Brand: RAIN BIRD
Category: Controller
Manual Type:
Language:
Manual for ESP-TM2 - Troubleshooting and error codes + PDF Download
Uploaded: April 8, 2025, 1:53 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2018-03-21
Warranty Summary
Warranty information is not explicitly mentioned in this manual.
The RAIN BIRD ESP-TM2 Controller is designed for simplified irrigation management. Key operations include:
- Setting Date and Time: Essential for scheduling watering cycles.
- Programming Start Times: Allows setting up to 4 start times per program.
- Setting Station Run Times: Adjust watering duration for each station.
- Setting Watering Days: Choose custom days or cyclic schedules.
- Manual Watering: Option to manually test stations or programs.
- Seasonal Adjust: Modify run times based on seasonal needs.
- Rain Sensor Compatibility: Option to integrate a rain sensor for water conservation.
The controller offers AUTO RUN for automatic scheduled watering and OFF mode to disable irrigation. Advanced programming features include odd/even day watering, cyclic days, and permanent day off settings.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Possible Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Watering icon is flashing, but the system is not watering | Water supply issue. | Verify there is no disruption to the main water line and that all other water supply lines are open and functioning. |
| Wiring is loose, not properly connected or damaged. | Check that wiring is securely connected at the controller and in the field. Check for damage and replace if necessary. Check wiring connections and replace with watertight splice connectors if needed. | |
| Automatic and/or Manual Watering will not start | Connected rain sensor may be activated. | Let the rain sensor dry out or else disconnect it from the controller terminal block and replace it with a jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals. |
| Jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals may be missing or damaged. | Jumper the two SENS terminals on the controller terminal block by connecting them with a short length of 14 to 18 gauge wire. | |
| Solenoid or master valve is shorted. | Confirm short message on the display. Correct the issue in the wiring. Clear the message by testing watering at the shorted valve or by pressing the button. | |
| Excessive watering | Programs may have multiple start times that were set unintentionally | Programs (A, B or C) only require a single start time in order to run. Separate start times are not required for each valve. |
| Display is blank. | Power not reaching the controller. | Verify the main AC power supply is securely plugged in or connected and working properly. Verify the orange power supply wires are connected to the controller "24 VAC" terminals. |
| Display is frozen and controller will not accept programming. | An electrical surge may have interfered with the controller's electronics. | Unplug the controller for 2 minutes, then plug it back in. If there is no permanent damage, the controller should accept programming and resume normal operation. Press and release the RESET button. |
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Possible Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Watering icon is flashing, but the system is not watering | Water supply issue. | Verify there is no disruption to the main water line and that all other water supply lines are open and functioning. |
| Wiring is loose, not properly connected or damaged. | Check that wiring is securely connected at the controller and in the field. Check for damage and replace if necessary. Check wiring connections and replace with watertight splice connectors if needed. | |
| Automatic and/or Manual Watering will not start | Connected rain sensor may be activated. | Let the rain sensor dry out or else disconnect it from the controller terminal block and replace it with a jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals. |
| Jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals may be missing or damaged. | Jumper the two SENS terminals on the controller terminal block by connecting them with a short length of 14 to 18 gauge wire. | |
| Solenoid or master valve is shorted. | Confirm short message on the display. Correct the issue in the wiring. Clear the message by testing watering at the shorted valve or by pressing the button. | |
| Excessive watering | Programs may have multiple start times that were set unintentionally | Programs (A, B or C) only require a single start time in order to run. Separate start times are not required for each valve. |
| Display is blank. | Power not reaching the controller. | Verify the main AC power supply is securely plugged in or connected and working properly. Verify the orange power supply wires are connected to the controller "24 VAC" terminals. |
| Display is frozen and controller will not accept programming. | An electrical surge may have interfered with the controller's electronics. | Unplug the controller for 2 minutes, then plug it back in. If there is no permanent damage, the controller should accept programming and resume normal operation. Press and release the RESET button. |