Most problems with a vape come down to the coil, the e-liquid level or the battery. Here's how to keep yours working, and what to try when it isn't.
Priming a new coil or pod
A dry coil burns its cotton on the first puff, and that burnt taste doesn't go away. Every time you fit a new coil or refillable pod:
- Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed cotton and down the centre of the coil.
- Fill the pod or tank, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Take a few gentle draws without firing, then start at the lowest power setting.
Burnt or weak taste
- Top up: a low e-liquid level lets the coil run dry.
- Slow down: take a few seconds between puffs so the cotton can soak back up.
- Check the e-liquid: thick, high-VG liquid can starve small pod coils (see choosing the right e-liquid).
- Replace the coil: most last one to two weeks. If the taste stays burnt or flat after a refill, the coil is done.
Leaking or gurgling
- Don't overfill: leave the air gap the fill line shows.
- Check the seals: make sure the coil is pushed fully in and the rubber O-rings aren't torn or pinched.
- Gurgling means a flooded coil: take the pod off, wrap the bottom in a tissue and give it a firm flick, then draw a little more gently.
- Wipe the contacts: condensation in the pod's base or the battery's connector is normal. A dry cotton swab clears it.
It won't fire
- Charge it fully with its own cable before anything else.
- Check the lock: on many button-fired devices, five quick presses locks or unlocks it. Your manual will say.
- Re-seat the pod and wipe the contacts on both the pod and the battery.
- On a disposable, a blinking light usually means the battery is flat. If it has a USB-C port, charge it; if the e-liquid has run out, it's finished.
Charging and batteries
- Use the cable that came with the device, or a good-quality USB-C cable, with a standard wall adapter or computer port unless your manual says it supports fast charging.
- Charge on a hard surface you can see, not on a bed or couch, and unplug it once it's full.
- Stop using and charging any device that's swollen, cracked, has been in water or gets hot.
- Flying? Airlines require vapes and spare batteries in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
Disposing of old devices
Vapes contain lithium batteries, which can start fires in garbage trucks and recycling plants, so never put them in household garbage or your blue bag. Take them to a battery drop-off; you can find one near you at call2recycle.ca. Call ahead to check they accept vapes.
Bought something that's faulty? See our return & exchange policy, or call either store.