update: so, i climbed under the deck after i manually turned on that zone and no water came out.

i cranked open the valve myself and water....so, i closed it.

i giggled the wires like i know what's going on and? it started working.

sounds like i can put off repairs till next year or it fails completely...

thanks!
kelly

avert, it sounds like an electrical connection is loose.
And according to Murphy, if left to themselves things go from bad to worse.
It caught my attention that you have this zone on for FIVE minutes only. What is being watered, if I may ask?

i left it for 5 minutes because i couldn't recall which zone it was (ie. where the heads sprayed) so, i wanted it short. i have since lengthened it.

i suppose i'll taunt mr. murphy and just assume that is spontainously self-repaired!

thanks!