Do you have problems with your e-cigarette? You're not the only one. Here are some problems that are quite common and solutions to them. So if you have a problem take a look at the different sections here and you might find a solution to your particular problem.
You’re getting a nicotine hit that’s too weak
There are different explanations for this problem. First and foremost, it is possible that you are using an E-juice with too little nicotine. Electronic cigarettes release nicotine more slowly than regular cigarettes. Fortunately, researchers also assume that this is the reason why E-cigarettes could be less addictive than regular cigarettes. Unfortunately, you may need a higher nicotine strength than you are used to in order to get the same effect as from a regular cigarette. So try switching to a stronger E-juice.
An additional explanation could be that your E-cigarette is too weak. It does make a difference which product you use. Some E-cigarettes are so strong that they give you a really strong hit even with a weak E-juice. For the maximum effect, use a stronger battery with variable voltage together with a good liquid reservoir. A battery with variable voltage gives you the possibility to control the voltage so that you get exactly the effect you want.
It is also possible that you are using your E-cigarette in the wrong way. If you are a beginner it can always happen that you do something wrong. Most smokers take short puffs directly into the lung. Vapors, on the other hand, take long puffs into the mouth and inhale after that. Research has shown that nicotine from the E-cigarette is absorbed in the airways while the nicotine from cigarettes is absorbed in the lung. That could be the reason for the difference.
Then it could also be a weak battery that reduces your nicotine hit. You may simply not have enough power left. Use a fully charged battery and see if it makes a difference. And finally it’s possible you need a new coil or that your liquid reservoir is flooded. Solutions to that are below.
You’re getting a throat hit that’s too weak
First and foremost, it’s possible you’re using the wrong E-juice. All e-juices come with different balances between “throat-hit” and vapor production. Propylene glycol (PG) is responsible for a stronger throat hit, vegetable glycerin (VG) is responsible for vapor production. If your throat hit is too weak you may need an E-juice with more PG and if it is too strong you may need one with more VG. Try different ones to find the right strength.
Also here it’s possible that your E-cigarette is the one at fault. Again: some E-cigarettes are stronger than others and produce a stronger throat-hit. E-cigarettes with a liquid reservoir generally produce stronger throat-hits than, for example, cigalikes (which look like regular cigarettes). Use a liquid reservoir with a VV battery and raise the voltage. In this way you would get a larger throat-hit.
Additionally, your liquid reservoir could be flooded. See solutions for gurgling E-cigarettes below.
You're not getting enough vapor
There are also various possible causes here. The ratio of PG and VG might not be right. An E-juice with more VG produces more vapor. Here you can find E-juices with 70% VG.
And again: Your E-cigarette could be too weak. The stronger the battery is the more vapor it will produce. Here you can read more about it.
The battery isn’t working
First: Check if the battery is on. Manual batteries usually have a 5-click on/off function. That means you press the activation button 5 times to turn the battery on. It sounds obvious but many beginners using an E-cigarette for the first time don’t know this.
If the battery is on it could be a problem with the connection between the battery and the liquid reservoir. Make sure the battery's and reservoir's connectors are clean. It’s usually enough to clean them with a cotton swab. In our beginner's guide for batteries there are some more solutions for battery problems.
The liquid reservoir leaks
First check if your liquid reservoir sits properly on the battery. The easiest way to screw it on is by turning it the wrong way until you hear a clicking sound. Then turn it in the correct direction and it will sit perfectly in the threads.
Besides the connection it’s also possible that you are using a liquid reservoir that isn’t of very high quality. Try another brand if the problem persists. More advice for handling liquid reservoirs you can find here.
Your e-cigarette tastes burnt
Have you perhaps used your E-cigarette right after you have filled the reservoir? Most clearomizers must stand for about five minutes after refilling so that the liquid has time to distribute itself in the coil. If the coil isn’t sufficientlyWet it can easily burn.
Another reason could be that you need to replace the coil. Coils don’t last forever. If you have a liquid reservoir with replaceable coil you usually replace it by taking the reservoir apart, unscrewing the coil and screwing in a new one. New coils can be found here. If you can’t replace the coil you must replace the entire liquid reservoir. How long your product lasts depends on how and how often you use the E-cigarette and what resistance you have on the coil. A good rule of thumb is to replace the coil after 3-4 weeks. Also remember that you burn out your coil faster the longer you press the activation button. Give your E-cigarette a pause of a few seconds after each puff.
The third explanation for burnt taste is that you have too little E-juice left in the reservoir. In some BDC and CE5 clearomizers there are small holes in the coil. Make sure these holes are always covered with E-juice.
You can’t taste your E-juice
A trick is to gently blow into the liquid reservoir (not too hard or the e-juice will enter the center tube and you’ll flood your coil). Blowing into the clearomizer can help release the flavor. Otherwise it’s also possible that you have “vaper’s tongue”. It happens sometimes when you use an E-juice for a relatively long time. Suddenly you might not be able to taste it anymore. Usually it helps to change the flavor.
You get a dry throat or sore throat
Propylene glycol in the E-juice can cause a sore throat or dry throat. 90% of people feel that it helps to drink water but sometimes it may be necessary to switch to an E-juice with more vegetable glycerin. A selection of 70% VG E-juices can be found here.
The e-cigarette makes a gurgling sound
If you hear a gurgling sound from your e-cigarette you probably have a flooded liquid reservoir/coil. Possible causes are:
- The liquid reservoir isn’t assembled correctly.
- The liquid reservoir is attached too tightly or too loosely on the battery.
- Too much E-juice in the liquid reservoir (flows into the center tube).
The best solution is to clean the liquid reservoir. Take it apart if possible and rinse it with warm but not boiling water. Let it dry for at least 24 hours or put it in rice. Here you can read about some common problems with clearomizers and how you can solve them.
The charger doesn’t work
Are you using the right charger? Many problems with batteries and chargers are caused by using the wrong charger. It’s good if chargers and batteries come with safety mechanisms but the most important thing is that you use the correct charger for your battery. It can be dangerous to use the wrong charger.
As mentioned before, it is also important that the connector on the battery is clean. The same applies here. The charger should also be clean. If they are dirty clean them with a cotton swab. Do not use an iPad or iPhone charger either, only the charger designed for your battery.
