10 Common Problems with E-Cigarettes and How You Can Fix Them

Are you having problems with your E-cigarette? You are 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 are getting too weak a nicotine hit

There are different explanations for this problem. First and foremost, it is possible that you are using an E-juice with too little nicotine in it. Electronic cigarettes release nicotine more slowly than regular cigarettes. Fortunately, researchers assume that this is also 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 you get from a regular cigarette. So try switching to a stronger E-juice.

Another explanation could be that your E-cigarette is too weak. The product you use actually makes a difference. Some E-cigarettes are so powerful that they give you a really strong hit even with a weak E-juice. For maximum effect, use a stronger battery with variable voltage together with a good tank. A battery with variable voltage gives you the opportunity to control the voltage so that you get exactly the effect you want.

It is also possible that you are using your E-cigarette incorrectly. If you are a beginner, you may always end up doing something wrong. Most smokers take short puffs directly into the lungs. Vapers, on the other hand, take long puffs into the mouth and inhale afterwards. Research has shown that the nicotine from the E-cigarette is absorbed in the airways, while that from cigarettes is absorbed in the lungs. That could be the reason for the difference.

Then it could also be a weak battery that is reducing 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 is possible that you need a new coil or that your tank is flooded. Solutions to this can be found below.

You are getting too weak a “throat hit” 

First and foremost, it is possible that you are 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, while 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.

Here too, it is possible that your E-cigarette is the problem. Again: some E-cigarettes are stronger than others and produce a stronger throat hit. E-cigarettes with tanks generally produce stronger throat hits than, for example, cigalikes (which look like regular cigarettes). Use a tank with a VV battery and raise the voltage. This way, you would get a stronger throat hit.

In addition, your tank could be flooded. See solutions for gurgling E-cigarettes below.

You are not getting enough vapor

There are also various possible causes here. The ratio of PG and VG may not be right. An E-juice with more VG produces more vapor. See here for E-juices with 70% VG.

And again: Your E-cigarette could be too weak. The stronger the battery, the more vapor it will produce. You can read more about this here.

The battery does not work

First: Check whether the battery is on. Manual batteries usually have a 5-click on/off function. This means pressing the activation button 5 times to turn the battery on. It sounds obvious, but many beginners using an E-cigarette for the first time do not know this.

If the battery is on, it could be a problem with the connection between the battery and the tank. Make sure that the connectors on the battery and tank are clean. It is usually enough to clean them with a cotton swab. In our beginner’s guide to batteries you can find some more solutions for battery problems.

The tank is leaking 

First check whether your tank is properly attached to the battery. The easiest way to screw it on is by turning it in the wrong direction until you hear a clicking sound. Then turn it in the right direction and it will sit perfectly in the threading.

Apart from the connection, it is also possible that you are using a tank that is not of very high quality. Try another brand if the problem persists. You can find more advice on handling tanks here.

Your E-cigarette tastes burnt

Have you perhaps used your E-cigarette immediately after filling the tank? Most clearomizers need to stand for around five minutes after filling so that the liquid has time to distribute itself in the coil. If the coil is not sufficiently soaked, it can easily burn.

Another reason could be that you need to change the coil. Coils do not last forever. If you have a tank with a replaceable coil, you usually replace it by taking the tank apart, unscrewing the coil and screwing in a new one. You can find new coils here. If you cannot replace the coil, you must replace the entire tank. How long your product lasts depends on how and how often you use the E-cigarette and what resistance your coil has. A good rule, however, is to replace the coil after 3–4 weeks. Also keep in mind that you burn out your coil faster the longer you press the activation button. Give your E-cigarette a break of a few seconds after each puff.

The third explanation for a burnt taste is that you have too little E-juice left in the tank. Some BDC and CE5 clearomizers have small holes in the coil. Make sure that these holes are always covered with E-juice.

You cannot taste your E-juice 

One trick is to gently blow into the tank (not too hard, otherwise the E-juice will enter the tube in the middle and you will flood your coil). Blowing into the clearomizer can help release the flavor. Otherwise, it is also possible that you have “vaper’s tongue”. This sometimes happens when you use an E-juice for a relatively long time. Suddenly, you can no longer taste it. Usually, switching flavors helps.

You get a dry or sore throat

The propylene glycol in E-juice can cause a sore or dry throat. 90% of people find that drinking water helps, but sometimes it may be necessary to switch to an E-juice with more vegetable glycerin. You can find a selection of 70% VG E-juices here.

The E-cigarette makes a gurgling sound

If you hear a gurgling sound from your E-cigarette, you probably have a flooded tank/coil. Possible causes are:

• The tank is not assembled correctly.
• The tank is attached too tightly or too loosely to the battery.
• Too much E-juice in the tank (enters the tube in the middle).

The best solution is to clean the tank. Take it apart if possible and rinse it with warm, but not boiling, water. Leave it to dry for at least 24 hours or place it in rice. Here you can read about some common problems with clearomizers and how you can solve them.

The charger does not work

Are you using the correct charger? Many problems with batteries and chargers are caused by using the wrong charger. It is 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. Also do not use chargers for iPads or iPhones, only the charger designed for your battery.