RELX devices (pods, pens, and related systems) are popular because they’re compact, easy to use, and marketed as a convenient alternative to traditional smoking. That convenience doesn’t mean they’re immune to problems, though. Below I’ll walk through the most common real-world issues users report, explain sensible troubleshooting steps, and answer the user questions that come up most often — all in plain language so you can try fixes yourself or know when it’s time to contact support or stop using the device.
1. Quick overview: what counts as a “problem”
A “problem” with a vape can be hardware (battery, pod, connections), consumable-related (flavor loss, burnt taste), software/firmware, or health-related (irritation, coughing). Many issues have simple fixes; some indicate defective components or user-safety concerns. Always stop using any device that becomes hot, sparks, or causes a strong adverse reaction.
2. Common hardware problems and what they mean
Device won’t turn on / no light
- Possible causes: drained battery, dirty contacts, internal failure.
- Quick checks: charge for the recommended time with the original cable/charger, clean contact points with a dry cotton swab, try a different outlet/cable.
- When it’s serious: if it still won’t power on after a full charge and cleaning, internal battery or circuit failure is likely — contact support or replace.
Weak or inconsistent vapor production
- Causes: low battery, worn pod/coil, poor contact between pod and device, airflow blockage.
- Fixes: ensure device is charged, remove/reinsert pod to seat it properly, check for obstructions in airway, swap for a fresh pod if you’ve used the pod a long time.
Overheating or device getting very hot
- Causes: charging while using, short circuit, battery fault, improper pods.
- Safety steps: stop using immediately, allow device to cool, unplug from charger. Do not use if overheating recurs — it’s a safety risk and you should discontinue use and contact manufacturer.
3. Pod, coil, and e-liquid issues
Burnt or bitter taste
- Why it happens: pod is old/dry, coil burned from chain-puffing, or pod was stored or refilled improperly.
- Fix: replace the pod; avoid taking very long draws in quick succession; ensure pods are filled (if refillable) and allowed to saturate (where applicable).
Leaking pods
- Causes: cracked pod, worn seals, overfilling, temperature changes, or damaged o-rings.
- Troubleshooting: wipe and examine the pod for damage; don’t overfill; store upright; if refillable pods leak right away, return them — they may be defective. Persistent leaking — replace pod or device.
Weak flavor or taste changes
- Causes: pod approaching end of life, flavor fade from long storage or heat exposure, nicotine burnout at high temps.
- Fix: swap for a new pod, store pods away from heat/light, avoid prolonged high-power vaping if your device supports adjustable power.
4. Battery & charging problems
Device charges slowly or not at all
- Check the charger and cable — many issues are just a faulty cable. Try a known-good USB cable and a different power source.
- Clean the charging port gently (power off first) with a dry brush.
- If the battery won’t hold charge, it may have reached end-of-life or suffered a fault — replace or seek warranty help.
Rapid battery drain
- Causes: defective battery, background electronics fault, or damaged charging circuitry.
- Steps: avoid third-party chargers and cables; confirm whether drain happens with and without a pod inserted; contact support if drain is unexplained.
5. Connectivity & indicator issues (for smart RELX models)
- If your RELX model has Bluetooth/app features and it won’t connect, first update your phone’s Bluetooth, restart the phone and device, reinstall the app, and ensure the app has required permissions.
- If indicator LEDs act oddly (rapid blinking, wrong colors), consult the user manual for code meanings — blinking patterns are often diagnostic.
6. Health, safety, and side-effect questions users ask
“I coughed a lot after trying a new pod — is that normal?”
- New pods or stronger nicotine can irritate the throat. Coughing can also mean the device was producing dry hits or the e-liquid composition changed.
- If coughing is severe, causes breathing difficulty, chest pain, or persists, stop using and seek medical advice.
“I felt dizzy after vaping — why?”
- Dizziness can come from nicotine overexposure (too strong a pod, inexperienced dosing), inhaling too fast, or mixing substances. Lower nicotine strength or reduce frequency. If symptoms are severe or repeat, see a health professional.
“Is it dangerous if the device sparks?”
- Yes — sparking is a sign of a short or damaged battery and is a safety hazard. Stop using the device immediately, keep it away from flammable materials, and contact the manufacturer or dispose of it safely according to local battery disposal rules.
7. Practical troubleshooting checklist (step-by-step)
- Charge: Fully charge using original cable/charger. Try a different cable if it doesn’t respond.
- Reset/clean: Remove pod, inspect and clean contact points, reinsert firmly.
- Swap pod: Test with a new pod — many user issues are pod-related.
- Check settings: If the device has modes, ensure it’s set correctly (e.g., not in a locked or low-power mode).
- Observe: Note exact symptoms, error lights, odors, and whether problem happens with/without pod.
- Contact support/warranty: If none of the above helps, collect serial/model info and photos and reach out for warranty repair/replacement.
8. When to replace the pod vs. replace the device vs. contact manufacturer
- Replace pod: burnt taste, leaks, weak vapor, odd taste with just that pod.
- Replace device: repeated charging/battery failures, overheating, sparking, internal faults.
- Contact manufacturer: device still under warranty with hardware fault, repeated failure after basic troubleshooting, or safety incidents (overheating, smoke, sparks).
9. User questions — short answers to the most asked
Q: “Why does my pod stop working after a few days?”
A: Pods have a limited lifespan; heavy use, high wattage, or chain-puffing shortens life. Also pods can be defective — track serial numbers and buy from reputable sellers.
Q: “Can I refill RELX pods?”
A: Many RELX pods are designed as closed systems; refilling can void warranty and cause leaks, poor performance, or health risks. If you choose to refill, do so carefully and accept the tradeoffs.
Q: “How long should a pod last?”
A: Usage varies. Light users may see a pod last a week or more; heavy users a couple of days. Taste and vapor quality are the best indicators.
Q: “Why does my device taste metallic?”
A: Metallic taste can come from a degraded coil, contamination, or from using certain flavor concentrates. Replace pod and avoid experimental refills if you notice persistent odd tastes.
Q: “Is it better to clean the device contacts?”
A: Yes — clean them gently and only when powered off. Dirty contacts prevent good connection and can cause intermittent performance.
10. Safety tips and best practices
- Use original chargers and cables; avoid cheap third-party chargers for safety.
- Don’t store device in hot places or leave it in direct sunlight.
- Keep device and pods away from children and pets — nicotine is poisonous if ingested.
- Follow local rules for battery disposal — do not throw lithium batteries in household trash.
- If you experience any severe reaction (breathing trouble, chest pain, severe dizziness), stop use and seek medical attention.
11. Final thoughts
Many RELX problems are mundane: worn pods, dirty contacts, or simple battery issues. Most are solvable with careful troubleshooting — charge, clean, replace the pod, and follow manufacturer guidance. However, pay attention to safety signals (overheating, sparking, severe health reactions) and treat those as reasons to stop using the device and seek professional help or a warranty replacement.
