Cannabis Cart Not Hitting: Troubleshooting Guide

A cart that does not hit has one of five causes: a dead battery, a clogged airway, a bad 510 connection, a low voltage setting, or an empty cartridge. Check them in that order.

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1. Check the battery

Press the button five times. Most 510 batteries turn on and off with five clicks. Look for a blinking light. A blinking light means low charge. Charge the battery with the USB cable that came with it. A full charge takes 1 to 2 hours. Buttonless batteries pull air when you draw. Test the battery with a second cart if you have one.

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2. Check the 510 connection

Unscrew the cart. Look at the threads on the battery and the cart. Oil on the threads blocks the electrical contact. Clean the threads with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Let the parts dry for 5 minutes. Look at the center pin on the battery. The pin is a small metal circle. If the pin sits flat, the cart may not reach it. A small flat tool can lift the pin 1 mm. Do not overtighten the cart. Overtightening pushes the pin down.

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3. Clear a clog

A clog is oil in the airway. Signs: a blinking light with no vapor, a gurgle sound, or weak airflow. Most batteries have a preheat mode. Press the button twice or hold it for 2 seconds. Preheat warms the oil. Then draw with a slow, steady pull for 3 seconds. Do not blow into the mouthpiece. Air pressure pushes oil into the battery. If the clog stays, warm the cart in your hand for 2 minutes. A hair dryer on low heat for 10 seconds also works. Keep the cart upright.

4. Check the voltage

Voltage settings range from 2.5V to 4.2V. Live resin and rosin carts work at 2.5V to 3.2V. Distillate carts work at 3.3V to 3.8V. A voltage that is too low makes weak vapor. A voltage that is too high burns the coil. A burnt coil tastes harsh and may stop producing vapor. Check the cart's label for a recommended voltage.

5. Check the cart itself

Hold the cart to a light. If the oil level is below the intake holes, the cart is empty. A 0.5g cart gives about 100 draws at 2 to 3 seconds per draw. A 1g cart gives about 200 draws. Numbers vary by battery and draw length. If the cart is full and the battery works, the coil may be dead. Dead coils do not fire. Replace the cart.

6. Stop using a cart that fails these checks

Unregulated carts can contain vitamin E acetate. The CDC linked vitamin E acetate to EVALI, a lung injury. Buy carts from licensed stores. Licensed stores in the US test for pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. If a cart leaks into your mouth or the battery gets hot, stop. Do not open a cart or eat the oil.