Locating a Shorted Solenoid on Hardie Total Control 12-Station System

Controller Reports "Short on Station #7"

The system shows a short on station 7 while others function. Seven solenoids are visible in the in-ground plumbing. Need to pinpoint which solenoid is causing the short.

Manual Valve Testing Method

Most valves have a manual override: a bleed screw, a twistable solenoid, or a lever near the solenoid. Use these to manually activate each valve and map which zone it controls.

Process of Elimination

1. On the controller, manually run stations 1 through 6.
2. Observe which zone does not activate — that's station 7.
3. Go to the corresponding valve in the field and replace its solenoid.

Why This Works

If the controller indicates a short only on station 7, the fault is almost certainly the solenoid or its wiring for that specific valve. Manual operation bypasses the controller, confirming the valve's mechanical operation while isolating the electrical fault.