Wires were diconneted from timer it is a orbit 4 station

is it set to auto? if it is sounds like you have a bad timer, they are not repairable.

Save yourself a lot of frustration, replace it. These are not repairable.

the wire colors reflect the station number the wire controls. In general, the colors start with station 1 with brown and move down the line of stations with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, continuing with gray at station 8

Hi Colleen, The 1st link is a 2 page manual for a 4 & 6 station indoor controller and the 2nd link is a youtube video showing how to program an orbit timer, I hope this helps because you don't give a brand or model number.........CHEERS..
https://www.hunterindustries.com/sites/default/files/IC_EcoLogic_EM.pdf

How to Program an Orbit Easy Set Logic Timer

Does it work manually? If so, which is rare and almost unheard of I would replace the timer. You can't buy a less expensive timer $20 for a 4 station. Which explains why it is not working. If it doesn't work make sure it is plugged in and outlet has power.

What model number of timer? I have to see exactly which timer you have to answer question.
What wire goes where?
Are you using 120Volts?
What is output voltage of timer?
What voltage is solenoid? 24Volt or 120Volt?
Copy following links for Orbit manuals:
http://www.orbitonline.com/support/guides/Manualsearch3.cfm?Brand=02&Type=Timers

http://waterheatertimer.org/Woods-timers-and-manuals.html#sprinkler

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

Timer is not identified.
Orbit shows five different 4-station timers: Add a comment and say which timer is being used, and what voltage you are using and what wires you have.
http://www.orbitonline.com/support/guides/Manualsearch3.cfm?Brand=02&Type=Timers

Example below:
-Power to operate timer:
The example timer has power cord that plugs into outlet.
Other timers have low voltage transformer that plugs into outlet.

Connecting solenoids.
Each station or solenoid has two wires:
The common wires are connected together so that common connects to each solenoid, and the second wire connects to terminals 1 2 3 4 as shown.

Question is not clear.
Do you have programming problem with the timer?
Or problem locating sprinkler heads?
Or a sprinkler valve problem?
Add a comment with detailed information.

Sprinkler timer turns ON-and-OFF.
Timer does not advance the sprinkler to next station. The sprinkler valve advances to next station when timer turns OFF.
For example, when timer turns ON, then station 1 starts watering.
Timer turns off, and then sprinkler valve automatically advances to station 2.
Timer turns on again, and station 2 starts watering.

Orbit resources:
http://www.orbitonline.com/support/
http://www.orbitonline.com/lib/media/InstallationGuide.pdf
http://www.irrigationdirect.com/media/manuals/owners-manuals/orbit/Orbit-WaterMaster-57880-Controller-Owners-Manual.pdf

moved into house with 4 station Orbit sprinkler unit. Manual is faded, cannot figure out how to get it to control the sprinkler system. Can I get online instructions on how to program it?