FAQ: Station Does Not Activate

Q: Why won’t my controller turn on a station or program?

A: If your controller appears to be working correctly but one or more stations do not come on, you will need to follow a series of steps to determine the problem.

Step 1. Check the controller programming.

Make sure the controller is programmed correctly. Stations that do not turn on may not have a run time scheduled in the program. A program missing a start time, run times, or days to water will not come on at all.

Refer to the owner’s manual for programming instructions. The following link will take you to the owner’s manuals on our web site.

Step 2. Check the controller operation.

After you have verified that the controller is programmed correctly, check to make sure the controller is operating correctly.

1. Attempt to run the station manually from the controller.
2. Make sure any weather sensors connected to the controller are not active and overriding the controller.
3. Test the voltage output for the station with a voltmeter. (24-29 Volts AC). If the controller is an SRC, check the fuse and replace if necessary.

Step 3. Check the wiring.

If your controller test confirms good voltage (24-29 VAC) output from the station, test the voltage at the valve. If you have voltage at the controller but not at the valve, the valve wire may be cut or disconnected.

Step 4. Check the valve.

1. Make sure the valve works by turning the solenoid 1/2" turn counter-clockwise. Turning the solenoid will turn the valve on manually. Turn the solenoid clockwise until snug to turn off the valve.
2. If the valve will not turn on manually, check the water supply to the valve.
3. If the valve will turn on manually, test the solenoid operation. The solenoid Ohms resistance should be between 25 and 35 Ohms.

Step 5. Further assistance.

If you require further assistance troubleshooting your system, please contact a local professional by clicking on the following link.