How to Fix 'No Atomizer' or 'Check Atomizer'

This is a common problem for vapers and often happens suddenly and without warning.

When you see 'Check Atomizer' or 'No Atomizer' on your battery/mod's display screen this is usually letting you know it can't detect the coil, or it can't read the coil correctly.

This may be a connection issue where the 510 connector on the top of the battery/mod isn't making proper contact with the tank, coil, or pod, in which case it will tell you 'no atomizer', if it says 'check atomizer' this is usually an indication that your battery/mod can't read the coil, ie it can't fathom the resistance, or it detects a problem.

Here are some pointers to try and help resolve this frustrating issue.

Step One - Clean all contact points

Remove the tank (or pod if that's what you have) from your device, and carefully clean all threads and connections. Paper towel is usually suitable for this job. On batteries and mods there is usually one central pin, often referred to as a 510 pin, on pod kits you should see contact points under the pod.

It's common to find a build-up of dust, grime and e-liquid on the contacts and you will need to clean the contact areas fairly regularly.

Screw your tank (or insert your pod) back onto your battery/mod. Ensure the tank is on firmly but do not over tighten. If you still have the issue go to step two.

Step Two - Reseat the coil

Remove the coil from your tank and reinstall it. Sometimes this miraculously sorts the issue.

You’ll need to disassemble your tank as you normally would if you were changing the coil, and depending on your set-up, this can be very inconvenient and messy if you have a tank full of juice.

When your tank is apart, unscrew the coil from the base of the tank and clean the bottom of the coil where it screws into the tank and makes contact. You’ll also need to do the same to the tank, ie clean the area inside the tank where the coil sits. When clean and dry reinstall the coil and reassemble your tank.

If you're still seeing 'check atomizer' or 'no atomizer' this is a good time to try another (new) coil if you have one handy, even an old coil or a burnt one is useful as you only need to check if the same error message is present.

To check if the error message is present without filling up the tank again, turn the power down very low if you have the option, and only press the fire button momentarily, just a fraction of a second to see the message displayed. If things are working again and you press the fire button for too long, and you've just installed a new coil, you will burn the new coil out and it will be wasted.

If you're still seeing the error message and you didn't try a new coil, this is the time to try a brand new coil in order to eliminate a more serious and unresolvable fault with your battery/mod.

Step Three - check 510 pin

IF you have a traditional mod and tank, check the 510 pin on the tank and try to ensure it’s connecting to your mod. Pull it out slightly (if it's adjustable) and reconnect to the mod.

IF you have sub-Ohm tank check that the base of the coil is connecting to your tank base. You can often do this by pulling the base of the coil out very slightly, taking care not to pull it apart and break the wires inside, then re-assemble the tank.

Step Four - try another tank

This is a great way to eliminate or establish the cause of the problem. If you have another tank handy, simply change them over, or perhaps you could borrow one.

Important note before you change the tanks over

If the coil resistance in the tank is lower than 1.0 Ohm, sub-Ohm, do ensure your battery/mod is safe to use with the coil. Most mods usually fire down to at least 0.5 Ohm, but do just be aware of this and double-check if you're not sure. Standard batteries probably won't fire below 1.0 Ohm and putting a tank with a sub-Ohm coil on a standard battery is a no no.

If the new tank works fine on your mod you know the issue is with your existing tank or the coil.

If your mod is still reading 'check atomizer' or 'no atomizer' with the new tank, it’s likely to be a problem with the mod.

You could also see if your existing tank works on another mod. If it does and you see the same error displayed you will know it’s almost definitely a problem with the contacts on the tank or a problem with the coil.

Recap

Just to recap if you're still seeing the error message, here's a brief summary of tasks depending on your device:

1. Clean all contacts on battery/mod, tank or pod
2. Remove and reinstall the coil (after cleaning)
3. Try a new coil
4. Check the 510 pin and see if you can adjust it (mods/tanks)
5. Try another tank on your mod
6. Try another mod with your tank
7. Adjust base of coil carefully if you can (mainly sub-Ohm coils)

If none of these tasks have worked, if you're still seeing 'Atomizer Short' or 'Check Atomizer' there may well be an issue with your mod.

If you think the issue lies with your mod, check the warranty because you may qualify for a replacement.

How to Fix Check Atomizer/Atomizer Short on an RDA RTA RDTA

These devices should only be used by expert vapers and these tips will not apply to regular vapers.

1. Ensure the coil you've installed isn’t touching anything metal (apart from the post holes of course).
2. Check the post screws are screwed tight to the coil.
3. Check there are no breaks in the coil.
4. Check there are no loose pieces of wire or trimmings.
5. Double-check your atomizer resistance is within the range for your device (Ohm meter).
6. You can try the same steps as above noting that reseating your coil will obviously be done differently.