Why Is My Vape Lighting Up But Not Hitting? 6 Essential Troubleshooting Tips You Need in 2025

Why Is My Vape Lighting Up But Not Hitting? 6 Essential Troubleshooting Tips You Need in 2025

90% of Vapers Experience This: A Common Issue You Need to Solve!

In 2025, most vapers have faced the frustrating situation where their vape lights up but won’t hit. According to global repair data, this issue is the most common for 9 out of 10 vapers. But don’t worry, it's usually a simple fix. This article breaks down the six most common causes of this issue, with clear solutions you can apply today.

We’ll dive into the science behind your vape’s performance, including issues with atomizer resistance, e-liquid thickness, battery contact corrosion, and more. Plus, we've included a FREE PDF download of the “Universal Vape Troubleshooting Flowchart,” perfect for quickly diagnosing and fixing any vape issue. Let’s fix this!

1. Atomizer Failure (72% of Vape Not Hitting Issues)

What’s Happening?
The most common reason your vape lights up but doesn’t produce vapor is a malfunctioning atomizer coil. This could be due to an improper resistance reading or the coil being damaged.

How to Check:

• Resistance Measurement: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of your coil. If the reading is outside the range of 0.2-3.0Ω, the device may enter short-circuit protection mode and stop firing.

• Case Study: One user experienced an automatic shutdown on their iJust 3 vape because they were using a 0.08Ω coil. The device detected the abnormal resistance and cut off power to prevent damage.

Preventive Measures:

• Coil Lifespan Management:

  • Nicotine Salt E-liquids: Replace the coil every 10-14 days. Higher PG (propylene glycol) content, over 50%, can reduce coil lifespan by 30%.

2. Viscosity Issues: Thick E-liquids and Clogged Pathways

What’s Happening?
Thick e-liquids, especially those with a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) content, can easily clog the coil, wicking system, or air pathways, leading to a situation where your vape won’t produce vapor.

How to Fix:

• E-Liquid Ratio: For smoother vaping, use a 50/50 VG/PG ratio, which works well with most vape systems. If you’re using high VG liquid, ensure your device has a larger coil and airflow for better vapor production.

• Clogged Pathways: If you notice a decrease in vapor production, try using a toothpick or a pin to clear the airflow intake.

3. Battery Contact Issues (Corrosion)

What’s Happening?
A common problem occurs when the battery’s contacts or the 510 thread connection becomes corroded, preventing a solid connection between the battery and the atomizer.

How to Fix:

• Cleaning the Contacts:

  • Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth or cotton swab to clean the battery and atomizer connections.

  • For mobile-friendly guidance, check out this GIF tutorial on how to clean the 510 connections. (Perfect for quick mobile reference!)

4. Power Settings and Lock Mode

What’s Happening?
Some devices might be set to low power or be in lock mode, preventing the device from firing.

How to Fix:

• Battery Charge: Ensure the device has sufficient battery charge. If it's too low, the vape might light up but won't hit.

• Lock Mode: If your device has a manual fire button, check if it’s locked. Most vapes can be unlocked by pressing the fire button 3-5 times in quick succession.

• Adjust Wattage: Make sure the wattage isn’t turned all the way down. In some cases, a very low wattage setting can prevent the device from producing vapor.

5. Airflow Blockage

What’s Happening?
A closed or blocked airflow can make it impossible for your vape to hit properly.

How to Fix:

• Adjust Airflow: If your vape has an adjustable airflow system, make sure the airflow vent isn’t closed. A closed airflow will restrict air, making it hard to inhale vapor. Open the vent to improve the flow and test again.

6. Out of E-Liquid or Empty Pod

What’s Happening?
If your vape is running out of e-liquid or has an empty pod, it may stop working to prevent a burnt hit.

How to Fix:

• Refill the Pod: If you're using a pod system, refill it with fresh e-liquid. If it’s a disposable vape, unfortunately, once it’s empty, it’s time to dispose of it and replace it with a new one.

🌍 Localized Troubleshooting Tips:

• Cold Weather Issues in North America: In winter, cold temperatures cause THC oil to thicken and block airflow. Consider warming up your vape before use if you’re in a cold environment.

• EU Regulations: In Europe, ensure your device is CE-certified. Some devices, like the Innokin CoolFire Z80, require a maximum power output of 20W to comply with EU regulations.

Bonus: Get the FREE Universal Troubleshooting Flowchart PDF

As a special bonus, download our Universal Vape Troubleshooting Flowchart to guide you through any vape issue. This chart is based on years of global repair data and is an essential tool for any vaper.

Click here to download the FREE Troubleshooting Flowchart now!

Boost Your Vape Knowledge:

Stay ahead of the game and become a pro at diagnosing vape issues. For more expert tips, subscribe to our newsletter and receive weekly guides, troubleshooting advice, and industry news directly to your inbox.

Troubleshooting Recap:

• Atomizer Resistance: Ensure proper coil resistance (0.2-3.0Ω) to avoid short-circuit protection.

• E-Liquid Ratio: Use a balanced VG/PG mix to prevent clogs and thick liquid buildup.

• Battery Contacts: Clean regularly with isopropyl alcohol to maintain proper connection.

• Lock Mode & Settings: Check battery charge and unlock the device if necessary.

• Airflow & E-Liquid: Ensure your airflow isn’t blocked and refill if the pod is empty.

FAQ

Q: Why does my vape blink 3 times when charging?
A: This usually indicates poor battery contact. Clean the 510 connections with isopropyl alcohol to restore functionality.