How to Repair the Capacitor in a Rain Dial Sprinkler Control

Turn off the power to the sprinkler system.

Locate the two screws located on the cover of the sprinkler control. Remove both screws using a screwdriver and remove the cover. Turn the cover upside down, set the screws inside the cover and set all of the components to the side.

Identify the capacitor and the terminals.

Grasp each of the wires connected to the capacitor in turn using a pair of needle-nosed pliers with rubber coated handles. Pull each wire from the capacitor.

Grasp a rubber or plastic handled screwdriver. Touch each of the terminals of the capacitor with the metal end of the screwdriver. This will release any power which is contained or stored in the capacitor. Do not get too close to the capacitor during this process to avoid any potential electricity arcs from reaching your skin or flammable objects.

Remove the capacitor from the control housing.

Look inside the control housing and identify any capacitor pieces which may have become dislodged from the unit. This may include a plug of the top of the capacitor.

Replace any pieces which are found in the control housing in the proper location.

Place the capacitor back into the control housing.

Connect the wires to each of the terminals of the capacitor. The location of each wire does not have to correspond to the previous position.

Replace the cover to the control housing and secure it into place with the screws.

Turn the power source on and allow the sprinklers to run.