Vape cartridges, also known as “carts,” offer cannabis users unparalleled convenience and customization. But when your cart stops producing vapor, that convenience goes up in smoke.
If you’ve found yourself wondering “why isn’t my cart hitting?”, this troubleshooting guide will help you get back to smooth sailing. We’ll outline the most common reasons for non-hitting carts and provide actionable tips to fix the issue.
Common Causes of Non-Hitting Carts
When your cart isn’t producing vapor, the underlying cause typically falls into one of four categories:
Connection issues: A loose cartridge or dirty battery contacts can break the crucial connection between your cart and battery.
Battery problems: An uncharged or faulty battery can’t provide power to heat your cart, preventing vapor production.
Airflow obstructions and clogs: Blockages in your cartridge’s air passages stop airflow, leading to weak or no vapor output.
Low quality carts: Counterfeit or cheap cartridges often have performance issues out of the box or fail prematurely.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these tips to pinpoint and resolve the reason your cart isn’t hitting:
1. Check Cartridge and Battery Connections
- Inspect contact points for dirt, oil residue, damage. Clean with isopropyl alcohol if needed.
- Ensure cartridge fits snugly onto battery without wobbling. Don’t over tighten.
- For push-button batteries, check center pin isn’t pushed in too far. Carefully wiggle upwards with tweezers if needed.
2. Ensure Battery is Charged and Functional
- Confirm battery is charged by checking indicator light. Recharge if low or dead battery suspected.
- Signs of faulty battery: not holding charge, overheating, physical damage. Replace battery if issues persist after recharging.
3. Clear Airway Obstructions and Clogs
- Weak hit: cartridge likely has partial blockage
- Apply warmth by holding cartridge tip down under warm water faucet
- Insert paperclip/toothpick into mouthpiece to clear
- No hit: total blockage preventing airflow through cart
- Try hard inhalation through mouthpiece to dislodge clog
4. Avoid Low Quality and Counterfeit Cartridges
Signs of problematic cartridges:
- Leaking around mouthpiece
- Burnt taste when vaping
- Generic or incorrect branding/logos
Stick to reputable brands from authorized retailers to minimize duds.
When to Seek Help or Replace Your Cart
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your cart still isn’t producing vapor, it’s best to replace it. Ensure proper disposal of faulty carts at electronics recycling centers. When purchasing a replacement, authenticate cartridges by only buying directly from manufacturers or trusted retailers.
Keep Your Cartridge Running Smoothly
Caring properly for your cartridges goes a long way towards preventing issues:
- Store cartridges upright in cool, dry location
- Don’t expose carts to temperature extremes
- Clean carts regularly
- Avoid overfilling
- Use optimal voltage settings (2.5V – 3.3V)
Implementing preventative best practices combined with promptly addressing any performance issues will keep your vape cartridges hitting smoothly for long-term enjoyment.
Let us know in the comments if you have any other cart troubleshooting tips!
Frequently asked questions:
How do I fix my cart not hitting?
First, check that your battery is charged and the cartridge is making a solid connection. Then look for signs of clogging like a weak draw when inhaling. Try applying warmth or using a paperclip to clear the airway obstruction through the mouthpiece. As a last resort, the cartridge may need to be replaced if it’s low quality or continues having issues.
Why does my cart have airflow but no smoke?
When a cartridge has airflow but fails to produce vapor, this typically indicates that the oil is too thick to properly soak the wick. Try gently warming up the cart, which can make the oil less viscous so it absorbs more easily. Let it sit for 10+ minutes after warming to fully saturate the wick, then try vaping again while starting at a low voltage/temperature.
Why is my cart full but not working?
A full cartridge that fails to produce vapor is almost always caused by clogging issues blocking the airflow or preventing the wick from absorbing oil. First verify the mouthpiece and airway are clear of obstructions using the steps above. If the cart still won’t hit after that, the oil likely needs to be warmed up so it wicks and vaporizes properly when inhaling.
Why is there no smoke when I hit my cart?
Assuming your battery is charged, no vapor production from a cartridge is most commonly fixed by clearing clogs, allowing oil to soak into the wick if too thick, and preheating it to an optimal temperature. If you’ve tried warming up a full cartridge and gently unclogging the mouthpiece to no avail, low oil quality could be preventing it from vaporizing properly when inhaling.
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