2GIG-GB1E-345—Resolving a Malfunction

Video Instructions

Watch the video below for a visual guide to replacing your motion detector battery:

Common Terms

Understanding these terms will help you with the battery replacement for your motion detector.

2GIG-PIR1E-345

The model number of your wireless Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector.

Motion Detector

A security sensor designed to detect movement using infrared technology within its designated coverage area.

CR123A Lithium Battery

The specific type and size of battery required for this motion sensor (typically one is needed).

System Panel

Your main security alarm control panel (e.g., 2GIG GC2, Qolsys IQ Panel) where trouble alerts, such as "low battery" for the sensor, are displayed.

Brinks Home™ Mobile App

The application on your smartphone or tablet used to monitor and control your security system, which may also display sensor low battery notifications.

Bypass Sensor

Temporarily deactivating a sensor zone at your system panel. This is recommended before performing maintenance like a battery change on a motion detector to prevent it from triggering system events or alerts while you work on it.

Sensor Cover

The outer casing of the motion detector that needs to be opened to access the battery.

Backplate

The part of the sensor that is mounted to the wall or ceiling, to which the sensor cover attaches.

Bottom Screw

A screw typically located at the bottom of the motion detector that secures the cover to the backplate.

Tamper Alert

A notification from your system panel indicating that a sensor's cover is open or not properly secured. Ensuring the cover is correctly reattached after battery replacement is important to avoid this.

Low Battery Alert

A notification on your system panel indicating that the battery in the motion detector is weak and needs replacement.

Battery Specifications and Purchasing

Ensure you have the correct battery for your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

Required Battery:

• Quantity: 1 (one)
• Type: CR123A 3-volt lithium battery

These batteries can be purchased at your local hardware store, mass retailer, or online. You can order batteries conveniently here on Amazon or from your preferred online retailer.

Important Safety Precautions & Preparations

Please follow these steps before you begin the battery replacement.

• Locate the Correct Sensor: First, identify the specific motion detector that is reporting a low battery. Your system panel or the Brinks Home™ Mobile App (Brinks Home Mobile App) should indicate which sensor zone needs attention.
• Bypass the Sensor Zone: Before opening the motion detector, it is crucial to bypass its zone at your main security panel. This prevents the sensor from triggering any alarms or unwanted system events while you are working on it.
  • For users with a 2GIG GC2 panel, follow these specific instructions: GC2 GoControl - Bypass Sensors.
  • If you have a different panel model, consult its user manual for instructions on how to bypass a sensor zone.
• Handle with Care: Be gentle when opening the sensor cover and handling the battery.
• Correct Battery Type and Polarity: Use a new CR123A lithium battery. When inserting, pay close attention to the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity markings inside the battery compartment.
• Dispose of Old Batteries Properly: Lithium batteries should be recycled according to local regulations.

Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Instructions

Once the sensor zone is bypassed on your panel, follow these instructions to replace the battery in your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

1. Open the Motion Detector Cover: Locate the small screw, usually at the bottom of the motion detector casing. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove this screw. Once the screw is removed, you can typically gently separate the front cover from the backplate. The cover may unclip or hinge open. Leave the backplate mounted to the wall/ceiling.

2. Remove the Old Battery: Inside the sensor, you will find the CR123A battery. Carefully remove the old battery from its compartment. Take note of its orientation (+/-) before removing.

3. Inspect Battery Compartment: Ensure the battery compartment is clean and the contacts are free of any corrosion or debris.

4. Insert the New CR123A Lithium Battery: Place the new battery into the sensor, ensuring you match the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of the battery with the polarity markings inside the compartment.

5. Replace the Cover: Carefully align the front cover with the backplate and snap or slide it back into place. Ensure it closes securely and all seams are flush. Secure it using the screw you removed earlier. Do not overtighten the screw.

After Replacing the Battery & Clearing Alerts

Final steps after installing the new battery in your motion detector.

1. Restore Sensor (Unbypass): Go back to your main security panel and unbypass the motion detector's zone. For many systems, including the 2GIG GC2, simply arming and then disarming the system will automatically clear all bypassed zones. Refer to your panel’s user manual if a specific "unbypass" action is needed.
2. Allow System to Update: The "Sensor Low Battery" alert on your panel should clear once the sensor sends its new, healthy battery status. This may take a few minutes to an hour, or until the next scheduled sensor check-in time for your system.
3. Clear Alert from Panel (If Necessary): If the low battery alert persists on your main panel after a reasonable period, you may need to manually acknowledge or clear it.
   • For users with a 2GIG GC2 panel, instructions for silencing and resetting alerts can be found here: GC2 GoControl - Silence/Reset Alarm.
   • For other panel models, consult your panel’s user manual for its specific procedure to clear trouble alerts (often involving entering your user code or navigating an alerts/messages menu).
4. Test the Sensor: After the low battery alert has cleared, it's important to test the motion detector to ensure it's functioning correctly. Put your security system into a "System Test" or "Walk Test" mode (refer to your main panel's manual). Move within the detector's coverage area. The panel should indicate that it's detecting motion from that sensor (often with a chime, voice announcement, or visual cue on the screen). The sensor's own LED may also light up during this test mode when motion is detected.

Understanding the LED Indicator

The LED on your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector can provide some status information.

The motion detector has an internal LED (often red) that typically behaves as follows:

• Normal Operation (Battery Saving): To conserve battery life, the LED usually does NOT light up with every motion detected after an initial warm-up period or once the sensor cover is on and it's in its normal operational mode. This is by design.
• Upon Motion Detection (During Walk Test Mode / Initial Power-Up / Cover Tamper):
  • When your main security panel is in a "System Test" or "Walk Test" mode, the sensor's LED will typically flash (e.g., red) each time it detects motion. This is to help you confirm it's working and to define its coverage area during installation or testing.
  • For a few minutes after you insert a new battery and close the cover, the LED might also flash on motion detection as the sensor initializes and performs self-tests.
  • If the sensor cover is removed (tamper condition), the LED may flash during transmissions related to the tamper event.
• Low Battery Indication: The primary notification for a low battery will come from your main security panel and/or the Brinks Home™ Mobile App. The sensor itself does not typically have a persistent, easily visible LED indicator for a low battery state, as this would drain the remaining power more quickly.

Always rely on your main security panel for definitive low battery alerts.

Troubleshooting After Battery Replacement

Solutions for common issues after replacing the motion detector battery.

"Low Battery" Alert Persists on Main Panel

1. Allow Sufficient Time for Update: Give the system up to an hour. Some systems also require an arm/disarm cycle to fully refresh sensor statuses.
2. Ensure Fresh, Correct Battery: Confirm you used a new, high-quality CR123A lithium battery.
3. Verify Battery Polarity: Carefully re-open the sensor (bypass it first!) and double-check the battery is inserted with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly aligned.
4. Clean Battery Contacts: If the contacts in the sensor look dull, gently clean them with a pencil eraser or a dry cotton swab.
5. Manually Clear Alert at Panel: Follow the specific procedure for your main security panel to clear trouble alerts, such as the linked GC2 instructions if applicable.
6. If the alert continues after 24 hours and these steps, the new battery could be faulty, or there might be an issue with the sensor itself.

Motion Sensor Not Detecting Motion After Battery Replacement

1. Re-Check Battery Installation: Confirm correct battery type, proper orientation, and that it's making good contact.
2. Secure Sensor Cover: The sensor cover must be securely snapped closed and the bottom screw (if applicable) tightened. An improperly closed cover can cause a tamper condition and may prevent normal operation. Your panel would likely show a "tamper" alert for that zone.
3. Initialization Period & Sleep Timer: After installing the battery and closing the cover, allow the sensor a few minutes to initialize. Many PIR motion sensors have a "sleep timer" (often 3-5 minutes) after detecting motion to conserve battery; it will not detect new motion during this brief sleep period. Wait for this to elapse before re-testing.
4. Walk Test Mode: Always use your main panel's "System Test" or "Walk Test" mode to verify detection. In this mode, the panel usually provides immediate feedback, and the sensor's LED should activate upon detecting motion.
5. Sensor Aiming/Obstructions: Ensure nothing is blocking the sensor's lens or field of view and that it's aimed correctly at the desired coverage area. Avoid pointing it directly at heat sources (vents, direct sunlight) or areas with rapid temperature changes.

Tamper Alert After Closing Cover

1. This indicates the sensor's cover is not fully or correctly closed, so an internal tamper switch is not engaged.
2. Carefully remove the cover again (bypass the zone first).
3. Inspect for any trapped wires or debris preventing a flush fit. Ensure the battery is seated properly and not obstructing the cover.
4. Align the cover correctly with the base and press firmly until it snaps securely into place on all sides. Reinstall and tighten the bottom screw.
5. Once physically secured, attempt to clear the tamper alert from your main panel.

Further Assistance

How to get more help if you encounter issues with your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

If you need additional assistance with replacing the battery, if a low battery or other trouble alert does not clear, or if the sensor is not functioning correctly after following these steps, you can text a Support Representative any time at 469-513-8685. Please be ready to describe the issue and the steps you have already performed.