Vape carts make it even easier to use cannabis. They’re simple, smooth, and perfect for quick hits. But what happens when your cart stops working? Here’s a simple guide on how to fix a cart that won’t hit and what to look out for next time.

New to vaping? Drop by Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary to learn more. We have locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

What Are Vape Carts and Why Do People Love Them?

Vape cartridges, or “carts,” are small containers filled with cannabis oil. They connect to a battery that heats the oil and turns it into vapor.

People love carts because they’re discreet, portable, and easy to use. They also come in well-known strains like Blueberry Muffin and Amnesia Haze. You can take them anywhere, and they come in plenty of strains, flavors, and potencies. From THCa carts to disposable dab pens, there’s something for every preference. However, even the most reliable hitting carts can sometimes stop producing vapor. Before you toss your cart out, it helps to understand what might be going on. If your cart isn’t working, read on to learn how to fix a cart that won’t hit.

How to Fix a Cart that Won’t Hit

A couple of things might be causing issues with your carts. Here’s what to look out for to fix a cart that won’t hit.

1. Check the Battery Connection

The most common reason a cart won’t hit is a poor connection between the cartridge and the battery. If they aren’t connecting properly, the current can’t flow, and the coil won’t heat up. You can fix a cart that won’t hit by unscrewing it and inspecting the bottom. Look for any dirt, oil, or residue on the metal contact points. Then, wipe them clean with a cotton swab or cloth.

After that, reattach your cart, but don’t overtighten it. A snug fit works best. Finally, check if your battery light turns on when you press the button or take a puff. If it doesn’t, your battery may need a recharge.

Sometimes, the battery’s center pin gets pushed down too far. If your pen allows it, you can use a small tool to gently lift it back up. Be careful, though — pushing too hard can damage it.

2. How to Fix a Cart That Won’t Hit Because of the Battery

Even the best carts can’t work without power. If your vape pen isn’t lighting up or making vapor, plug it in and give it a full charge. Most batteries have an indicator light that tells you when they’re charging or ready to use.

If it still doesn’t work after charging, try your cart on another battery if you have one. Sometimes the battery itself is the problem. Weak or dying batteries can cause light hits or no hits at all.

As a tip, always keep your pen charged before heading out. That simple habit helps you avoid the stress of a dead vape when you need it most.

3. Look for Airflow or Clogging Problems

Knowing how to fix a cart that won’t hit is important. Another common reason is a clog. Thick oil can block airflow inside the cartridge. When that happens, you’ll notice that it’s hard to pull or that you get little to no vapor.

First, try warming up the cart. Hold it between your hands for a few seconds or use a hair dryer on low heat. This can loosen up thick oil and get things moving again. To prevent clogs in the future, store your carts upright and avoid leaving them in cold or hot places. Temperature swings can make oil thicker or runnier, both of which can lead to clogs.

4. Check the Quality of the Cart

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the battery or the airflow — it’s the cart itself. Low-quality or counterfeit carts often stop working early, leak, or taste burnt.

You can usually spot a poor-quality cart by its packaging or performance. If the labeling looks off, the oil color seems dark, or the taste feels harsh, don’t keep using it. It’s safer to replace it.

Buying from trusted retailers like Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary helps avoid these issues. All our THCa and cannabis carts are legal, lab-tested, and known for clean, consistent performance. When you buy from a reputable source, you get peace of mind knowing your cart will actually hit. We have the best THCa disposable vape pens here at Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary. Check us out on Instagram @SherlocksGlass.

5. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Settings

Some vape pens let you adjust voltage or temperature. If your voltage is too low, the coil won’t heat enough to vaporize the oil. On the other hand, too much power can burn your oil and ruin the flavor.

Learning how to fix a cart that won’t hit often comes down to small details like this — a quick tweak can turn a dead cart back into a perfectly hitting cart. Be sure to try out our best-selling carts!

How to Fix a Cart That Won’t Hit | Storage and Care

Now that you know how to fix a cart that won’t hit, maintaining your carts properly will keep them working longer. Here are a few quick tips to make sure your next one lasts:

Store upright to prevent leaking.
Avoid extreme heat or cold, which can thicken or thin your oil.
Clean the contact points every few days.
Keep your pen charged, but don’t overcharge it.
Use the right voltage range for your oil type.

Taking care of your device doesn’t take much time, but it makes a huge difference in performance. Plus, it saves you from asking how to fix a cart that won’t hit.

Buy New Carts at Sherlocks

When your old cart stops hitting, Sherlocks has your back. Learn how to fix a cart that won’t hit or buy a new one. Stop by one of our North Carolina dispensaries or shop online to get premium THCa products shipped to your door. Our shelves are also full of options, from concentrates to pre-rolls, CBD, and edibles.