Motion Detector Puck Troubleshooting
Table of Contents
Overview
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot common Motion Detector issues. It covers basic solutions for problems such as adjusting sensitivity, false alarms, loss of supervision, low-battery alerts, triggering issues, and tampering.
Follow the steps provided to help restore your Motion Detector to normal operation. If the issue continues after completing the troubleshooting steps, please contact our Support Team for additional assistance.
Motion Detector Adjusting Sensitivity
By default, Motion Sensors won't detect warm bodies — including pets — under approximately 30 lbs.
Adjusting Sensitivity for Pets
- Open the back of the Motion Sensor.
- Remove the PET pin from the 55 lbs jumper.
- Place the PET pin on the 33 lbs jumper.
Understanding Sensor Sensitivity
By default, Motion Sensors are set to HIGH sensitivity, meaning they'll trigger more quickly than if set to LOW.
Changing the Sensitivity Setting
- Open the back of the Motion Sensor.
- Remove the SENS pin from the HIGH jumper.
- Place the SENS pin on the LOW jumper.
Good to know: Distance affects detection. For example, a 10 lb cat 40 feet from the sensor likely won't trigger it — but that same cat only 10 feet away will.
Motion Detector False Alarms
It's important to address any sensor trouble condition as soon as it occurs. A low battery, loss of supervision, or other abnormal sensor behavior can all lead to false alarms.
Troubleshooting False Alarms
- Check the sensitivity jumper on the back of the sensor and decrease sensitivity if needed.
- Check the environment. Make sure the sensor is installed in a climate-controlled space — not outside or in a non-climate-controlled shed or garage.
- Check the sensor's placement. Avoid facing it toward a window, since sunlight heating the glass can trigger a false alarm.
- Consider large pets. Big animals can set off Motion Sensors — if you have large pets, we recommend using Glass Break Sensors instead.
- Replace the battery (Battery type: CR123A).
Motion Detector Loss of Supervision
If your Motion Detector shows a "Loss of Supervision" alert, it means the sensor isn't communicating with your keypad.
For troubleshooting steps, please see our Loss of Supervision Troubleshooting article.
Motion Detector Low Battery
If your Alarm Panel shows a "Low Battery" notification for your Motion Sensor, replace the battery as soon as possible to keep the device working properly. Need to order a new one? See How to Order Replacement Batteries. How to Replace the Battery
- Disarm your Alarm Panel before starting.
- Press in on the recessed tab at the bottom of the sensor and pull the case toward you to remove it from the base plate. (If there's a screw on the bottom, unscrew it first.)
- Note the (+) and (–) orientation of the battery before removing it — the new one needs to go in the same way.
- Insert the new CR123A battery.
- Replace the sensor on the base plate.
Confirming It's Working
Press the tamper button on the side of the sensor to trigger a tamper alert. Your Alarm Panel should report the tamper — it will clear on its own once confirmed.
Battery Lifespan
The battery typically lasts up to 5 years, though frequent activity can shorten that. If you find yourself replacing batteries more often than every 6 months, contact our support team — this may signal an issue with the device.
Motion Detector Not Triggering
If your Motion Sensor isn't triggering correctly, we recommend testing the sensor. For testing steps, please see our [Sensor Test] article. (Insert link)
Good to know: Your Motion Sensor will only trigger once every 3 minutes during normal use. To test it more than once in that window, use the tamper button on the top right-hand side of the sensor.
If your sensor still isn't working after these steps, please contact our support team for further assistance.
Motion Detector Tampering
What This Means
The Motion Sensor has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. A tamper trouble condition on your Alarm Panel usually means the sensor and mounting plate are loose or not properly seated — this happens most often after changing the sensor batteries.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check the seating. Make sure the sensor is securely attached to the mounting plate. It's recommended to remove and re-attach the sensor to ensure it's properly seated.
- Check the side button. Verify that the button on the side of the sensor isn't being accidentally pressed — this will trigger a tamper condition.
Good to Know
If your system is armed in Stay mode, tampering with the Motion Sensor can trigger a full alarm.
Still Getting a Tamper Alert?
If your sensor continues to report tampering after confirming proper alignment, contact our support team for further assistance.