Question
I have a Toro EL-6+ system with six zones.  The first time I fired it up this
season, I found that zone 3 was not working, neither on the automatic or
manual settings.  All other zones are working perfectly.  The whole system
worked properly last season.  I would appreciate any pointers as to how to
trouble shoot the problem.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
First, check to see if the electrical output from the controller is OK.  Either use a multimeter to check the output from the zone 3 terminal on the timer, or check it by disconnecting the wire that is there now, and then connecting a wire from a zone that you know is working.  If that zone comes on, then the controller is working.  If not, you have a problem with the controller.  Take the wire from zone 3 and connect it to another terminal that you know is working.  If the valve works, then you have a problem with the controller.  If not, you need to check the wiring at the valve.  Make sure the wire connectors are installed correctly.  Check the solenoid to see if it is OK by removing it from the valve and connecting it to wires that you know are working.  Replace any faulty components.  If the problem is the controller, it is usually less expensive to replace it than to have it repaired.