Quick fixes for the most common vape problems — from burnt taste to leaking to no vapour.

Vaping devices are generally reliable, but like any electronic device, they can occasionally have issues. Before you assume your device is broken, most common problems have simple solutions that you can fix in minutes. This guide covers the most frequent issues NZ vapers encounter and walks you through the fix for each one.

1. Vape Not Producing Vapour (No Hit)

Symptoms

You draw on the device but get no vapour, or very little vapour with no throat hit or flavour.

Check these things in order

Is the device charged? This is the most common cause. Check the LED indicator. If the light blinks rapidly or does not turn on, the battery is dead. Charge it fully via USB-C and try again.

Is the device turned on? Many devices have a 5-click on/off mechanism. Press the fire button five times rapidly to toggle power. Some pod systems are draw-activated with no button, in which case skip this step.

Is the pod or tank connected properly? Remove the pod or tank and reinsert it firmly until you hear or feel it click into place. A loose connection is a common cause of no vapour.

Is there e-liquid in the pod? Check the e-liquid level. If the pod is empty or very low, refill it and wait 2–3 minutes for the coil to saturate before drawing.

Is the coil flooded? If you hear a gurgling sound but get little vapour, the coil may be flooded. Remove the pod, tap it gently on a paper towel to remove excess liquid from the airway, and reinsert it.

Is there an airflow obstruction? Check the mouthpiece and airflow slots for blockages. Clean any debris or dried e-liquid with a cotton bud or thin cloth.

2. Burnt or Unpleasant Taste

Symptoms

The vapour tastes acrid, dry, or burnt rather than the expected flavour of your e-liquid.

Causes and fixes

Dry coil (most common): If you have just filled a new pod or installed a new coil, you must wait at least 3–5 minutes for the e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton wick. Drawing on a dry coil burns the cotton permanently and ruins the coil.

Low e-liquid level: If the liquid level is below the wicking ports on the coil, the wick cannot stay saturated. Refill the pod. Running a pod until it is completely dry will burn the coil.

Chain vaping: Taking many rapid puffs in succession does not give the wick time to re-saturate between draws. Slow down and leave a few seconds between puffs.

Worn coil: Coils have a limited lifespan, typically one to three weeks depending on usage and e-liquid type. Sweet and dark-coloured e-liquids wear coils faster. If the burnt taste persists after refilling and waiting, replace the coil or pod.

Wattage too high: If your device has adjustable wattage, check that it is set within the recommended range for your coil. This information is usually printed on the coil itself. Running a coil above its rated wattage will burn it.

3. Leaking

Symptoms

E-liquid leaking from the base of the pod, from the mouthpiece, or collecting in the battery compartment.

Common causes and solutions

Overfilling: Do not fill the pod past the maximum fill line. E-liquid expands slightly with heat, and overfilling leaves no room for this expansion, forcing liquid out through the airway.

Loose pod: Make sure the pod is firmly seated in the device. A loose connection can create gaps where liquid escapes.

Damaged seal or o-ring: Inspect the rubber seals on the pod and the base of the coil. If any are torn, cracked, or missing, the pod or coil needs to be replaced.

Temperature changes: Leaving your device in a hot car or in direct sunlight causes the e-liquid and air inside the pod to expand, pushing liquid out. Store your device at room temperature.

Drawing too hard: Excessive suction can pull e-liquid into the airway faster than the coil can vaporise it. Use a gentle, steady draw rather than a forceful inhale.

Cleaning: If liquid has collected in the battery area, clean it with a dry cloth or cotton bud before reinserting the pod. Moisture in the connection area can interfere with conductivity.

4. Not Charging

Symptoms

Plugging in the USB cable does not cause the charging indicator to light up, or the battery does not reach full charge.

Troubleshooting steps

Try a different cable: USB cables fail more often than devices. Try a known-working cable. Under NZ regulations, all vaping devices must have removable batteries and rechargeable functionality, so charging issues are almost always cable or port related.

Check the charging port: Look inside the port for lint, dust, or debris. Gently clean it with a toothpick or dry cotton bud. Pocket lint is a very common cause of charging failures.

Try a different power source: Some USB wall adapters, particularly fast-chargers designed for phones, may not work properly with vape devices. Try a computer USB port or a standard 5V adapter.

Check for moisture: If e-liquid has leaked into the charging port, it can prevent proper connection. Clean and dry the port thoroughly before attempting to charge.

Battery safety: If your device is physically damaged, swollen, or making unusual sounds, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to charge a damaged battery. Dispose of it safely at an e-waste collection point or bring it to your local vape store for advice.

5. Spitback (Hot Liquid in Mouth)

Symptoms

Small droplets of hot e-liquid hitting your tongue or lips when you draw on the device.

How to fix it

Flooded coil: The coil has more liquid than it can vaporise, causing boiling rather than vaporisation. Remove the pod, tap it gently upside down on a paper towel, and blow gently through the mouthpiece to clear excess liquid.

Draw technique: Very short, sharp puffs can pull liquid into the mouthpiece. Use a slow, steady, gentle draw lasting 2–3 seconds.

Wattage too low: If your device has adjustable power, the wattage may be too low to properly vaporise the e-liquid. Increase it within the coil's recommended range.

6. Weak or Muted Flavour

Symptoms

The vapour has very little flavour compared to when the pod or coil was new.

Likely causes

Vaper's tongue: Your taste buds can become desensitised to a flavour you use constantly. Try switching to a different flavour for a few days, then return to your usual one. Staying hydrated and brushing your tongue can also help.

Old coil: As coils age, they accumulate residue that mutes flavour. If you have been using the same coil for more than two weeks, try replacing it.

Old e-liquid: E-liquid has a shelf life, typically 1–2 years from manufacture if stored properly. Liquid that has been exposed to sunlight, heat, or left open can degrade and lose flavour.

When to Replace vs. When to Repair

Most issues are resolved by replacing consumable parts: coils, pods, and cables. The device itself (the battery unit) rarely needs replacement unless it has been physically damaged, submerged in water, or is simply old and no longer holding a charge. If you have worked through the troubleshooting steps above and the problem persists, bring your device into a specialist vape store where staff can diagnose the issue in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my coil or pod?

Most coils last one to three weeks depending on usage. Signs that your coil needs replacing include: persistent burnt taste even with a full pod, significantly reduced flavour, reduced vapour production, and dark discolouration of the e-liquid around the coil. Heavy use and sweet e-liquids shorten coil life.

Why does my new coil taste burnt immediately?

You likely did not prime the coil. When you install a new coil or pod, fill it with e-liquid and wait at least 3–5 minutes before taking your first puff. This gives the cotton wick time to absorb the liquid. Drawing on a dry coil burns the cotton instantly and permanently.

Can I clean and reuse coils?

Coils are consumable items designed to be replaced, not cleaned. Attempting to clean a coil by rinsing it rarely restores performance and can damage the device. Replace the coil with a new one when it starts to deteriorate.

My device auto-fires (produces vapour on its own). What should I do?

Stop using the device immediately. Auto-firing is a safety issue, usually caused by liquid damage to the internal circuitry or a stuck button. Remove the pod, do not charge the device, and bring it to your local vape store or dispose of it safely at an e-waste point. NZ-compliant devices include auto-shutoff after 10 minutes, but you should not rely on this for an auto-firing device.

Is it normal for my device to get warm?

Slight warmth during use is normal, especially during longer draws or when charging. However, if the device becomes uncomfortably hot, stop using it and let it cool down. Excessive heat can indicate a battery issue. If it continues, discontinue use and seek advice from a specialist retailer.