Leviton Motion Sensor Light Switch Turns On By Itself? – Fixed!

Leviton motion sensor light switch turns on by itself? Let’s fix it right now!

The Leviton motion sensor is amazing since you can control it even remotely with its app. However, it could start behaving strangely.

A Leviton motion sensor switch that keeps turning off by itself requires you to adjust its settings or deal with some physical components that might have failed.

The cause might also lie in the bulb rather than the switch, and you might need to update the switch’s firmware or reset it.

Let’s check all the fixing methods!

Leviton Motion Sensor Light Switch Turns On By Itself – 9 Working Solutions

Solution #1: Adjust The Sensor Settings

Perhaps the Leviton motion sensor turns on by itself because its settings are not well adjusted.

In that case, you will need to access the device’s configurations and set them correctly. 

Here is how to do it physically: 

1. Hold the top and the bottom of the button for 5 seconds;
2. A green light should show up;
3. You have entered programming mode.

How To Program

Once in programming mode, proceed like this:

1. Press the top button twice to enter the sensitivity regulation mode;
2. Press the bottom button to select the configuration you want.

There are four options for the Leviton Motion Sensor’s sensitivity:

• Option 1 – Low (50% range)
• Option 2 – Medium (this is the default)
• Option 3 – High;
• Option 4 – Resets all settings to default.

Since the switch is turning on by itself, you might want to select option 1, decreasing its sensitivity to the minimum available.

Solution #2: Deal With Environmental Factors

Environmental factors could play a part in the fact that your motion sensor activates by itself.

In that case, it is not truly by itself. Still, it is detecting undesired phenomena such as wind, sunlight, and perhaps insects or other animals. 

Here is some food for thought:

• Some sensors detect heat instead of movement, so you might want to position the sensor away from heat bodies or sunlight exposure.
• Maybe you have positioned the sensor somewhere animals pass by all the time, be they insects or small mammals. You might want to change its position.
• Perhaps your motion sensor is in the correct spot but facing the wrong direction. In that case, tweak the direction and see how it reacts.

Solution #3: Identify Electrical Interference

Nowadays, we have a lot of devices at home, and plenty of them stay turned on for prolonged periods.

Some devices might cause interference due to the electromagnetic waves they produce. 

Here is how you can check for that possibility:

1. Turn some of the nearby devices off;
2. If possible, turn their breaker off;
3. Leave that way for a few hours and see how the switch reacts.

If you perceive electrical interference, you might want to change the position of your devices.

Also, you might want to check if any of them are defective and leaking electricity when it shouldn’t.

Solution #4: Fix The Wiring

There could be several potential issues with the wiring that might need to be repaired or adjusted.

Before attempting any electrical work, please remember that working with electricity can be dangerous and should be done with caution. 

1. Turn off the power to the circuit at the circuit breaker to ensure your safety;
2. Look for loose wires, exposed conductors, or any signs of burning or melting around the connections;
3. If some wires are loose, then connect them again;
4. Suppose you have identified a specific issue, such as a damaged wire or faulty component. In that case, you may need to replace the damaged parts or adjust the sensor’s position accordingly.

Suppose you are not confident in your electrical skills. In that case, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to handle the repair.

Alert: Incorrect wiring or troubleshooting can lead to serious hazards, so handling the situation with care is crucial.

Solution #5: Clean The Switch

Cleaning a Leviton switch and sensor properly can help prevent malfunctioning and ensure optimal performance.

Before attempting any cleaning, turn off the power to the switch or sensor to avoid electrical shocks or damage.

How Do You Clean It Safely?

Leviton recommends using a soft, damp cloth to clean the exterior surfaces of their switches and sensors.

Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive materials, as they can damage the product’s finish.

1. Grab the damp cloth (ensure it is only slightly moist);
2. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the components;
3. Clean the sensor’s lens with a microfiber cloth;
4. Once everything is clean, turn the system on again;
5. Check whether the problem persists.

It is a good idea to Incorporate regular cleaning of the switches and sensors into your maintenance routine to prevent dust and grime buildup.

Alert: It's generally not recommended to disassemble Leviton switches or sensors for cleaning purposes. 

Disassembly may void the warranty or cause irreparable damage.

Solution #6: Fix The Switch Spring

Suppose the spring inside your Leviton motion sensor switch is not functioning correctly or has become dislodged. In that case, it may affect the switch’s performance.

Fixing the spring involves disassembling the switch, which may void the warranty. 

1. Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock;
2. Unscrew the mounting screws that hold it in place;
3. Carefully remove the Leviton motion sensor switch;
4. Remove the cover and access the internal components.
5. Locate the spring that might be damaged or misaligned;

What To Do Next?

If the spring has come loose, carefully reattach it to its original position.

If the spring is damaged, you may need to replace it with a compatible part. 

After doing either, do the following:

1. Reassemble all the components you have removed;
2. Turn the power on again;
3. Check how the switch behaves for the next few hours.

Note: Remember, this is a general guide, and the process may vary depending on the specific model of your Leviton motion sensor switch. 

Solution #7: Examine The Bulb

Suppose you suspect that the bulb may be causing the Leviton motion switch to turn on randomly.

In that case, you first need to consider the following:

✅ Ensure that your bulb is compatible with the Leviton motion switch.

✅ Some motion switches are designed to work with specific bulbs, such as incandescent, LED, CFL, or halogen.

✅ Using an incompatible bulb can lead to unpredictable behavior.

✅ If you find out that the bulb is incompatible, you will need to check for compatible bulbs and replace the current one. 

Check The Socket

Check the bulb socket for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.

A faulty socket can cause intermittent power interruptions and trigger the motion switch unexpectedly. 

Do this:

1. Turn off the power at the power breaker;
2. Detach the current bulb;
3. Examine the socket closely;
4. If there are signs of rust, get rid of it;
5. If the socket looks damaged, uninstall it and replace it.

Solution #8: Check For Firmware Update

Since the Leviton Motion Sensor is a smart device, you might want to check if an update is available.

Here is how you can find out about it and install it:

1. Open the app;
2. Ensure your switch is already paired to the app;
3. Locate your device within the app’s settings;
4. Check the device’s settings;
5. Look for a “check for updates” button.

If the update is, in fact, available, then download it to fix the issue.

Solution #9: Reset The Switch

Finally, the problem might have to do with software. In that case, it is time to reset your switch.

Here are the steps to do it:

1. Turn off power to the switch at the breaker;
2. Wait for 30 seconds;
3. Turn the breaker on again;
4. The lights should turn on by themselves after 15 seconds.

Quick Recap

Leviton motion sensor light switch turns on by itself? You might need to grab some tools and explore if any internal components are defective!

Don’t forget to turn the power off at the breaker, or you will hurt yourself. Moreover, don’t disassemble your device if it is still under warranty.