Clicking Irrigation Valves: Solenoids Click but Don't Open

After winter, all solenoids click once per second but valves don't open. Manual bleed doesn't help. Controller moves to next zone after a minute.

Probable Causes

1. Common Wire Issue: The common (usually white) wire may be loose at the controller or have a short in the field.
2. Insufficient Controller Output: The controller may not deliver enough voltage (24 VAC) to actuate solenoids.

Testing

Check all wire connections at controller and valves. Use a multimeter: place black lead on common terminal, red on a station terminal, run that station manually. Should read 24 VAC. Low or fluctuating voltage indicates controller or wiring fault.