A torch lighter sparks but doesn’t light while trying to light up is a real pain. It’s a super common issue that is usually caused by a few things. In this simple troubleshooting guide, I’ll go over some of the most common reasons you get a spark, but not a flame.
1. Empty Fuel Tank:
- This is the most common reason why a torch lighter that sparks but doesn’t light is an empty fuel tank. Before jumping into more complex issues, check if your lighter has enough fuel. If it’s empty, a simple refill should do the trick.
- If your lighter has a fuel window you should be able to see how much fuel your torch has in it. On the chance your lighter has fuel, you can continue reading or check out our in-depth guide here.
2. Air Pockets in the Fuel Line:
- Air pockets in the fuel line can impede the flow of fuel to the flame. To fix this, you’ll need to purge the lighter. This means getting all the air that is stuck in the fuel lines out of the lighter. Once that’s done refill the lighter.
- You can usually tell if a lighter has air trapped in it by a flame that flashes or pops quickly.
3. Dirty or Clogged Nozzle:
- Over time, the nozzle that releases the fuel may become clogged with debris like pocket lint or dust. A quick cleaning with a pin or a burst of compressed air can clear any blockages.
4. Misaligned Components:
- Check for misaligned or damaged internal components. The Piezo ignition, fuel valve, flame adjuster, etc. This can be a little difficult. For most lighters, taking it apart will void the warranty. I would suggest if you don’t know what you’re doing, take it to a professional.
5. Temperature and Altitude:
- Lighters can be sensitive to extreme temperatures or high altitudes. If you’re out in the cold or up in the mountains and it’s cold, try warming the lighter first. Sticking your lighter in your pocket for a few minutes seems to help, or you can also try adjusting the flame setting.
6. Quality of Fuel:
- The type and quality of fuel used can affect performance. Ensure you’re using a high-quality butane fuel suitable for your specific lighter. Cheap and low-quality butane is going to clog your torch lighter and then it’s going to break down. We put together a post on butane quality that covers all you’ll need to know.
What to do if you’re still having problems:
After all these checks if your torch lighter still sparks, but doesn’t light you may need more in-depth troubleshooting. We have a simple troubleshooting guide here or get with customer support if you can. Xikar, Vector, and Colibri as well as others have warranties on lighters. Their support is usually pretty good.
If the lighter is under warranty, consider seeking a replacement from the manufacturer.
Don’t let a torch light that sparks but doesn’t light ruin your day. With a bit of troubleshooting and a little learning, you can have your lighter fired up quickly.