If you live in some of Perth’s new developments then chances are you will have an Irritrol Kwikdial control box like the one below.
I can only guess that the developers picked these up as a real bargain because they are far from being the best control box on the market.
Their major fault is the absence of a battery backup, so every time you have a power outage you lose your settings. However it is also common to be rung and told the controller is showing the word ‘fuse’ and failing to run on one or more stations.
Nine times out of ten the fuse message indicates a faulty solenoid coil. If it shows up when you try to run every station then it is most likely the master valve. If it only faults on a particular station then that is the one that needs replacing.
To test if it is the master solenoid remove the master solenoid wire from the control box, reset the box so the ‘fuse’ message disappears (put a flat blade screwdriver over the ‘reset’ terminals) and then test each station in turn. If nothing faults then you have found your problem.
If it still shows a fuse message then simply observe which station it faults on and that will be the source of the problem.
The next task is to find the solenoid and replace the coil. I have written about how to do this here.
Occasionally it is not the coil that is the problem, but its actually the control box. Unfortunately the only way to verify this is by eliminating the variables. I’d suggest you start with the coil as its much cheaper to replace, but be aware that you might have to replace the box as well.
If you need a kwikdial manual then you can get one here.
Thanks! You saved me over $150 for a new controller. All it was, was a loose wire connection. Appreciate the help.
No probs – glad you figured it out
My keeps showing off3 an flash often what does that mean
Possibly solenoid 3 is faulty or the controller has died
My Kwikdial seems to keep resetting itself. In fact, when I try and run a manual test, the sprinklers start to run, then the battery symbol flashes and the test doesn’t occur. Do I need a new controller ?
Tricky to say without seeing it, but it is a possibility
I have the exact problem. Did you find a solution that you can share? Thank you.
The display on my box looks like is fading and there is that symbol of a battery with a slash through it. None of my stations are responding. Does anyone have an idea of what is wrong? I appreciate any assistance.
Hi – it sounds like the control box has failed or it may be that the master valve coil is the issue. I would be guessing control box as the post likely culprit.
Hi,
I am having the exact same issue with my kwikdial controller. How did you end up resolving the issue you had?
Thanks
Carl
Hi Karl I’ve got the same problem with the flashing battery symbol . Was it a faulty solenoid or controller?
Did you find a solution? I have same problem. Thanks.
Controller flashing battery symbol. What could be the problem. How do I fix it
Either a solenoid or controller itself
The display on my Kwikdial controler-box looks like is fading and there is that symbol of a battery with a slash through it. And because of that None of my stations are responding. …. what is it wrong? How can it be fixed? is it the Solenoid or need new controller? appreciate any assistance.
…but I live in Orlando Florida
The LED display on my irritrol kwikdial box is not visible, but the box is working, and if i press on the glass, i can just about see it. Can this part be replaced,
Hi i have nil display showing and box sounds like its running but won’t turn on
Is there a reset button ?
CHEERS HELEN
Hi Helen
There is a reset but no display means there is no power. The transformer may still be running, but the digital panel is most likely fried. I presume you have checked your RCDs?
You can try resetting by putting a flat blade screwdriver over the terminals behind the cover.
If you need a replacement just let me know as unfortunately there is no other option once the display is gone. I may be able to fit it in tomorrow or Thur depending on where you are.
Cheers
Andrew
The irrigation clock I am working on only runs one valve. I am told that the fuse message shows after the valve turns on and then shuts off. I can run this irritrol in manual mode from the clock and all works great in manual. The screen is very shaky. From what I have read from you I should possibly replace the solenoid. Any other suggestions?
Julie
The display screen is totally blank and I can not get it show any reading. Any ideas? Tried the rested but using a screw driver and no luck.
Our controler flashes fuse checked everything is ok but still not working
Mine is doing this same exact thing right now, and I’m not sure how to go about fixing it. Any recommendations? Thank you!!
My neighbour has one of these and not sure what she may have done if anything at all.I have checked the settings but appears to have a problem with watering day setting.Sunday can be set also Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thurs.but Friday and Saturday show only time and date setting.I have tried ERASE but still no good.Any suggestions???
Not easy to resolve that on here I’m sorry
Controller flashing battery symbol. What could be the problem. How do I fix it
My box is flashing fuse, 3, 7.I know those two station are not working. what can I do?
LED display is blank
Hi I have full display but the system isn’t responding?
Possibly a master valve
hi , I have 2 stations not working . I have tested the wires at the solenoid and changed the coil . I have full power to the solenoid when I connect one wire to the coil but when I connect both wires I loose power ?
Hi my controller is plank except for something flashing in the bottom right hand corner no functions work is this a easy fix or does the controller require replacing
Hello mine is doing the same, did you find what the problem was?
Gday mate i have an issue with my box i think but not sure, there is something flashing but to quick and it dont say fuse? Amost looks like a k, and thats it, when i reset the box and test the first staition comes on for about a mint then it trip out again
I have pressed the reset on my kwikdial controller after showing a fuse message on the controller and the screen has gone blank, how do I get the display back on ?
Hi there, long time user of the kwikdial – but first issue ever.
My controller box is flashing FUSE and “3” station number. I tried my other station and that works fine on a manual test, but station 3 wont turn on at all.
Any assistance would be appreciated, is it a blown fuse? If so where would this be located?
Thanks Joe
Hi, my control box readouts are constantly blinking on and off rapidly but all terminals and aettings work. Any ideas?
Thank you for helping.
Good morning, i have a problem that my station #2 will not turn off, even when i turn controler to the off position it still runs. it also run when the power supply is off, any thoughts
This will be a faulty solenoid
Hi someone..
Just moved into a new property. Has Kwik dial KD6. Had a power outage the other night. Went to get the Controller KD6 up and running. There is no power in it. Nothing on the LCD screen. All circuit breakers in the meter box are on. Any suggestions ??
Gratefully appreciated,
Antony
Sounds like the controller is dead.