Can't get zone to turn off - Rachio 3 - need help

Troubleshooting
1

It seems that after a power outage, I can’t get the Rachio 3 controller to ‘turn off’ Zone 5. It runs continuously. I’m almost certain it’s the controller.

Here’s the detail: We had a power outage. After power came back on, the sprinkler system (Rachio 3) started to water automatically. We were away while this happened. I could not get the sprinkler system to shut off via the app, even by toggling the zones and disabling the controller. After returning home, I unplugged the controller to reset power. After reboot, Zone 5 still came on by itself. I could operate all other zones, but Zone 5 still stays on no matter what. I tried doing a reset, and that didn’t make a difference. I disconnected the wire from Zone 5 and plugged it in to an unused zone, and the sprinklers are now off, which suggests that it’s the controller.

This is the first season I’ve used this controller, which I loved up until this. Anyone else seen this issue? Any idea how to correct it?

thanks

2

Try moving one of the wires from zone 1, 2, 3 or 4 to zone 5 to see if the problem exists with one of those zones. If not then it could be a short in the zone 5 wire or problem with the solenoid or valve in zone 5.

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3

Yes, I left that out…I did move a wire from another zone to the Zone 5 contact on the Rachio controller, and that zone fired. So the issue is definitely with the controller.

4

What does that mean? When you connected one of the other zones to zone 5 did the other zone run continuously and you were not able to turn it off?

5

Yes, the other zone ran continuously. Whichever wire is plugged into Zone 5 on the controller, the sprinkler heads for that zone will operate.

6

Certainly sounds as if it is the controller. Perhaps others with more electrical experience than I have will comment. If it was me I would contact Rachio support. The warranty is for 2 years.

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7

Just to double check some things, I would suggesting using a multimeter testing the zone & common terminals for power when no zones should be running (zone wires disconnected). If it has power in this case, it would likely be a relay or equivalent within the controller.

8

I have seen this in many types of controllers(not my Rachio) but it’s fairly common with power surges or lightning. Can you run the station you moved from zone 5 to a spare station(b/c the solenoid may have taken a hit as well). If so, I would setup that as I my zone 5. Not sure how old your Rachio is but that sort of thing may not be covered under warranty.

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9

Excellent thought @gaustin . . . trying an unused zone at least for now! I wish I would have thought of that. Was just thinking about how to diagnose it and did not think of how to fix it for the time being.

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