Newbie having trouble with Smok Priv V8 - so frustrated

[Benefits]

I'm having an issue with my brand new Smok Priv V8 that I purchased new from my local shop on September 18th..so a little over 2 weeks ago. When I press the button to use it, nothing happens. The light on the top blinks 15 times. I know this means it needs to be charged, but I've tried charging it for hours, with several different chargers. I've taken the unit back to my shop twice now, yesterday, and earlier tonight.

My first visit, they put a new battery in it, and it started working again and we figured it was just a dud battery. Well, later that night, it stopped working again. It wouldn't fire at all, same blinking light. I tried it plugged in to the charger, unplugged, unscrewed the tank and reattached, changed the coil. Nothing. So, I went back to the shop earlier tonight. The guy put in a new coil and it started working again.

Now, I'm home a few hours later, and it's once again stopped working, and I'm extremely frustrated. I've tried charging it for over an hour now with 2 different chargers and cables. The shop I use has always been great in the past, but they informed me they absolutely will not let me exchange it for another unit in the case that this one is defective. Needless to say, that didn't leave a good taste in my mouth. So, now I'm here looking for help.

I also meant to add, this thing has leaked juice from the air holes on the bottom of the tank since day 1. The top of both batteries have been completely covered in juice upon inspection several times. I told this to the guy at the shop I go to, and he seemed to dismiss it as not a big deal. Could that be ruining the batteries or causing them to not charge? I'm so frustrated. It worked fine for the first 2 weeks.

 

[bombastinator]

Are you charging from the usb2 port or are you charging batteries with a charger?

 

[Benefits]

Charging with the USB charger that came with it. I've also tried a backup charger that I had, as well as one the shop let me borrow. I do not have an external battery charger. This is the 2nd mod I've ever owned. The first one was a iTaste MVP and it lasted me 3 years.

 

[bombastinator]

I would suggest investing in a battery charger and a spare battery. Micro usb2 ports are prone to failure. It’s a fundamental design flaw.

 

[stols001]

I agree on the charger, it is the best way to charge, but I'm concerned to hear about juice leaking on to your batteries.

So, is the shop saying they won't handle a warranty and directing you to smok? Because really, it is their job to assist you with warranty/repair. That wouldn't sit well with me either. Did the shop explain the leaking into the batteries in any way, or show you how to do things differently with coils/batteries? I'm not sure if this is user error, but I'm not sure it is since you were able to keep the tank running for a fair amount of time. Did it start happening after an "event" (coil change, or etc?) Did you ever notice leaking from the tank itself?

So many variables, I would return to the vape store again and maybe write down all the issues you've had, what's been done to correct it, and ask them what their solution is. If they don't have one or can't get the setup working again? Well this is the time to either really request a refund, or contact smok for warranty support... I guess. There is always the nuclear option of just doing a charageback for failure to complete warranty/support, but if it were me, I'd want to know if I was engaging in any User Error, though you've been vaping a while it sounds like you know what you are doing.....

Best of luck,

Anna

 

[Benefits]

I agree on the charger, it is the best way to charge, but I'm concerned to hear about juice leaking on to your batteries.

So, is the shop saying they won't handle a warranty and directing you to smok? Because really, it is their job to assist you with warranty/repair. That wouldn't sit well with me either. Did the shop explain the leaking into the batteries in any way, or show you how to do things differently with coils/batteries? I'm not sure if this is user error, but I'm not sure it is since you were able to keep the tank running for a fair amount of time. Did it start happening after an "event" (coil change, or etc?) Did you ever notice leaking from the tank itself?

So many variables, I would return to the vape store again and maybe write down all the issues you've had, what's been done to correct it, and ask them what their solution is. If they don't have one or can't get the setup working again? Well this is the time to either really request a refund, or contact smok for warranty support... I guess. There is always the nuclear option of just doing a charageback for failure to complete warranty/support, but if it were me, I'd want to know if I was engaging in any User Error, though you've been vaping a while it sounds like you know what you are doing.....

Best of luck,

Anna

Yea I've been vaping for almost 4 years. My first and only mod before this one was an iTaste MVP and Nautilus Mini tank. That thing worked flawlessly the entire time I used it. It finally got to where it would no longer function, which is the reason for my recent purchase. The store I got the Smok from has a no return policy, and are refusing to exchange it, even after they themselves have spent over 30 minutes total trying to get it to work on the days I've brought it back to them.

This whole issue started happening with the original coil that the shop installed, and is still happening after they have installed a new battery and a 3rd brand new coil themselves. The tank has leaked from the bottom from day one. It was actually leaking at the store on the day I bought it, and when I pointed it out, the guy that sold it to me said "That's normal on the first fill". I would gladly do a charge back, but I paid in cash. This shop has always been amazing to me in the past, and has the best reviews of any shop in my city, so I'm confused as to their absolute refusal to exchange. I've even offered to spend more money with them if they'll credit me my initial investment, but was still told no. They most likely going to lose a loyal customer over this; I can't deal with a shop that won't take back a unit that's had issues from the first day.

 

[stols001]

I'm kind of in agreement with you there. I'd contact smok directly and see if they can honor the warranty with your receipt. What a pain.

With that said, I guess that I'd say wherever you buy your next mod, make sure you have protections through bank or credit card. That's really a shame. But, you can at least let Smok know that one of their suppliers is refusing to honor the warranty period.... They may be able to do something for you, IDK. If you have not kept it, go back to the store and request a copy ,they keep this information on file so they can give you one, whether you paid in cash or not.

I hope you get some answers. Were you looking for something more powerful than your first setup that you were pretty happy with? How did you like the mod, compared to your first one (when it worked?) Because you may be happy with something a bit more powerful that isn't necessarily totally sub0hm, if you wind up having to repurchase. Maybe come back here for some ideas/recommendations for a new starter setup? (Online IS much cheaper than B&M usually).

Best of luck,

Anna

 

[suprtrkr]

+1. Get a charger and a spare battery (or two).

 

[Breen]

Neither of my Smok sticks leaked as badly as you described.

I'd suggest checking the seals on the tank and replace them as needed, letting the battery and connectors dry out as best you can, and closing the airflows when you fill the tank.

I'm nee to vaping, but not batteries, and IME batteries and moisture do not mix very well at all.

The only leaks I've seen on my V8 tank are small amounts of juice seeping out a bit at a time. Enough that a cotton swab can take care of it easily.