How to Use an Electrical Multimeter to Test Zone Wires
Disconnect the COMMON wire from the controller's COM terminal and then disconnect the ZONE(S) wire from the terminal
Connect the Black test lead to the system's common wire and the Red test lead to the load wire to the solenoid valve. You should be able to read between 20-60 ohms from a good solenoid connection through the system wiring.
"OL" = OPEN CIRCUIT
0-10 ohms = SHORT CIRCUIT
20-60 ohms = NORMAL SOLENOID
70-200 ohms = PARTIAL OPEN (BAD SPLICE)
How to Use an Electrical Multimeter to Test Solenoids
"OL" = OPEN CIRCUIT
0-10 ohms = SHORT CIRCUIT
20-60 ohms = NORMAL SOLENOID
70-200 ohms = PARTIAL OPEN (BAD SPLICE)
Troubleshooting Sprinkler System Wiring Issues video: