Educational

How to Fix a Disposable Vape Pen That’s Not Hitting

Pure
May 25, 2023

Do you have a new disposable vape that doesn't work?Although we've seen a huge improvement in the quality and reliability of disposables, we don't think they're free of issues.Most commonly, the disposable will stop firing (or hitting), or dramatically lose performance.You may be among the unfortunate users who end up with a disposable device that won't fire or hit. Before you throw away the device, you may want to check out some troubleshooting techniques.Before we go into the practical solutions, it may be helpful to first understand the components of the disposable vape pen. We'll go over the basics below.

What is a Disposable Vape?

Disposable vape devices are usually one-use and non-refillable. The disposables are made to be easy to use and work right out of the package. Today, disposables are available at Muskegon dispensary in a variety of sizes and shapes. Many also include extra features such as rechargeable batteries and adjustable airflow.

Different Types of Disposable Vapes

The market offers a variety of disposable vapes, each designed for use with different substances. Most commonly, these are nicotine, CBD and Delta-8. It is important to remember that, even though these disposables are pre-filled with different substances, they still function the same. The underlying components are all the same. This means that the problems and solutions will also be the exact same.

What are the Components of a Disposable Vape Pen?

The three main components of most disposable vapes are the pre-filled cartridge/pod, the coil and the battery.

Pre-filled Pod/Cartridge

The majority of disposables come with a cartridge or pod integrated. Some disposables may have a removable cartridge or pod, but in general we refer to them as pod vapes. As the pod is integrated with the battery, there are very few things that could go wrong. The pod also has a top mouthpiece that lets the vapor enter your mouth when you draw or inhale.

Coil

In disposables, the heating element (atomizer coil) is built into the cartridge/pod. The coil is enclosed by a wicking fabric that has been soaked with e-juice (or is pre-filled). The coil heats the eliquid by connecting directly to the battery. As it warms, it releases vapor from the mouthpiece. The coils will vary in resistance rating. Some may be round wire coils while others are mesh coils.

Battery

Battery is the final component and it's very important. The battery in most disposable devices has a capacity between 280 and 1000mAh. The larger the device the bigger the battery. The size of the battery is usually determined by the resistance of the coil and the amount pre-filled with e-juice. The battery will last for as long as you use the vape juice. It's not the same with disposable rechargeable vapes.

Other Important Components in a Disposable vaporizer

A disposable battery can only function if it has a few additional components. The first component is an airflow hole.The coil heats the air from the outside, which then travels up the coil and out the mouthpiece when you inhale.The auto-draw trigger is another important component that works with the airflow.They do not have a designated fire button like regular vape pens. The vape pen does not have a fire button.

How to Troubleshoot an Expired Vape Pen

Now that you know a bit more about how a disposable vaporizer pen works, and the main components of it, you can better understand its mechanics. What are the signs that a vape pen isn't working correctly?

Common Signs and Problems

  • LED light blinking
  • No vapor being produced
  • Feels like airflow is blocked
  • Intermittent firing
  • After a few second, the vapor production stops
  • The device feels hot
  • Burnt taste
  • Leaking vape juice

How to Fix a Disposable Vape

You now know what to look for when a disposable vapor pen stops working. We will show you some easy ways to make your disposable device work again.

1. Check your Battery

The battery indicator light is usually located on the device. This light may blink or not glow or light up when you inhale. If you are experiencing this issue, you could have a dead or dying battery. If the disposable pen is not rechargeable, you have very little to do as it is a simple manufacturing error. If it is a disposable rechargeable pen, you can plug it in to a charger and it should light up.

2. Give It a Tap

It may seem silly. Sometimes air bubbles get stuck in the cartridge, or around the coil. This prevents air flow. It could be that something is blocking the airflow sensor or auto-draw switch. Try tapping or flicking on the side of your disposable device where the cartridge/pod section is located (the top). You may be able to clear any obstructions and return to vaping by doing this.

3. Remove Debris From The Mouthpiece

You may have debris in your mouthpiece. This can also block air flow and prevent your device from working.This is common when using disposables, as they're often in and out pockets and bags. Lint and fluff can easily get stuck in the mouthpiece. Check to see if anything is blocking the airway. Use a safety pin or toothpick to remove any obstruction.

4. Check E-liquid level

Does your disposable vape taste burnt? A burnt disposable vape may be due to low vape juice. It's difficult to tell the level of e-juice in disposables because the liquid is enclosed within the cotton that surrounds the coil. Some disposable vapes have a plastic shell that is slightly transparent, which allows you to see the level of juice if you hold the device up to the sun. The saturated portion of the vape that contains juice will be lighter in color than the dried cotton.Some disposables allow you to remove the mouthpiece. You will then find the cotton and a rubber seal underneath. If your cotton is dry, you're low on eliquid.

5. Avoid inhaling long and hard

The way you use your disposable vape could be the cause of the intermittent failure. Most disposable vapes have a safety cutoff that occurs after 8-10 seconds. The battery will not overheat if the device is accidentally fired for too long. To prevent the device from firing intermittently, make sure that you do not inhale for too long.

6. Rest between hits to avoid overheating

Your disposable vape could be overheating for several reasons. You should not leave your disposable vape in direct sunlight for long periods of time. A disposable vape can also overheat if you are vaping in a chain. Rest between puffs and hits to let your device's coil and battery cool.

7. Covering airflow holes

You may have accidentally covered one of the airflow openings. The airflow hole is usually located on the bottom of disposables (these are often tiny slots or pinholes). Be sure to not cover the airflow hole when you inhale, as the disposable device needs air.

8. It might be a dud.

There is no perfect manufacturer, and there are so many cheap disposable vape pens on the market that it can be a simple case of poor quality assurance. There could be a faulty battery or damaged coil, or it could be a case of faulty internal connectors. It may not have been this way when the device left the warehouse of the manufacturer, but could've happened during transport. If this is the situation, you may have to invest in a brand new device.You may be able to get a refund at the shop where you bought it if you can show proof of purchase. You can also contact the manufacturer of the disposable e cigarette to request a replacement device.

9. Disassemble the device

If you've tried everything and still your disposable doesn't work, you might be able to disassemble it to fix any connection issues. This is not recommended unless you have the necessary knowledge. Although there are guides to disassemble certain disposables all the inner components of these items are fragile. You will not only struggle to reassemble these, but you may also put yourself in danger.

The Bottom Line

You can fix some disposable vapes using the above methods, but unfortunately, many are not. It's likely that the unit you received is defective. You can always contact the retailer or manufacturer to ask for compensation, but disposables are so cheap that it may not be worth it.It's not always possible to avoid mistakes from manufacturers. But it's better to stick with trusted brands that have a reputation for good quality control. You'll have less of a chance to end up with a device that doesn't work if you stick to trusted brands. So, next time you need a vape, remember buying it from a reputable medical marijuana dispensary in Muskegon.