Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Irrigation

Troubleshooting Old Hardie HR6100 Zone That Won't Auto-Shutoff

An old Hardie HR6100 (marked IR05) runs zone 1 continuously in auto mode but shuts off manually. The homeowner wonders if controller replacement is needed.

Simple Diagnostic Test

Unplug controller completely
Observe zone 1 valve

Interpreting Results

Valve stays open with controller unplugged: Valve mechanical failure (debris, diaphragm, solenoid stuck)
Valve closes when controller unplugged: Controller sending continuous voltage → controller defective

Since manual operation works, the valve mechanism functions. If the valve closes when controller loses power, the controller's output transistor for that station is likely shorted closed. Given the unit's age (Hardie became Irritrol decades ago), replacement with a modern Irritrol Rain Dial is the practical solution.

Irrigation: Troubleshooting a Sprinkler Zone That Shows Active but Delivers No Water; Richdel 446PR Hybrid: Zone 2 Runs Continuously Even in Off Position; Toro Vision II: One Zone Shows 24V Constantly But Won't Water; Rain Bird ESP-LX "Fault 4" Code: Zone Skipped; Rain Bird 9-Zone with Richdel Valves: Only Zone 6 Runs After Heavy Rain; Sprinkler Solenoid Testing After Controller Voltage Confirmed—Ohmmeter Method; Hardie Controller Flashes, Won't Run – 15 Years Old, Replace; Toro Controller Blows Fuse Intermittently – Locate Valves with Wire Tracer; Choosing a Sprinkler Valve for Low-Pressure Tank Drainage; SlimDial Timer: Zone Stays On After Off – Valve or Controller?

Garden Articles

Toro TCM 212 Losing Time: Microprocessor Failure Means Replacement

Irritrol 476PR Shows “1FUS” and Drains 9 V Battery in Days

Toro Greenkeeper Zone Stuck On: Valve Failure, Not Controller

Controller Activates During Lightning Storm While in OFF Position

Irritrol KD-9 "Fuse" Display: Systematic Solenoid and Wiring Check

Hardie Rain Dial Won't Activate Sprinklers After Rain Shutdown

Sprinkler Zone Stuck On: Controller or Solenoid?

Plants

Hunter ICC: All Zones Show 26V Simultaneously—No Water Flow

Why a Sprinkler Head Leaks When the System Is Off: Diaphragm Wear

Sprinkler and Drip System Not Activating: Master Valve or Main Supply Issue

Hunter SRC "ERR" Message: Finding the Short Circuit

Hardie Rain Dial (~15 Years) Only Runs Zone A – Controller Failed

Control Valve Won't Shut Off – Replace Valve After Diaphragm Fails

Hardie Total Control "Short" Error – Controller or Solenoid #6