Electrolux 5749 Controller Not Working? Try This [2026]

Quick Fix Summary

The most common fix for the Electrolux sprinkler system controller Model 5749 is to restore 24 VAC power and clear a rain sensor lockout. Verify the wall transformer output, replace a blown internal fuse, and bypass or reset the rain sensor. In many cases, correcting schedule settings and re-seating the common wire immediately brings zones back online.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Before you start

• Tools: Multimeter, small flat screwdriver, insulated pliers, wire strippers, replacement fuse, zip ties, and contact cleaner.
• Safety: Disconnect mains power before opening the controller. Work with one hand in energized panels to reduce shock risk. Keep water away from open electronics.

Know your Electrolux 5749 basics

The Electrolux 5749 typically drives 24 VAC irrigation valve solenoids across multiple zones, with a common (COM) terminal, individual zone outputs (Z1, Z2, etc.), and an optional master valve or pump start terminal (MV/P). Expect the wall transformer to supply around 24 to 28 VAC. Healthy solenoid resistance generally measures 20 to 60 ohms. The controller may include a replaceable inline or board-mounted fuse, a rain or freeze sensor input, and a backup battery for timekeeping.

1. Confirm mains and transformer output. With the controller plugged in and turned on, set your multimeter to AC volts and measure the transformer secondary output at the controller input terminals or the barrel connector, depending on your unit. You should see 24 to 28 VAC. If you read below 22 VAC or get no voltage, test at the transformer itself. Replace a failed transformer and ensure the outlet provides 120 VAC. If the transformer is hot or humming excessively, it may be overloaded or shorted downstream.
2. Inspect and replace the fuse. Many 5749 units protect zone outputs with a 0.5 A to 1 A slow-blow fuse. Power down, open the housing, and visually inspect the fuse. A cloudy or broken filament indicates failure. Check with continuity mode on your meter. If blown, do not upsize the rating. Replace with the same type and investigate shorts (next steps) before re-energizing.
3. Check the rain sensor and bypass. If your Electrolux 5749 uses a wired rain sensor, look for the sensor terminals or a bypass switch labeled Sensor, RS, or SEN. A sensor stuck closed can block watering. Flip the bypass to Off, or temporarily bridge the sensor terminals to simulate a dry condition. If zones run afterward, clean or replace the sensor and verify its cable integrity.
4. Verify schedule, date, and seasonal adjust. Incorrect start times, day restrictions, or a 0 percent seasonal adjust can appear as a hardware fault. Confirm the current date and time, watering days, start times, and each zone duration. Ensure no global rain delay or winter mode is active. A quick factory reset (see manual) can clear corrupt settings. Re-enter a simple test program: one zone for 2 minutes.
5. Test zone output voltage under load. Activate Zone 1 manually. Measure AC voltage between COM and Z1 while the zone is on. Expect about 24 VAC. Repeat for each zone. If voltage is present but the valve does not open, suspect wiring or the solenoid. If no voltage is present on any zone, the output driver or fuse may be compromised. If only one or two zones lack voltage, those driver channels may be damaged.
6. Measure valve solenoid resistance. Disconnect the zone wires at the controller. Measure resistance across the field wires for each zone back to the valve solenoid. A healthy reading is generally 20 to 60 ohms. Infinite resistance indicates a broken wire or open coil. Less than 10 ohms suggests a short that can blow the fuse or overload the transformer. Repair wiring splices, replace damaged solenoids, and re-test.
7. Inspect the common wire and splices. A loose COM wire is a classic cause of multiple dead zones. Tug gently on the common and each zone conductor at the terminal block. Re-strip to clean copper, insert fully, and tighten terminals firmly. Outdoors, check waterproof connectors at valve boxes. Replace corroded or gel-less connectors and ensure solid mechanical contact.
8. Check master valve or pump start wiring. If your system uses a master valve or a pump relay on MV/P, verify correct wiring and operation. A stuck or failed master valve prevents all zones from flowing. Measure 24 VAC at MV/P during active watering. For pump relays, listen for relay closure and ensure the pump runs. Replace faulty relays or master valve solenoids as needed.
9. Evaluate transformer loading and heat. With a single zone active, the transformer should remain warm but not hot. If it overheats or voltage sags below 22 VAC under load, you may have too many valves wired to one zone or a partial short. Limit to one valve per zone output unless the manual explicitly allows two. Replace an undersized transformer with the correct amperage rating.
10. Perform a clean and reset. Dust, oxidation, or moisture can cause intermittent faults. Power down, remove the cover, and gently clean the PCB with dry air and electronics-safe cleaner. Replace the backup battery if equipped (often a CR2032 or 9V). Re-seat any ribbon cables. Restore power and perform a factory reset, then reprogram a basic schedule to verify reliable operation.

Common issues and quick diagnostics

• No zones run, display on: Check rain sensor, schedule lockout, COM wire, fuse.
• One zone dead: Check zone driver voltage and that solenoid measures 20 to 60 ohms.
• Fuse blows repeatedly: Find shorts, low-resistance solenoid, or crushed cable in trench.
• Weak flow on all zones: Verify master valve function and main supply pressure, not just controller outputs.
• Random starts: Clear overlapping start times; disable rain delay after time changes.

Replacement Parts

When repair is the quickest path to restoring irrigation, these parts resolve the majority of Electrolux 5749 controller issues. Use exact ratings and like-for-like replacements to protect the electronics.

• 24 VAC wall transformer: Replace with a 24 VAC, 1.0 to 1.5 A unit compatible with the controller input. A failing transformer causes low voltage and valve chatter. Find options at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Slow-blow fuse (0.5 A to 1 A): Match the original specification printed on the fuse or PCB. Do not increase the rating. Stock spares at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Irrigation valve solenoids (24 VAC): Use compatible 24 VAC coils for your valve brand. Replace solenoids reading open or under 10 ohms. See https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Rain or freeze sensor: If the sensor is stuck or waterlogged, replacement is faster than intermittent troubleshooting. Look for normally closed models compatible with the 5749 at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Waterproof wire connectors: Gel-filled or heat-shrink connectors prevent corrosion in valve boxes and reduce future shorts. Pick irrigation-grade connectors at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Backup battery (CR2032 or 9V, if equipped): Keeps time through power loss, preventing schedule drift. Choose reputable brands at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.
• Pump start relay (if used): For systems with a transfer pump, a compatible 24 VAC coil relay ensures reliable starts. Source replacements at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+sprinkler+system+controller+Model+5749&tag=manuallogic-20.

Pro tip: Label every conductor as you disconnect it, photograph terminal layouts, and document your measurements. Accurate notes make reassembly foolproof and speed up future diagnostics. If after these steps your Electrolux sprinkler system controller Model 5749 still fails to run zones, contact Electrolux support with your voltage readings, fuse rating, sensor status, and solenoid resistances. That data allows rapid identification of a bad output driver board or other component-level fault.