I have a Toro Lawnmaster model 53603 controller. I'd like to attach a voltmeter to check the status on 2 non working zones to see if it's the controller. Where do I attach the leads and what voltage do I use? thx

To select your master valve option ON, 1. Set the dial to Zone Run Time. 2. Press the Next button until Master is displayed (after the last valve). 3. Press the + button to turn the master valve ON. 4. Press the – button to turn the master valve OFF. Selecting Program Start Times This sets the time of the day you wish to water.

Solenoid on third zone needs to be replaced.

ck zone programming , even if it was working i had one on the course that seemd to have a mind of it's own and allways reset it's self to o:oo for the time of day

Connect the wire form a working zone to the valve to zone 1. If the zone comes on you have short in the wire for zone 1. You can confirm this by connecting it to the valve that was working and it probably will not. If you have a spare wire connect it to zone 1 and in pin 1 at
the timer.

If valve still does not open and you replaced the solenoid (which is rarely the problem) the hydraulics are probably worn out in the valve. Purchase the same valve and switch out everything accept the valve body itself essentially rebuilding the valve.

Bad wire, no spare and you want to avoid running a new stretch. Merge this zone with a similar one by connecting both valves to 1 wire. If the pressure is good they should all work as 1 zone. Otherwise you will have to run a new stretch.

Call Toro Tech. help and describe the timer to them and they should be able to guess the model. Sorry, don't have Toro's number because I will not use anything made by Toro. If it was me I would replace the timer. .

There are two Toro timer manuals posted:
Copy following links, for ez word search for each manual:
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Toro-53794_UserGuide.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/Toro-53794_UserGuide.pdf
http://www.toro.com/en-us/homeowner/do-it-yourself-irrigation/timers/Pages/default.aspx

The timer can be reset to factory defaults by 'clearing program memory' following steps in manual.
Warranty period is 1 year protection against defects in workmanship, which is standard for timers from Woods to Intermatic to GE etc.

If the display is not working, and zone does not show, then that implies internal defect, or lack of power. Resetting timer might repair problem.
The timer has electro-magnetic relays, and not an internal solenoid.
The timer turns ON or turns OFF electric power to the water valves.
Water valves have solenoids that open and close when power from timer arrives at each zone.
The solenoid can make the sound you describe, but the timer relays with make small click sound as the electromagnetic relay opens and closes.

In addition to resetting timer to factory defaults, and then reprogramming you might try changing wires to different terminals.

Also the timer works on 24Volt AC transformer that plugs into outlet. It is possible to get display errors on timers when voltage is incorrect, or outlet and transformer are not connected well. Test outlet with circuit analyzer. Change outlet because outdoor outlets get corroded. Clean blades on transformer plug.

Power surge and other events can damage timers. Nearby lightning strike. Power outage causes surge when power resumes.

There is 24-hour backup battery, but the battery does not appear to be replaceable type and instead is rechargeable or capacitor type backup. So the battery is probably not the problem

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

The "start times" are often mistaken for zone start times with this model. These times are actually if you want your sprinkler to run/start more than once a day. If you only want your sprinkler to run once a day, then you should set start times number 2 and 3 to "OFF". The "OFF" setting is between 11:45pm and 12:00am as you cycle through time settings.
This is not in the manual. You're welcome!

If you never used the starter,You need to have it checked, possible that it i froze up. Or brushes in starter arn't making contact. Also check connections. Good Luck