Question
QUESTION: I submitted a previous question and got the following:
Hey Darrell, it could be the controller, or it could be the wires or solenoids  running to the valves might have burned up. To determine if it is the controller, take a volt /ohm meter, and turn on a zone, lets say zone #1. With the zone turned on, touch the negative lead to the back of the controllers terminal strip marked C (common) and the positive lead to the terminal strip marked #1 (zone/valve) #1. You should get a reading between 22 to 26 volts. If you don't get a good reading, then the controller is bad. If you get a good reading, then you need to check your wiring running from the controller to the valves, or the solenoids on the valves. Good luck and have a great day.

I did what was requested and I go 28volts on all zones. I am assuming now my problem lies the solenoids since my wiring seems to be fine. How do I check my solenoids??

ANSWER: Hi Darrel,

Take the volt/ohm meter and set it to ohms, set to 200ohms, disconnect each selenoid from the wires from the controller, and measure the ohms, if is good it should be between 20-60 ohms, below 20 the selenoid is in short, more than 60 the selenoid is open, in either situation replace the selenoid its cost about $9 in Home Depot or Lowels.

Thanks for your question
Guillermo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have checked all of my solenoids (except 1). They all check good. I finally located my main valve (blue wire/white wire) located just past the manual shut off valve. I can get my zones to come on (all but 1) if I turn the relief screw on top of the diaphram cover; maybe a bleed valve. Does the diaphram need to be replaced? As for the 1 solenoid I can't find; it is the zone closest to the main valve and maual shutoff valve. Any idea where the solenoid could be located for this zone?

Answer
Hi Darrel,

Can you open the valves from # 2, 3,4.... from the controller?
If not and the selenoids are good the problem should be the wiring to the selenoids.
You say "main valve" this sounds as a backflow preventer and should be connected to the MV And Com ports on the controller. This valve also has a selenoid this valve must open in order to the others valves open. In houses usually the valves are located close one to other, probably it is covered by dirt, so carefully dig around to locate it. The wiring from the controller goes to all the valves so if you follow the wires you will be able to locate the valve 1.

Good luck
Guillermo