Lavatube misfire problem getting worse!

[misterkai]

Overall, I like the Lavatube a lot and it worked great for the first month or so. I then had to start pressing the button a little bit harder to get it to fire, no big deal. Over the last couple days, it's gotten to the point that I have to press and hold REALLY hard to get the thing to fire. It's quite bothersome! I've read a couple other threads about this and have tried the advice they gave (taking the battery out, covering the 3 small buttons with my finger, pressing the fire button and blowing into the open battery compartment, and I also tried swabbing around the outside of the button with rubbing alcohol) but nothing has helped. Any more suggestions other than sending it back for repair? I'm living in Italy right now and I bought it from ecigwizard.com in the UK. It's still under warranty, but I loathe the thought of waiting two weeks or more to mail it and get it back with only my meager 808 batteries to use in the meantime... Thanks in advance for your help with this!

[misterkai]

Ok, I tried blowing it out again and realized that there was still air escaping, but it wasn't coming from the little buttons. I tried covering the led screen and I was able to get air to just come out around the fire button. I blew for about 10 seconds while pressing the fire button repeatedly and it is a bit better. It's not like new, but I don't have to press so hard that it hurts my finger. I'd still love to hear other cleaning ideas if you have any though...

[Bmays]

You could try some "canned air" like used in an office. That would help assuming the problem really could be fixed by blowing it out. If its not that, then I would address it under warranty while you have a warranty. It sucks I know, but its better then having a device you can only admire...

[sailorman]

You're in Italy? I presume you're familiar with the Italian postal service. I understand your fear of sending it back. I suggest you drive to France to mail it back to the UK.

[ChrispyCritter]

You're in Italy? I presume you're familiar with the Italian postal service. I understand your fear of sending it back. I suggest you drive to France to mail it back to the UK.

By the time he drove to France and back with the cost of gas in Europe and shipping he might be better off just buying a new one lol...

IDK what else you could do short of pulling it apart and seeing what is wrong with the switch..I don't think canned air would work but it can't hurt to try..they used to sell products to clean electric circuits but I wouldn't recommend it really because it's not healthy for you and it might take awhile to dry..also it can ruin some components.

One thing you could try pouring 90% or higher rubbing alcohol on the switch with no battery in it but not too much let it sit a few mins then dry off as much as possible. Then let it dry for a good day switch side down on a towel on a surface it won't hurt. Also I would pour it on with the screen side pointing up so it doesn't get behind the screen and don't tip the screen down at all until it's dry.

[sailorman]

By the time he drove to France and back with the cost of gas in Europe and shipping he might be better off just buying a new one lol....

Yeah, but only if he didn't have to have it mailed to him in Italy. Nigeria has a more reliable post office.

[Thompson]

Be cautious with isopropyl alcohol and plastics, as it can melt or seriously warp some plastics, especially if left on for extended periods.

[ChrispyCritter]

Be cautious with isopropyl alcohol and plastics, as it can melt or seriously warp some plastics, especially if left on for extended periods.

Yeah I didn't think of that but I don't think it will melt that button. Might be a good idea to test a little on the button before pouring it in if you decided to try it. I think the kind of plastics you really have to worry about are the kind that milk jugs are made of and Styrofoam..I know with gas it will go right through both fairly quickly...

[Retriever]

I would just send it in under warranty. Better to do that than to take the chance on voiding your warranty by trying to fix it, and possible making it worse. Just my opinion. Good luck!

[misterkai]

You're in Italy? I presume you're familiar with the Italian postal service. I understand your fear of sending it back. I suggest you drive to France to mail it back to the UK.

Yes, I am familiar with the Italian postal service. It's almost as bad as the Italian train system...