Question
My Rainbird sprinklers shut off after four minutes, no matter how long they
are programmed to run. When one zone turns on, "4" starts blinking in the
display and it counts down to zero, at which time that zone shuts off and the
next activates and starts counting down from "4". I have them set for
anywhere from 8 to 15 minutes, but they all only run for 4. I have an ESP-8TM
controller.
Any idea what would be causing this?  

Answer
Hello.
It sound like the controller is stuck in "test program". The test program is used for checking the system by programing a short run time for each zone.
Find the test program on the controller and check to see if it is programmed for 4 minutes. (consult your owners manual or the Rainbird site) I bet it is. Try turning the selector dial back and forth many times. Fast, slow, clockwise, counterclockwise. Sometime this action gets the controller back to normal. You can also try to unplug the controller and remove the battery. Allow it to sit over night. Rainbird's have a long memory. Then retry to program and run it the next day.
If all fails the I'd say the controller needs replacing.

Matt