We had a power surge, now my controller is watering at odd times

We had a power surge, now my controller is watering at odd times

Your controller can get a little confused with an abrupt change in power. Unplug your controller, open the face and remove the back-up battery (if applicable). The newer Rain Bird© controller models, the TM, ESPMe, ESP M3 do not have batteries. Battery or no batter, unplug and allow the controller unit to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Replace the battery  (if applicable) and plug the controller in.  The controller will automatically default to 10 minutes a zone, 3 days a week so the controller time and watering times will need to be reset. If you need step by step instructions for that process, check the article for your particular controller or check the zone card inside the door of your controller. 

*If you have an ESP Modular controller there is a RESET button located behind the face.  This button will factory default your controller settings. Press and hold the reset button for three seconds. Close the face and reprogram your controller.

If you have had a lightning strike very near or at your residence/office, have had damage to other electronic devices on your property, your controller is likely a candidate for a replacement. 
    • Related Articles

    • My controller is not functioning

      If you have a blank display this indicates there is some sort of electrical problem (wiring, fuse, etc.) Check to ensure the outlet the controller is plugged into is operational. Try another electronic device in the outlet or try the controller in ...
    • My controller says “PWR OFF” or No AC

      This error message indicates an electrical problem (wiring, fuse, etc.) The controller battery is operational, but it is not receiving power from the AC plug. Check to ensure the outlet the controller is plugged into is operational. Try another ...
    • The controller is “Off”, but the system is still running!

      If the controller is turned to the “off” position and your sprinkler is still has one zone operating, it is likely a valve on the system has failed. You need to turn the water off to the system and contact the office for a service appointment. You ...
    • How much time should I water on each zone?

      Over watering is often a bigger problem than underwatering, particularly early in the spring. Don't be in a rush to supplement nature's water. Mist head zones need to run half as much time as the rotor zones. Our standard spring setting is 10 minutes ...
    • Why is my sprinkler system running twice?

      If your sprinkler ran through its regularly scheduled programming and then starting over again a second time but shut off on its own at the end of the cycle, you have a programming error.  Most controller have three sets of programming that can have ...