Rain Bird ESP-6TM Runs on Display But No Water: Controller Output Test

ESP-6TM shows zone countdown but no heads pop up—no "water flowing" sound at the supply. The controller or field wiring is at fault.

Controller Output Test

1. Multimeter → AC 200V scale.
2. Run station 1 manually.
3. Red lead → station 1 terminal. Black lead → C (common) terminal.
4. Read 24VAC? Yes = controller OK. No = controller failed.

If Controller OK

1. Check main irrigation shutoff valve—is it open?
2. Check common wire connections at all valves. One loose common kills all zones.
3. Check individual zone wires at valves.

Most Likely

Common wire nut in a valve box corroded or pulled apart. Winter moisture + dissimilar metals = failure. Reconnect with waterproof splice (King, DBY, or heat-shrink).

Test controller output first—it's the fork in the road.