How to Adjust a Motion Detector Light

Open the control panel access lid on the side or bottom of the motion detector -- in some cases you must first remove a screw with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Swing the lid open or, if the lid doesn't swing, pull the lid off the detector completely.

Slide the switch next to the text labeled "TEST" to the "On" position -- you can use the tip of the screwdriver to slide the switch if your fingers are too large to get to it easily.

Slide the switch or turn the knob labeled "Sensitivity" or "Gain" (the exact name depends upon the manufacturer) to its midway position. If it uses a number scale, set the switch or knob to "5," and if dots are against the switch or circle the knob, set the switch or knob to the dot at the midway point between the dots. The light will now go on for about 30 seconds before extinguishing itself.

Toss a baseball or other small object at the ground in front of the motion detector -- the light should illuminate again and then go off.

Slide the switch next to the text labeled "TEST" to the "Off" position. Close the lid -- if you used a screw to hold the lid on, reattach the screw.