled e-juice.
4. Clean Dirty Coil
A vape pen’s coil, also known as an atomizer, is part of the device that vaporizes the vaping material (e-juice, dry herb, or concentrates) to produce vapor.
Being one of the most valuable parts of a vaporizer, it’s understandable why coils tend to gunk up occasionally. A burnt hit, bubbling noise, reduced flavor intensity, and diminished vapor production are all signs of a dirty atomizer.
Fortunately, vape pen atomizers are reasonably easy to clean. Simply follow the below procedure;
- Remove the wicks from the coil.
- Lightly burn the coil to dry out any e-liquid from its surface.
- Unscrew the coil from your vape pen and place it under running water.
- Gently brush the coil using a toothbrush or a cleaning tool provided in the kit.
- Rinse and check if sparkling clean.
- Wipe down or dry-burn the coil, then screw it back to the vape pen.
NOTE: You may need to repeat steps (IV) and (V) until the coil is thoroughly clean. In the case of stubborn stains, consider soaking the coil in an alcohol solution.
Experts highly recommend isopropyl alcohol for its efficacy and non-corrosiveness.
Submerge the coil in a 99% solution of isopropyl alcohol and let it stay for about 24 hours before rinsing.
5. Unclog the Mouthpiece
A vape pen’s mouthpiece is the uppermost pointed section you suck from to draw heated vapor into your mouth. It’s also known as a drip tip.
Mouthpiece blockages are usually due to condensation build-up that occurs after every hit. The rate of residue build-up will depend on the e-juice composition.
For instance, e-liquids considerably high in the vegetable glycerin (VG) are notorious for gunking up a vape pen’s drip tip due to the substance’s high viscosity. Tell-tale signs of clogging include burnt hits and reduced flavor and vapor production.
Your drip tip may also become clogged when fluid leaks into and dries out in this part, forming a hard resin. This is common when you leave your vape pen lying on its side instead of positioning it upright.
To unclog your vape pen’s mouthpiece, detach the component and run it under warm water. Wipe it down using a cotton swab or soft cotton cloth. You might also soak the drip tip in isopropyl alcohol for about half an hour before rinsing with warm water for a thorough clean.
Summary
Getting the most out of your vape pen depends on how effectively you take care of the device. We hope you can implement these tips to fix common vape pen malfunctions.
