Work through vape faults in a fixed order. No power: check charge, then the 510 pin, then the device lock. Burnt taste: check coil age and priming, then wattage. Leaking: check fill level, then O-rings, then liquid ratio. Harsh hit: check nicotine strength first, then wattage. This sequence resolves most problems in minutes.
What are the most common vape problems?
Even the best vaping devices can run into issues from time to time. The good news is that most common problems have simple fixes. Before you assume your device is broken, run through this troubleshooting guide — chances are you'll have it sorted in minutes.
Problem: Burnt or Dry Taste
A harsh, burnt flavour is the most common vape complaint. Here's what causes it and how to fix it:
- Coil needs replacing — If your coil is more than a week or two old, it's likely burnt out. Replace it with a fresh one and prime it properly before use.
- Not enough e-liquid — If the tank is near-empty, the wick can't saturate. Top up your tank.
- Wattage too high — Running your coil above its recommended wattage can burn the wick. Check the coil's wattage range and adjust your device accordingly.
- Chain vaping — Taking lots of puffs in quick succession doesn't give the wick time to re-saturate. Pause a few seconds between draws.
- New coil not primed — Always apply e-liquid to the cotton on a new coil and let the filled tank sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping.
Problem: Leaking Tank
E-liquid seeping out of your tank is frustrating but usually fixable:
- Check the seals — Make sure all o-rings are in place and undamaged. Replace any that look worn or stretched.
- Tighten connections — Ensure the coil, base and top cap are all properly tightened. Don't over-tighten though — that can damage seals.
- Wrong PG/VG ratio — Thin, high-PG e-liquids can leak through sub-ohm coils designed for thicker VG-heavy liquids. Match your e-liquid to your coil type.
- Filling technique — When filling, avoid getting e-liquid down the centre chimney. Tilt the tank slightly and pour down the inner wall.
- Worn coil — Old coils can lose their seal. Try a fresh coil if the leak persists.
Problem: No Vapour or Weak Vapour
If you're pressing the fire button and getting nothing or very little vapour:
- Check the battery — Is your device charged? Plug it in and try again.
- Check the coil connection — Remove and reseat the coil to make sure it's making proper contact.
- Check for a locked device — Many mods lock when you press the fire button five times. Press five times rapidly to unlock.
- Airflow blocked — Make sure the airflow ring isn't fully closed.
- Flooded coil — If you hear gurgling, the coil may be flooded. Blow gently through the mouthpiece (with a paper towel over the airflow) to clear excess liquid.
Problem: Gurgling or Spitting
Hearing bubbling sounds or getting hot liquid on your lips? That's a flooded coil:
- Flick excess liquid — Hold the device upside down and flick it firmly (over a sink or paper towel) to remove excess e-liquid from the coil.
- Blow through the device — A gentle blow through the mouthpiece can clear the flooding.
- Increase wattage slightly — A slightly higher wattage can vapourise excess liquid more effectively.
- Check your coil — A very worn coil doesn't vapourise efficiently, leading to flooding. Replace it if needed.
Problem: E-Liquid Tastes Off or Muted
If the flavour isn't what it used to be:
- Coil is wearing out — This is the most common cause. Fresh coil, fresh flavour.
- Dirty tank — E-liquid residue can build up and affect taste. Give your tank a thorough clean. See our tank cleaning guide for instructions.
- Vaper's tongue — If you've been vaping the same flavour for a long time, your taste buds can become desensitised. Try switching to a different flavour for a few days.
When to Ask for Help
If you've tried the fixes above and your device still isn't performing properly, it may be a hardware issue. Get in touch with the Relx Vape Australia team and we'll help you troubleshoot further. If your device is past its prime, browse our starter kits for a reliable upgrade.
How do you diagnose a vape problem?
Most vaping faults have several possible causes, and working through them in the wrong order wastes effort. This sequence resolves the large majority of problems in a few minutes.
| Symptom | Check first | Then | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| No power / no fire | Charge level and cable | 510 pin or pod contacts | Device lock (five clicks) |
| Burnt taste | Coil age and priming | Wattage vs printed range | Liquid level above intake holes |
| Leaking | Fill level and headroom | O-rings and tightness | Liquid ratio vs coil |
| Gurgling | Flooded coil — blow through | Draw technique | Coil resistance vs liquid |
| Weak vapour | Battery charge | Coil age | Airflow obstruction |
| "No atomiser" | 510 pin contact | Condensation on base | Coil seated properly |
| Harsh throat hit | Nicotine strength vs device | Wattage too high | Airflow too closed |
| Won\u2019t charge | Cable and adapter | Lint in the port | Cell at end of life |
Fixes that come up most often
Clearing a flooded coil
Remove the tank or pod from the device. Fold a tissue over the airflow inlet, then blow firmly through the mouthpiece. Excess liquid clears into the tissue. Reassemble, then draw more gently and leave a beat between puffs so the wick can keep pace.
Restoring a 510 connection
Unscrew the tank and look at the centre pin on both parts. It should sit slightly proud rather than flush or recessed. Wipe both with a dry cotton bud. If the tank's pin is recessed, most tanks allow it to be adjusted out a fraction with a small screwdriver from underneath — a quarter turn is usually enough.
Stopping a persistent leak
Strip the tank and inspect every O-ring for splits or flattening. Seal kits are inexpensive for most popular tanks and fix the majority of chronic leakers. Reassemble finger-tight — over-tightening crushes seals and causes the very problem you are trying to fix.
Curing a harsh hit
Work down the list: is the nicotine strength appropriate for this device? Is the wattage inside the coil's printed range? Is the airflow open enough for the power? Is the liquid ratio right for the coil? A harsh hit is nearly always one of those four, in that order of likelihood.
Faults that are not worth chasing
- A scorched coil. Carbonised cotton does not recover. Replace it.
- A cracked glass section. Replace it; a cracked tank will fail completely at some point.
- A swollen or hot battery. Retire it immediately and recycle at a drop-off point.
- A device that will not hold charge past an hour. The cell has reached end of life.
- Flavour ghosting after a deep clean. The seals have absorbed it; replace the O-rings or use a second tank.
A small kit that prevents most downtime
Keeping these five things together turns most failures into a two-minute fix rather than a trip to a shop:
- Spare coils — at least two for your current device.
- A spare glass section for your tank.
- An O-ring service kit.
- Cotton buds and a small screwdriver.
- A spare charging cable.
Most of this lives in our accessories range, alongside replacement coils.
