White Rodgers 1F81-261 White-Rodgers 80 Series Programmable Multi-stage Thermostat Installation Instruction

8

Reset Operation 
If a voltage spike or static discharge blanks out the display or
causes erratic thermostat operation you can reset the thermostat 
by pressing 

,

and TIME at the same time. This also resets

the factory defaults to the configuration menu and program. If 

the thermostat has power, has been reset and still does not
function correctly contact your heating/cooling service person 
or place of purchase. 
Batteries 
For optimum performance, we recommend replacing batteries
once a year with fresh “AA” Energizer

®

alkaline batteries.

Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

1. 

Furnace power switch to OFF.

2.

Furnace blower compartment door or

3.

panel loose or not properly installed.

4.

Replace fuse or reset breaker.
Turn switch to ON.
Replace door panel in proper position to engage  
safety interlock or door switch.

Pilot light not lit.

1. 

System Switch not set to Heat.

2.

Loose connection to thermostat or system.

3.

Furnace Lock-Out Condition. Heat may also

4.

be intermittent. 
Heating System requires service or

5. 

thermostat requires replacement.

Re-light pilot.
Set System Switch to Heat and raise setpoint above room temperature.
Verify thermostat and system wires are securely attached.
Many furnaces have safety devices that shut the system down when
a lock-out condition occurs. If the heat works intermittently contact
the furnace  manufacturer or local service person for assistance. 
Diagnostic: Set System Switch to Heat and raise the setpoint above
room temperature. Within a few seconds the thermostat should make
a soft click sound. This sound usually indicates the thermostat is
operating properly. If the thermostat does not click, try the reset
operation listed above. If the thermostat does not click after being
reset contact your heating and cooling service person or place of 
purchase for a replacement. If the thermostat clicks, contact the
furnace manufacturer or a service person to verify the heating system 
is operating correctly. 

System Switch not set to Cool.

1. 

Loose connection to thermostat or system.

2.

Cooling System requires service or

3.

thermostat requires replacement.

Set System Switch to Cool and lower setpoint below room temperature.
Verify thermostat and system wires are securely attached.
Same procedure as diagnostic for No Heat condition except set the
thermostat to Cool and lower the setpoint below the room temperature.
There may be up to a five minute delay before the thermostat 
clicks in Cooling if the compressor lock-out option is selected in the
configuration menu (Item 6).

Fan Switch set to Fan On.

1. 

Possible short in wiring.

2.

Possible short in thermostat.

3.

Possible short in Heat/Cool/Fan system.

4.

Check each wire connection to verify they are not shorted or touching
together. No bare wire should stick out from under terminal screws. Try
resetting the thermostat as described below. If the condition persists 
the manufacturer of your system or service person can instruct you on 
how to test the Heat/Cool system for correct operation. If the system
operates correctly, replace the thermostat.

The location of the thermostat and/or the size

1. 

of the Heating System may be influencing
the cycle rate.

Item 2 in the Configuration Menu is the adjustment that controls
the cycle rate. If an acceptable cycle rate is not achieved using the 
FA (Fast) or SL (Slow) adjustment contact a local service person for
additional suggestions.

The location of the thermostat and/or the size

1. 

of the Cooling System may be influencing the
cycle rate.

The cycle rate for cooling is fixed and can not be adjusted. Contact a
local service person for suggestions.

Thermostat thermometer setting requires  

1. 

adjustment. 

The thermometer can be adjusted +/- 4 degrees as
listed in item 7 of the Configuration Menu. No other adjustment is
possible.

Loss of power to thermostat and low

1. 

batteries.

The thermostat will maintain its program in memory even with no 
power/no batteries but the clock time will be incorrect when power is
restored. See No Heat/No Cool/No Fan (common problems) above for
items to check in the system.

EMR activated

1. 

See Configuration Menu (Item 4).

AM or PM set incorrectly in program.

1. 

AM or PM set incorrectly on the clock.

2.

Voltage spike or static discharge.

3.

Check current clock and program settings including the AM or PM
designations for each time period. If a voltage spike or static discharge
occurs use the Reset Operation listed above.

Loss of power and dead batteries.

1. 

Voltage Spike or Static Discharge.

2.

Replace batteries and check heat/cool system for proper operation. If a
voltage spike or static discharge occurs use the Reset Operation listed
above.

White-Rodgers is a division 
of Emerson Electric Co.

The Emerson logo is a  
trademark and service mark 
of Emerson Electric Co.