How to Troubleshoot a Light Sensor That Won't Work
- 1). Trip the circuit breaker that supplies electrical power to the light sensor inside the motion detector device. Open the device's side or back panel. Shake a can of electrical lubricating spray for two seconds. Spray the "Dusk/Day" switch with a two-second burst. Flip the "Dusk/Day" switch back and forth several times. Leave the switch on "Dusk" so that the sensor will only come on when the sun is down. Restore the electric power and test the unit.
- 2). Trip the circuit breaker again to discontinue the electric power to the motion detector device. Remove the screws holding the case using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the case. Unscrew the screw-tab connectors over the twisted pairs of wires connecting power from the circuit board to the light sensor at the front, interior portion of the device. Untwist the wires from each other. Scrape the exposed ends of the wires with a utility knife until they are shiny. Twist the wires around each other and screw the screw-tab connectors back on. Place the case back on, reattach the screws and restore the electric power.
- 3). Remove the screws from the motion detector case using a Phillips screwdriver; if a power cord is used, pull the cord from the outlet first. If electric power is used, trip the circuit breaker to stop the flow of electricity first. Remove the case. Blow out the front of the case where the light sensor is located with a burst of compressed air. Dip a cotton swab into distilled alcohol. Wipe the front of the sensor with the swab. Blow off the front of the sensor with a burst of compressed air. Reattach the case and restore the electric power.