A method and system for characterizing pressure controller valves of a pressure controller system are described herein. The pressure controller system includes a first valve and a second valve coupled to a manifold and a controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve. The first valve regulates mass flowrate into the manifold and the second valve regulates mass flowrate released from the manifold. To characterize the apply valve, an electronic solenoid current to the first valve is increased until the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold. When the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold, the electronic solenoid current to the first valve decreases until the manifold pressure rate falls below the pressure rate threshold. These steps continue until the manifold pressure exceeds a manifold pressure threshold. At this point, the first valve is closed and characterization of the second valve commences.