Question
I have a 6 zone sprinkler system.  Both zones 2 and 3 come on at the same time and water both during the 2 cycle and the 3 cycle.  I did some testing, but don't understand the results.  All wires were hooked up after each step.  1) Took off #3 wire at timer: a) Put it on station 2 - Both 2 and 3 came on. b) Put it on station 3 - Neither 2 nor 3 came on.  2) Took off #2 wire at timer: a) Put in on station 2 - Neither 2 nor 3 came on. b) Put it on station 3 - Both 2 and 3 came on.  3) Took off #3 wire at solenoid: a) Put it on station 2 - #2 came on. b) Put it on station 3 - #2 came on.  4) Took off #2 wire at solenoid: a) Put it on station 2 - #3 came on. b) Put it on station 3 - #3 came on.

What would the most likely problem be?  Thank you.

Answer
My gut feeling is that something is wrong with the controller.  It seems from your testing that nothing is wrong with the valves, or other station terminals on the controller, but something is defective in stations 2 and 3.  Sometimes cleaning the circuit board will help.  Use some canned air and a soft brush.