I need a manual for a Vigoro Water Timer model 196-036 does anyone know where I can get one? Thanks

It looks like Vigoro does not sell replacement battery housings for their water timers. You may want to check with local stores or online retailers to see if they have the battery housing in stock, as well as third-party suppliers. Alternatively, you could consider investing in a new water timer with a different design that does not require a battery housing.

Google the MODEL number or contact the outlet where you purchased it. A model number is needed to get accurate results, because they make so many. They appear to be a BRAND with no MAKER. They also do compost and fertilizer which means they don't actually make the timer, they have someone else like Gardena make it and put the Vigoro badge on it. The reviews are very mixed, units that leak, units that don't open the valves, units that work sporadically etc.

Made by Melnor possibly? Is this it?

https://melnor.com/product/hydrologic-4-zone-digital-water-timer/

..

Check your timer, maybe it is never shutting off

I do not know how to set the timer, but can offer possible source for manual.

VIGORO timers can be same as Melnor:
Match up image with your timer and then download manual.
Water timers last 1 or 2 seasons. There is no repair for broken water timers.
http://www.melnor.com/instructions.php

Take a moment and rate answer for accuracy:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

The vigoro duo delux might be same as Melnor 3100
Open following links:
http://www.melnor.com/instructions.php
http://www.melnor.com/instructions/3100_InstructionSheet.pdf

Take a moment and rate answer:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

The vigoro duo delux might be same as Melnor 3100
Open following links:
http://www.melnor.com/instructions.php
http://www.melnor.com/instructions/3100_InstructionSheet.pdf

Take a moment and rate answer:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Water timers are made of plastic.
If water is inside any plastic fitting, and there is a freeze, then plastic will crack.

Raindrip, Melnor, Gardena drip systems are made of plastic.
I don't know anyone making a brass drip timer that could expand instead of crack, because the expansion would damage timer shut off valve.

There are 2 strategies to solve problem:
1) Remove timer from cold area during freeze.
2) Wrap heat tape around timer so it will not freeze.

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

It comes out of the holes because the water goes in the holes. That might sound dumb but Vigoro designed these only to be in dry conditions, such as attached to the water line. I used them for sprinklers, but the water poured into the timer so bad it shorted it out in a week. I did find a vigoro timer with no holes and a sealed unit, and they work great. But I can't find them anymore.

I have a Vigoro 271-687 in which has worked well except when i change the batteries it wont reset and will not work do you have any solutions to this problem i really like this product just dont understand the prob

No. Check to make sure the battery is good. If so, and you just purchased the timer, take it back.