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Hunter Sprinkler Zones Cycling On/Off: Cycle-Soak or Valve Fault?

Why Zones 2 & 5 Pulse On and Off During Their Run Time

On a 10-zone Hunter system, if specific zones cycle rapidly (on/off/on/off), two main causes exist:

1. Controller "Cycle-Soak" Feature Enabled

Many Hunter controllers (Pro-C, ICC, ACC) have a programmable cycle-soak to prevent runoff on slopes. If accidentally activated for Zones 2 & 5, they'll pulse. Check each zone's cycle-soak settings in the controller menu.

2. Valve or Pressure Problem

If cycle-soak is off, test voltage at the controller terminals while the zone is cycling:

Steady 24 VAC → Valve or hydraulic issue (diaphragm, flow control, pressure fluctuation).
Fluctuating voltage → Controller output fault.

Quick Valve Test

1. Manually open the problematic valve (turn solenoid ½ turn CCW). 2. If it runs smoothly → electrical/control issue. 3. If it still pulses → valve diaphragm or flow control problem.

Pressure-Related Cause

If multiple zones pulse simultaneously, the pump or main pressure regulator may be cycling. Check pump pressure gauge during operation.

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