Why Is My Vape Flashing and Not Working?

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Get the inside scoop on why your vape pen is blinking and what you can do
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When you’re getting ready to vape, the last thing you want to see is a blinking light on your vape pen. Try not to stress, though; as frustrating as this flashing light may be, there are plenty of troubleshooting options at your disposal. Read on to learn why your vape might be acting up and what you can do about it—and, most importantly, how you can keep your e-cig in great condition for your future vape sessions.

Things You Should Know

  • Troubleshoot your vape by prying and lifting up the connection plates on the battery, cartridge, and/or battery charger with a tiny flathead screwdriver .
  • Recharge your vape if it’s blinking 10 times in a row. On many types of vapes, repeated blinking signifies a low battery.
  • Keep your vape in great condition by charging it with the proper charger and cleaning the individual parts weekly with rubbing alcohol (minus the battery).
Section 1 of 4:

What does it mean if my vape pen is blinking 3 times?

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  1. Vapes come in a wide variety of styles and brands so there isn’t a universal warning system across all devices—it really depends on the manufacturer. On some models and brands of vapes, a light flashing 3 times may indicate that your battery is low or that your vape battery and cartridge aren’t connecting properly. Check your device’s user manual to get a more accurate idea of what’s going on.
    • Tip: Experienced vapers suggest testing the different components of your vape to narrow down what’s causing the blinking. Separate your vape tank from the battery and then hit the button again—if your pen still blinks, a battery issue is a likely culprit. If it doesn’t blink, there might be a connection plate issue or a problem with the vape coil.
  2. Many vapes are programmed to shut off if you take a really long puff (like 10 seconds or longer). If your vape started blinking right after your last puff, your device might just be telling you to take shorter hits in the future.
    • Check your vape’s user manual to see what the exact cut-off time is.
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  3. Disposable vapes are made with lithium-ion batteries, which are very flammable. [1] As a safety measure, some of these vapes have a built-in feature that turns the device off and causes it to blink.
  4. Certain vapes, like the Yocan Evolve Plus, will blink 3 times if you press down the power button for 15 seconds or longer. In this case, just let go of the power button and press it again as you usually would so you can keep vaping. [2]
  5. In rare cases, a vape might blink instead of operating correctly to let you know that the device isn’t working properly. This might happen after you’ve dropped the vape on the ground or gotten it wet. In most cases, you’re better off getting a new vape (especially if it’s a disposable one); in other cases, you might be able to replace the coil in your vape to get it working again.
    • Tip: If your device is wet, try blowing a steady stream of air through the vape while covering the lower air vents with a paper towel—this is a great way to force most of the water out. Then, stick your wet vape in a sealed baggie filled with dry rice or silica gel packets for at least a day and see if that helps.
    • Check your vape’s user manual for specific guidance on how to troubleshoot a short-circuiting device.
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Section 2 of 4:

How do you fix your vape battery?

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  1. Unscrew the battery from the rest of your e-cig and hold it with the threads facing up—the connection plate is the small, metal circle along the top of the battery. Insert a paper clip or tiny flathead screwdriver beneath the edge of the plate to lift a portion of it up. Then, guide your paper clip or screwdriver around the circumference of the connection plate to raise the rest of it up. Once you’ve lifted the connection plate halfway up the battery threads, stop adjusting it. [3]
    • At this point, reassemble your vape—just be sure not to twist the components together too tightly, or else your device might not work properly.
    • Tip: If the connection plate is pressed too far down into your vape battery, your device might malfunction.
    • This strategy works especially well with vapes that have 510 thread batteries, like O2VAPE, Ooze, and Yocan.
  2. Pick up your vape cartridge and flip it over to find the connection plate—it should resemble a small metal circle with a hole drilled down the center. Using a paper clip or tiny flathead screwdriver, pry up the connection plate slightly and lift all the way around (so it’s just slightly higher than the metal threads surrounding it). Reassemble your vape as you usually would and see if it works. [4]
    • Tip: Don’t make too many adjustments to this connection plate, or else you might hurt the cartridge.
    • This troubleshooting tip is particularly helpful for vapes with 510 thread batteries.
  3. Have you noticed oil collecting on the surface of your battery connection plate? If so, lightly dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and carefully wipe down the surface of the plate. Blot away any excess rubbing alcohol with a paper towel, and then set your battery aside so it can dry completely. Once the component is dry, put the pieces of your vape back together. [5]
    • Tip: Make sure that you’re using a high-quality cartridge or a cartridge that’s designed for your vape; otherwise, oil might leak onto the battery.
    • Be sure to try this tip if your device has a 510 thread battery (like an Ooze, Yocan, or O2VAPE).
  4. Pick up the USB charging connector that your vape plugs into. On the opposite end of the USB port, look for a circular connection plate. Using a tiny flathead screwdriver or a paper clip, lift up the plate so it sits a little bit above the surrounding threads. Then, plug in your vape and look for the lights that indicate it's charging. [6]
  5. Your vape might malfunction if debris is blocking up your vape cartridge. To fix this, simply grab a blow dryer, set it to low heat, and blow over the opening of the cartridge. Then, gently reassemble your vape.
    • Tip: If you don’t have a hair dryer handy, grab a really thin item like a safety pin or toothpick and gently stick it into the opening along the top of your cartridge.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Fix Other Common Vape Problems

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  1. Although it depends on the exact vape model, many devices blink 10 times when the battery has completely run out. Try charging your device with its designated charger and see if the blinking stops. [7]
  2. Different vapes have unique color-coding systems to show what’s happening with your device. While it’s best to check your vape’s user manual, here’s a brief run-down of what the different colors might mean on different types of vape pens:
    • Red: The vape pen has a low battery or is changing to lower power mode (Vaporesso); the pen has a low battery (PAX)
    • Yellow: The pen has a medium amount of battery (Juul); the battery is less than 80% full (PAX)
    • Green: The pen is damaged, has connection issues, or has a dead battery (Ooze); the pen is on high power mode (Vaporesso)
    • Blue: The device has a low battery, is damaged, or is out of e-liquid (Puff Bar); the vape pen is on medium power mode (Vaporesso)
    • Purple: Device is short-circuiting or the cartridge is connected too tightly (Lit eLiTe Series); the device is locked or has the wrong type of pod (Lost Vape Orion DNA GO)
    • White: The battery isn’t completely attached to the device (510 vape pen); the device needs to be charged (iKrusher)
  3. Vape hits develop a burnt taste when the atomizer (the part of your device that creates the vapor) ignites the vape’s wick instead of the e-liquid. If your hits have a pretty nasty flavor, try replacing the coil in your e-cig.
    • If you have a disposable vape, get a new vape rather than replacing the coil.
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Section 4 of 4:

Vape Care Tips

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  1. Many vape users tend to tighten their battery and cartridge really securely—but this can actually prevent these parts of your vape from connecting properly. To be safe, tighten your vape lightly so your device is secure without being too tight. [8]
  2. While it can be tempting to use a phone or tablet charger to juice up your vape , this isn’t a good idea. Only use your vape’s designated charger, or else you might fry the battery (and potentially cause a fire). [9]
  3. Take apart your vape and clean each part separately. The mouthpiece and cartridge can be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, while the outside of the battery can just be cleaned off with a cotton swab. Then, let all of your vape components dry completely before reassembling them.
    • Always consult your vape’s user manual before you start cleaning your device.
    • Never soak your vape battery in water or any sort of cleaner.
    • If your vape has a tank, take time to drain it, clean it out, and soak it in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water.
  4. Vape batteries can be fire hazards, which is why it’s important to store them at a comfortable temperature. Never keep your vape out in the sun, and don’t leave it in a place that’s very cold or very hot. [10]
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      Warnings

      • If you’re using a disposable vape (as opposed to a refillable one), your vape will stop working once the battery or vape juice runs out. At this point, you’re better off getting a new disposable vape rather than trying to fix your old one (or upgrading to a refillable vape). [12]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/tips-help-avoid-vape-battery-fires-or-explosions
      2. ↑ https://yocancanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Yocan-Evolve-Plus-User-Manual.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6H2OPQB6I&t=1m11s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6H2OPQB6I&t=2m6s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6H2OPQB6I&t=2m38s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6H2OPQB6I&t=3m45s
      7. ↑ https://yocancanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Yocan-Evolve-Plus-User-Manual.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-12/5%20Tips%20to%20Help%20Avoid%20Vape%20Battery%20Explosions_FDA.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-12/5%20Tips%20to%20Help%20Avoid%20Vape%20Battery%20Explosions_FDA.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/tips-help-avoid-vape-battery-fires-or-explosions
      2. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/tips-help-avoid-vape-battery-fires-or-explosions
      3. ↑ https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/vape-waste-the-environmental-harms-of-disposable-vapes/

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