Simon XTi—Sensor Malfunction

Every hour, your alarm system sends a signal to all of your sensors to ensure functionality and proper reporting, which is called a "roll call". If a sensor fails to send a response signal, a failure signal will be sent to your control panel and you'll see an alert or Malfunction in the Brinks Home™ App.

Common reasons a sensor will go into failure/malfunction are:

  1. The battery in the sensor is dead.

  2. The sensor is too far from the control panel. If the sensor exceeds 100 feet, then a malfunction may occur.

  3. There is something causing Radio Frequency (RF) interference near that sensor or near the control panel. Common wireless devices that cause interference include the following:

  • Routers, telephones, gaming controllers, doorbells, large metallic objects such as refrigerators or large TVs, plaster walls with metal fiber, metal studs in the wall, or interior concrete walls.

Recommendations:

  1. Change the sensor battery.
    • Note: If you change the battery, be sure to securely replace the cover. If the cover is not properly aligned and snug, it will create a tamper error. Additionally, check to make sure the arrows on the sensors are lined up and there is no more than ¼ inch between the two when mounting.

  2. Perform a sensor test to attempt another roll call. See Simon XTi panel instructions in the next section.

  3. Survey the area for recent changes, such as new nearby electronics which may be causing interference.

  4. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the sensor as it is likely defective.

Sensor Test Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Press Settings which is the gear icon on the bottom right of your panel screen, then press the down arrow until you arrive at System Tests.
  2. Enter_Programming_01_Main.jpg Enter_Programming_02_Settings.jpg


  3. Press Enter beside System Tests, enter your master code, then press OK.
  4. Settings_02.jpg Settings_03_Enter_Code.jpg


  5. Press Sensor Test, then activate all sensors.
  6. Sensor_Test_01.jpg Tests_02_Sensor_Test.jpg


    • • Open and close door or window sensors
    • • Press any button on your keyfobs
    • • Walk in front of motion detectors, or trigger manually by removing the cover
    • • Hold the test button on your smoke or heat detectors
    • • Hold the test button on your carbon monoxide detector
  7. The Simon XTi beeps on activation and displays the signal strength for each sensor triggered. Press Close to exit.
  8. Sensor_Test_02.jpg Tests_03_Sensor_Test.jpg


  9. Once all sensors are tested, press Close twice to exit.
  10. Test_Exit_01.png Test_Exit_02.jpg