Andrew:

Doing a troubleshooting session via the web isn't easy. If you just bought a new controller, let's assume that it is working. The problem seems to be that your valves aren't operating under the direction of the controller, but work mechanically. I would buy a voltmeter. It should have a range that includes 24V AC because that is generally the voltage that contollers put out to the valves. Now set your controller to turn on a given valve, say zone 1. There should be an "automatic" position, in which the controller turns on at a given time and a "manual" postion (or words to that effect) that allows you to turn on a given zone for a given time. Do that and then take your voltmeter to the valve corresponding to that zone and make sure that 24V AC appears across the (bare) leads to that valve. If it does---and if that valve doesn't work---then the problem is with the valve---or the solenoid that activates that valve. Best solution is to get a new valve. If 24V AC doesn't appear, then probably you have a bad connection in the wires going to the valve. Remember that you have to have a "hot" lead going to the valve and a "common" lead for the return of the current. You can also use your voltmeter to check and make sure that your controller is putting out the correct 24 V AC at its terminals also. A voltmeter is pretty cheap. You can pick up one for probably less than ten-fifteen bucks. Hope this helps.

Well it was a bad wire. I replace it and everything is now up and running.

thx for the help heaviside.