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trying to figure out why my battery only last about a day or two then i have to replace anyone have any ideas on what's going on

AC current readings are kind of advanced, and a lot of multimeters don't even have AC current as an option. If the system works 100 percent, there's nothing for you to find. If a zone with a 20-ohm solenoid trips the 'breaker' you measure its resistance, and look to see a reading of at least 20 ohms. A lower reading would indicate a short. A zone with two valves would be more likely to be an overload.

You kind of lost me on the last one. Set to AC...connect to the controller common and to the system common...what do I look for there??........Also....the zone in question (which is actually 2 valves because two wires are connected to that zone) it worked today....????

You already measured the resistance of a brand-new solenoid (didn't you?) so you can disconnect the common wire from the controller, and start taking resistance measurements of the individual zones. Faulty wiring should show up here.

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Even more advanced, is to set the multimeter to AC current, and connect one lead to the controller common, and the other lead to the (already removed) system common. Current readings tell you the most, as the system will operate as normally, and intermittent problems can make themselves known, as solenoids heat up.

I just replaced all my selonoids in the system as they were like 15 yrs old. I rewired and put new waterproof wire nuts. So, go ahead boots...what should I be looking for with the multimeter???



JW

Once you find which valve it is you're going to have to undo the connection to test the solenoid just like I suggested. I'll let Boots tell you how to test using your meter.

Guys,



I know how to use a multimeter. It's not hard and I have a good one. What should I be looking for for ohms and volts.....? I would rather do that than undo good connections, if I can test at the box.

I KNEW IT!

I get a kickback, what else?

Why make a homeowner go out and buy a multimeter when it's a simple diagnosis.