[cappyjon431]

Originally Posted by philnpat

Normally when the sensor fails, power isn't available to the socket as the hot wire goes to the sensor first, then to the socket. Your alternate fix then wouldn't work and the sensor would need to be replaced. FYI...it's also common for the sensor to fail in the opposite mode...that is not turning off at all.
If any landscaping has been done in the area recently, there's also a possibility that the feeder has been nicked. You can verify that power is available at the pole by checking the breaker in the garage, then by disconnecting the sensor and fixture and checking for 120V at the incoming wires with a meter.

Good point...I should have mentioned that when we bought our home the sensor failed but when I replaced the bulb I had light constantly (the light did not turn off at all unless I turned off the switch at the front door). So I had a good power source, a good socket, but a bad sensor. I simply screwed in a socket equipped with a sensor and in my case it worked.