What That Strange Rain Bird “Test-+*” Message Really Means.

May 30, 2025 6:03 PM

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If your Rain Bird irrigation controller in Benbrook suddenly stopped doing its job and flashed a confusing “Test-+*” message, you’re not alone.

One resident recently shared their frustration after replacing solenoids, testing wires, and still being met with a cryptic “Master valve/pump wire shorted or high current” message, with no clear fault in any specific zone.

The good news? This isn’t necessarily a major system failure. The “Test-+*” error often shows up when the system gets stuck in test mode or encounters a wiring hiccup, especially after something like a power surge or water disruption.

In this case, the solution started with simple steps: resetting the controller by turning the dial to “Off,” waiting a few seconds, then setting it back to “Run.” If that didn’t clear it, inspecting the wiring for nicks, corrosion, or loose connections often does the trick. Some users even found that re-stripping wire ends and cleaning solenoid terminals solved their problem entirely.

And yes, the jelly-like substance inside those wire caps? That’s dielectric grease. It helps keep moisture out, which is a must in outdoor systems like these.

If your system still won’t cooperate, a full power cycle or a factory reset may be the final fix.