Question
I too am at wits end with my irrigation system.  It is an outdoor Rain Dial Model RD-600 (not sure).  The manual I have is for RD-600, RD-900 and RD-1200, but I only have 4 valves. Value Zone 1, when programmed, will run to completion for the number of minutes set. Value Zone 2 starts, but stops after some number of minutes, way before the end of its programmed time. The display indicates it is still running. Needless to say value Zone 3 doesn't go on. Display indicates it is running. When I switch to a manual program, setting the time and hitting the manual button, the same thing happens. However, I can run all 3 zones by manually turning on the value in the irrigation box.  They run until I turn them off. Any ideas? With appreciation, JoAnn


Answer
Thanks for your question.
I'm afraid your controller may be losing it's mind. You can try to unplug it and remove the battery. Let is set for an hour or so and then reinstall the battery and plug in. You'll need to reprogram and then see if it will run the zones completely.
If this doesn't work it's time for a new controller.
Another thing you can try is: put 0 minutes on zone one. Then start the system on zone 2. If it runs 2 completely and the fails on zone 3 you may need only a transformer. If the transformer is extremely hot it a good indicator of a problem. (extremely hot is you can't keep your hand on it)
Good luck.

Matt