Question
There is water in the irrigation lines but my Hardie Rain Dial Automatic sprinkler system does not turn the water on..not by manually setting it to turn on the water nor by setting a future time for the water to come on.  What could be the problem.  It is approximately 14 years old.

Answer
Thanks for your question.
I would bet your controller is probably deceased. If it still keep time and just isn't turning the valves on, you will need to test the power output from the valve terminals. Turn the controller on zone 1 and  touch one lead to the "COM" terminal and the other to the #1 terminal.  You should see 23-27 volts. If not replace the controller. If you are getting power output then you need to look at the wiring in the yard.
Good luck,

Matt