Ever grabbed your Gold Bar Reload pod for a quick vape, only to find… nothing happens? No crackle, no vapour, just silence? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Whether it’s a fresh pod straight out of the box or one that’s been in use for a while, these things happen, and they’re usually easy to fix.
This guide is here to help you figure out why your Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods isn’t hitting, and more importantly, how to get it working again without stressing out. Let’s break it all down.
Step 1: Is Your Pod New or Already Used?
First things first, have you just opened the pod, or have you been using it for a few days?
- If it’s brand new: It could be a simple setup issue like a forgotten sticker or an airlock from manufacturing.
- If it’s used: The pod might be empty, burnt, or simply reached the end of its life (roughly 600 puffs).
Your fix depends on where you’re starting from, so let’s move to the next steps.
Step 2: Check for Stickers, Plugs, or Film
You’d be surprised how many vapers forget to remove the small protective bits that come with new pods. These are there to prevent leaks and damage during shipping, but they must be removed before use.
Here’s what to look for:
- Sticker on the base of the pod (covering the contacts or airflow holes)
- Silicone plug under the mouthpiece
- Clear film covering the pod entirely
Even a tiny sticker can stop airflow or stop your device’s auto-draw sensor from recognising the pod when you inhale.
Quick Fix:
Remove all stickers and plugs
Double-check the mouthpiece and base
Wipe off any residue left behind
Step 3: No Vapour? Check Your Gold Bar Device
If you’re drawing on the pod and no LED lights up, that usually means your device isn’t firing. This could be a connection issue or just a flat battery.
Try this:
- Charge the device fully using the correct cable
- Remove the pod and gently clean the metal contacts using a cotton swab or dry tissue
- Reinsert the pod firmly until it clicks into place
Even a little dust or leaked e-liquid can break the connection between the pod and device, so don’t skip the cleaning.
Step 4: Is Your Pod Flooded?
If your pod feels wet, gurgly, or leaks through the mouthpiece, it could be flooded. This can block airflow and cause the pod to stop working altogether.
What you can do:
- Remove the pod
- Gently blow through the mouthpiece (away from your face) to clear excess liquid
- Dry the bottom of the pod and the device contact area
Flooding is common when a pod is shaken, stored improperly, or overused. It doesn’t always mean the pod is ruined, but it does need a little TLC.
Step 5: Dry or Burnt Hit?
Even with prefilled vape pods like the Gold Bar Reload, you can get a dry hit if the coil isn’t fully saturated. This is more common if you vape immediately after unsealing a fresh pod.
Signs of a dry or burnt hit:
- Bitter, harsh taste
- No vapour, just heat
- Scratchy feeling in your throat
What to do:
If it’s a new pod, let it rest for 1–2 minutes after unsealing. This allows the e-liquid to soak the coil completely. If it’s already burnt, though, it’s time for a new one, there’s no going back from a scorched coil.
Step 6: Blocked Airflow or Draw Sensor Not Activating?
If you’re pulling with no resistance or the vape feels like sucking through a blocked straw, airflow might be the issue.
Possible culprits:
- Lint or debris in the mouthpiece
- Blocked airflow holes at the base
- Malfunctioning draw sensor
How to fix it:
Use a pin or needle to carefully clear the airflow holes
Wipe down the mouthpiece and blow through it to remove blockages
Make sure the pod is clicked in properly
Step 7: Pod Not Recognised by the Device
If your Gold Bar Reload device just won’t respond to any pod, the issue might not be the pods at all, it could be the device.
Check:
- Try a different pod (preferably one you know works)
- Clean the contact pins inside the device
- Look for magnet misalignment, corrosion, or signs of damage
Still nothing? The device might be faulty or need replacing.
Step 8: Is Your Pod Simply Finished?
Each Gold Bar Reload prefilled pod offers around 600 puffs, but if you’re a heavy vaper or chain vaping regularly, it might not last that long.
Signs your pod is done:
- Flavour is weak or gone completely
- No vapour production
- Pod feels unusually hot when in use
Once a pod is finished, there’s no refilling or replacing the coil, just switch to a fresh one and you’re good to go.
Step 9: Storing Your Pods Correctly Matters
Storage affects performance more than you think. If your pod has been exposed to extreme heat, cold, or left in a car, it may not work properly or could leak.
Always store your Gold Bar Pods:
- In a cool, dry place
- Upright, to avoid leaks
- Away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a Gold Bar Reload Pod that’s not hitting can be frustrating; however, in most cases, it’s an easy fix. From forgetting to remove a sticker, to minor flooding or a weak battery, these are all common hiccups that can be sorted in minutes.
Here’s a quick recap of what to check:
- Remove all plugs and stickers
- Make sure the pod is seated properly
- Charge your device
- Clean the contact points
- Watch for flooding or burnt taste
Make sure to store your pods properly to maintain their performance. However, if you’ve tried every troubleshooting step and your pod still isn’t hitting, it may be time to replace it or consider whether the issue lies with the device itself. In the meantime, feel free to explore our Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods Review for dependable alternatives known for delivering consistent performance.