commercial

THERMOSTAT
Digital T2900
Thermostat
7-DAY
PROGRAMMABLE
up to 3-heat
& 2-cool

HEAT HEAT
COOL PUMP

Outdoor Sensor Ready with

High/Low Readouts for the Day
Control up to 3 Heat & Set Point Limiting
2 Cool Stages Accepts EZ Programmer
3 Configurable Outputs Economizer Control
Adjustable 2nd & 3rd Stage Preoccupancy Fan Purge
Timers & Deadbands Remote Averaging
Backlit Display & Button Programmable Output
Legends Light Activation Equipped
Aux Heat Indicator Accepts Optional Humidity Module:
Dry Contact Equipped Controls Humidification,
Accepts Comfort Call Dehumidification and Reheat
Phone Control Accessory Accepts Optional IR Remote Control
Meets Commercial California Title 24
Use with most Air Conditioning & Heating Systems including: 1 or 2 Stage
Electric Cooling & 3 Stage Gas Heating, Heat Pump, Electric or Hydronic Heat.

INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Venstar Inc. 08/07
CAUTION
Follow the Installation Instructions before proceeding.
Set the thermostat mode to “OFF” prior to changing
settings in setup or restoring Factory Defaults.

CAUTION
NEVER PUT MORE THAN ONE
JUMPER ON THE SAME MISC
JUMPER BLOCK!

THIS MAY DAMAGE YOUR

THERMOSTAT AND VOID MISC3 MISC3

YOUR WARRANTY. OK

NOTE: Due to variations in environmental conditions, it is not

always possible to achieve the desired humidification or
dehumidification setpoint.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Thermostat T2900

FC
c Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

4Z95

Page i
Table of Contents
Preparation 1
Remove & Replace the
Old Thermostat 2
Configuring the MISC
Outputs 3
Wire Connections 4
Sample Wiring
Diagrams 5
Test Operation 6
Calibrating the
Thermostat Sensors 7
TroubleShooting 8

Page iii
SECTION 1
Preparation
1
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Proper installation of the thermostat will be
accomplished by following these step by step
instructions. If you are unsure about any of these
steps, call a qualified technician for assistance.

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Assemble tools
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Flat Blade Wire cutter

Screwdriver & Stripper

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Make sure your Heater/Air Conditioner is working
properly before beginning installation of the
thermostat.

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Carefully unpack the thermostat. Save the screws,
bracket, and instructions.

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Turn off the power to the Heating/Air Conditioning
system at the main fuse panel. Most residential
systems have a separate breaker for disconnecting
power to the furnace.

Page 1.1
SECTION 2
Remove & Replace the Old Thermostat

2
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Remove the cover of the old thermostat.
If it does not come off easily check for screws.

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Loosen the screws holding the thermostat
base or subbase to the wall, and lift away.

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Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat.
Tape the ends of the wires as you disconnect
them, and mark them with the letter of the
terminal for easy reconnection to the new
thermostat.

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Keep the old thermostat for reference purposes
until your new thermostat is functioning properly.

Page 2.1
SECTION 3
Configuring the MISC Outputs

Section 3 Contents:
Configuring the Jumpers........3.2
Explanation of Jumper
Settings..................................3.3

Page 3.1
Configuring the Jumpers
For additional flexibility, your thermostat has three configurable
outputs. These outputs are designed to have different functions 3
depending on how the jumpers are set (below).
Each output, labeled MISC1, MISC2, and MISC3 may be set for one
of the six choices available.
In the diagram below, the MISC3 jumper has been set for HUM*
(humidification) operation, the MISC2 jumper has been set for
DEHUM* (dehumidification) operation, and the MISC1 jumper has
been set for PROG (programmable) operation.

W3
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

W3
PROG HP
HUM
DEHUM
GAS
PROG
ECON
Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 O

HUM
ONLY)

W1
W2
Y1
DEHUM
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
CK1 ECON
CKGND
RS+5
Y2
2

8
4
6

1 X
Z

R INSTALL HUMIDITY (MISC1

MISC3 MISC2 MISC1
MODULE WITH SENSING
RSGND
C
ELEMENT OUTWARD
ONLY)
1

7
3
5

9
Y

*The Humidity Module (sold separately) must

be installed to operate a humidification
and/or dehumidification system.

CAUTION
NEVER PUT MORE THAN
ONE JUMPER ON THE SAME
MISC JUMPER BLOCK!
DOING SO MAY DAMAGE
YOUR THERMOSTAT AND
VOID THE WARRANTY.
MISC3 MISC3
OK
Page 3.2
Explanation of Jumper Settings
W3 JUMPER SETTING
3 If the jumper for MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 is set to W3, the corresponding MISC
screw terminal on the backplate will control a third stage of heat.

W3 MULTI-STAGE OPERATION EXPLAINED - SECTION 13 of the Owner’s

Manual
The 3rd Stage of Heat is turned on when:
(A) The 1st and 2nd stages have been on for the time required (steps 27
and 28, page 13.6). It is adjustable from 0-60 minutes and the default
And is two minutes.
(B) The temperature from the setpoint is equal to or greater than: the set-
point plus the 1st stage deadband (step #24, 13.5), plus the 2nd stage
deadband (step #25, 13.5) plus the 3rd stage deadband (step #26,
13.5). This 3rd stage deadband is adjustable from 0-10 degrees and
the default is two degrees.
Heating Cooling
Deadband Deadband Deadband Deadband Deadband
db 3 db 2 db 1 db 1 db 2
(adj. 0-10 ) (adj. 0-10 ) (adj. 1-6 ) (adj. 1-6 ) (adj. 0-10 )

3rd Stage 2nd Stage 1st Stage Heat Cool 1st Stage 2nd Stage
turn on turn on turn on Setpoint Setpoint turn on turn on

DECREASE TEMPERATURE INCREASE

PROG JUMPER SETTING

If the jumper for MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 is set to PROG, the corresponding MISC screw
terminal on the backplate will control a pilot relay or other accessory.

PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUT - SECTION 14 of the Owner’s Manual

This jumper setting allows the MISC outputs to control a pilot relay by time,
temperature, or a signal from the Internet/Phone. The following are three
possible scenarios:
By Time: A device that requires a start and stop time. An example
of this would be an exterior lighting system that needed to be
energized every day between the hours of 8pm and 1am.
By Temperature: An exhaust fan that needs to energize whenever
the temperature from RS2 rises above 90 degrees F.
By Remote: Remotely arming a security system through the web or phone.
Page 3.3
Explanation of Jumper Settings (continued)

HUM JUMPER SETTING 3

If the jumper for MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 is set to HUM, the corresponding MISC screw
terminal on the backplate will control a humidification system.

HUMIDIFICATION OPERATION - SECTION 9 of the Owner’s Manual

If your HVAC unit is equipped with a humidification system and the Humidity
Module (sold separately) has been installed, the thermostat will provide power
to the MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 terminal of the thermostat when the humidity in
the home falls below the humidity setpoint you have chosen. The value for this
setpoint ranges from 0% to 60%. If no humidity is desired or if a humidification
system has not been installed, set the value to OFF.

DEHUM JUMPER SETTING

If the jumper for MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 is set to DEHUM, the corresponding MISC screw
terminal on the backplate will be connected to the dehumidification terminal of a furnace board.
NOTE: Not all furnaces have a dehumidification terminal.

DEHUMIDIFICATION OPERATION - SECTION 10 of the Owner’s Manual

If your HVAC unit is equipped with a dehumidification system the thermostat will
operate in one of two ways.

1) Normally Closed (NC): The thermostat will de-energize the MISC1, MISC2,
or MISC3 terminal of the thermostat (this MISC terminal is connected to the
DEHUM terminal on your furnace) to allow the fan to run in low speed when
the humidity in the home is above the dehumidify setpoint you have chosen
and there is a call for 1st stage cooling.

2) Normally Open (NO): The thermostat will energize the MISC1, MISC2, or
MISC3 terminal of the thermostat (this MISC terminal is connected to the
DEHUM terminal on your furnace) to allow the fan to run in low speed when
the humidity in the home is above the dehumidify setpoint you have chosen
and there is a call for 1st stage cooling.

Page 3.4
Explanation of Jumper Settings (continued)

3 ECON JUMPER SETTING

If the jumper for MISC2 and MISC3 is set to ECON, the corresponding
MISC screw terminal on the backplate will be connected to an economizer.

ECONOMIZER OPERATION - If your HVAC unit is equipped with an

economizer system, the thermostat will provide power to the MISC1, MISC2,
or MISC3 terminal of the thermostat when the thermostat is in an occupied
time period. The MISC1, MISC2, or MISC3 terminal will be de-energized
when the thermostat is in an unoccupied time period.

Y2 JUMPER SETTING
If the jumper for MISC1 is set to Y2 the MISC1 screw terminal on the backplate will control a
second stage of cooling.

Y2 OPERATION - SECTION 13 of the Owner’s Manual

Control up to two Cool stages.

The 2nd Stage of heat or cool is turned on when:
(A) The 1st Stage has been on for the time required (step #27,
page 13.6). It is adjustable from 0-60 minutes and the default
is two minutes.
And
(B) The temperature spread from the setpoint is equal to or greater
than: the setpoint plus the deadband (step #24, page 13.5), plus
the 2nd deadband (step #25, page 13.5). This 2nd deadband is
adjustable from 0-10 degrees and the default is two degrees.

Cooling
Deadband Deadband
db 1 db 2
(adj. 1-6 ) (adj. 0-10 )

Cool 1st Stage 2nd Stage

Setpoint turn on turn on

TEMPERATURE INCREASE

Page 3.5
SECTION 4
Wire Connections

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If the terminal designations on your old thermostat
do not match those on the new thermostat, refer
to the chart below, or the wiring diagrams 4
that follow.
Wire from the Install on the
old thermostat Function new thermostat
terminal marked connector marked

G or F Fan G
Y1, Y or C Cooling Y1
W1, W or H Heating W1/O/B
Rh, R, M, Vr, A Power R
C Common C
O/B Rev. Valve W1/O/B*

W2 2nd Stage Heat W2

MISC1 Configurable Output #1 MISC1
MISC2 Configurable Output #2 MISC2
MISC3 Configurable Output #3 MISC3

RS+5 Remote Sensor +5vdc RS+5

RS+5**
RS1 Remote Sensor Signal RS1
RS1**
RSGND Remote Sensor Ground RSGND
RSGND**
RS2 Remote Sensor Signal #2 RS2
RS2**
CK1 Dry Contact Switch 1 CK1
CKGND Dry Contact Switch 2 CKGND

* O/B is used if your system is a Heat Pump.

** For instructions on connecting these terminals see page 15.2
of the Owner’s Manual.
Page 4.1
SECTION 5
Sample Wiring Diagrams

Section 5 Contents:
5 HVAC Equipment Wiring............5.2
MISC1, MISC2, and MISC3
Wiring........................................5.6
Remote Sensor and CK1-CK2
wiring for Time Clock...............5.8

Page 5.1
6 Wire, 1 Stage Cooling, 1 Stage Heat
Residential & Commercial 1 Stage Cooling, Commercial Heat Pump 1 Stage Cooling
with 1st Stage Gas Heat OR with 2 Stage Heat

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

HP
GAS 6 Conductor 18 gauge
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

unshielded cable from the

W3
PROG HP
HUM GAS
DEHUM
ECON

thermostat to the equipment.

Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY) O

W1
W2
Y1
B
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
O CK1
CKGND
RS+5
RS1
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD RSGND
C
C

24 vac common
R

24 vac return

Fan relay
G
W2 W1 Y1

Compressor relay

1st stage heat circuit

2nd stage heat circuit

Page 5.2
6 Wire, 1 Stage Cooling, 1 Stage Heat
Residential & Commercial 1 Stage Cooling,
with 1st Stage Electric Heat

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

HP
GAS 6 Conductor 18 gauge
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

unshielded cable from the

W3
PROG HP
HUM GAS
DEHUM
ECON

thermostat to the equipment.

Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY) O

W1
W2
Y1
B
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
O CKGND
CK1
RS+5
RS1
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD RSGND
C
C

24 vac common
R

24 vac return

Fan relay
G
W2 W1 Y1

Compressor relay

1st stage heat circuit

2nd stage heat circuit

Page 5.3
6 Wire, 1 Stage Cooling, 2 Stage Heat
Residential Heat Pump with O Reversing
Valve 1 Stage Cooling, with 2 Stage Heat

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

HP
GAS 6 Conductor 18 gauge
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

unshielded cable from the

W3
PROG HP
HUM GAS
DEHUM
ECON

thermostat to the equipment.

Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY) O

W1
W2
Y1
B
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
O CK1
CKGND
RS+5
RS1
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD RSGND
C
C

24 vac common
R

24 vac return

Fan Relay
G
Y1

Compressor Relay

Reversing Valve
O
W2

2nd stage heat circuit

Page 5.4
6 Wire, 1 Stage Cooling, 2 Stage Heat
Residential Heat Pump with b Reversing
Valve 1 Stage Cooling, with 2 Stage Heat

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

HP
GAS 6 Conductor 18 gauge
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

unshielded cable from the

W3
PROG HP
HUM GAS
DEHUM
ECON

thermostat to the equipment.

Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY) O

W1
W2
Y1
B
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
O CKGND
CK1
RS+5
RS1
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD RSGND
C
C

24 vac common
R

24 vac return

Fan Relay
G
Y1

Compressor Relay

Reversing Valve
b
W2

2nd stage heat circuit

Page 5.5
Adding a 2nd Stage of Cooling (MISC1), Exterior Lighting
System (MISC2), and 3rd Stage of Heating (MISC3)

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C

W3
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

PROG
W3
PROG HP
HUM GAS
DEHUM
ECON
Y2 B
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY) O

W1

HUM Y1
W2
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
CK1

DEHUM CKGND
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD
RS+5
RS1
RSGND
C

ECON
Y2
(MISC1
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY)

Exterior Lighting
Y2 W3

3rd Stage Heat

2nd Stage Cooling

Page 5.6
Adding a Humidification System* (MISC1), Dehumidification System* (MISC2), and
controlling an Economizer (MISC3).

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C

W3 HUM
(FAN)

ELEC
GAS

W3
PROG HP

PROG HUM
DEHUM
ECON

MISC3 MISC2 MISC1

Y2
(MISC1
ONLY)
GAS

B
O
NO HUM
W1
W2

HUM Y1
NO HUM

MISC1
HUM

G
RS2
MISC2
MISC3
CK1

DEHUM CKGND
RS+5
2
4
6
8
1 X
Z

RS1
R INSTALL HUMIDITY
MODULE WITH SENSING
ELEMENT OUTWARD RSGND
C
1
3

7
5

9
Y

ECON Humidity Module

Y2
(MISC1 (Sold Separately)
MISC3 MISC2 MISC1 ONLY)
2

8
4
6

1 X
Z
1

7
3
5

9
Y

Dehumidification
System

Economizer Humidification
System

* Requires Humidity Module. Page 5.7

CK1 and CK2 terminals wired to a Time Clock
For instructions on wiring the optional Remote and Outdoor
Sensors, please see page 15.2 of the Owner’s Manual

W2 W1/O/B
MISC1 Y1
RS2 G
MISC3 MISC2
RS+5 CK1
RS1 CKGND
RSGND R
C

11 12 1
10 2
9 3
8 4
7 5
6

DRY CONTACT SWITCH - The terminals are ‘normally open’ (may be programmed for
normally closed operation, see page 16.2 of the Owner’s Manual). Closing or
completing the circuit will cause the thermostat to do one of the following:
1) If Occupied 1 is selected in step #41 of the Advanced Setup (see page 16.4 of Owner’s
Manual), when the dry contact is energized the thermostat will be forced into Occupied 1
setpoints (see Section 6 of Owner’s Manual).
2) If Service Pan is selected, when the dry contact is energized the thermostat will lockout
Y1 (compressor) and write Service Pan on the display.
Page 5.8
SECTION 6
Test Operation

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Turn the power on to the Heating/Air Conditioning
system.

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Press the MODE button repeatedly until the
6 HEAT icon appears on the display. Press the
UP or DOWN buttons until the set temperature is
10 degrees above room temperature; The
furnace should turn on.

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Press the MODE button repeatedly until the
COOL icon appears on the display. Press the UP
or DOWN buttons until the set temperature is 10
degrees below room temperature; the air
conditioner should turn on. NOTE: Most
equipment has a time delay of 5 minutes between
cool cycles. This feature is defeatable on the
thermostat. Consult the Owner's Manual under
Setup, cycles per hour.

I2:00
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the room temperature. Press the FAN
button to Fan On. The fan should turn on and run
continuously.

NOTE: Due to the Random Start feature, outputs may not energize for up to 30
seconds when the thermostat is first powered (see page 16.4 of the
Owner’s Manual)
Page 6.1
SECTION 7
Calibrating the Thermostat Sensors

Under normal circumstances it will not be necessary to adjust the

calibration of the temperature and humidity sensors. If calibration is
required, please contact a trained HVAC technician to correctly
perform the following procedure.
I2:00

72
Pm
Su

Place the thermostat in the

MODE
OFF mode. OFF

7
I8:88 88
Press and hold the MODE

I88 88
Am Program On Setup
MODE Pm StartStop
button. While holding the SuMoTuWeThFrSa DeHumidify HI
MODE button, press and hold Service Filter
Pan UV Light COOL
the FAN button for 5 seconds. AUTO Outside
OFFON Remote
FAN All icons will appear on the Unoccupied AUXHEAT
display. 123 LO
Override
FanOn

PRESS
THERMOSTAT SENSOR
Press the UP and DOWN buttons
at the same time twice. The CALIBRATE
thermostat temperature will be
displayed and may be calibrated
using the UP or DOWN buttons.
TWICE

REMOTE SENSOR
Press the MODE button once. The
remote sensor temperature will be
Outside CALIBRATE
MODE displayed and may be calibrated using the
UP or DOWN buttons. If a remote sensor
is not installed, only dashes will appear.

HUMIDITY SENSOR
Press the MODE button once. The
MODE relative humidity at the thermostat will be CALIBRATE
displayed and may be calibrated using the
UP or DOWN buttons.

After calibration is complete, press the MODE button twice to return

to normal operation.
Page 7.1
SECTION 8
TroubleShooting

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SYMPTOM: The air conditioning does not attempt to
turn on.
AUTO

72
HEAT

CAUSE: The compressor timer lockout may prevent the

air conditioner from turning on, for a period of time.
REMEDY: Consult the Owner's Manual in the Setup
section to defeat the cycles per hour and
compressor timeguard.

8
I2:00 Pm
74
SYMPTOM: The display is blank.
CAUSE: Lack of proper power.
COOL
AUTO

72
HEAT

REMEDY: Make sure power is turned on to the furnace

and that you have 24vac between R & W. If C is
used, 24vac between R & C.

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SYMPTOM: The air conditioning does not attempt to
72
HEAT

turn on.
CAUSE: The cooling setpoint is set too high.
REMEDY: Consult the Owner's Manual in the Setup
section to lower the cooling setpoint limit.

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COOL
SYMPTOM: The heating does not attempt to turn on.
CAUSE: The heating setpoint is set too low.
AUTO

72
HEAT

REMEDY: Consult the Owner's Manual in the Setup

section to raise the heating setpoint limit.

NOTE: Due to the Random Start feature, outputs may not energize for up to 30
seconds when the thermostat is first powered (see page 16.4 of the
Owner’s Manual)
Page 8.1
TroubleShooting
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SYMPTOM: When controlling a residential heat pump,
and asking for cooling, the heat comes on.
CAUSE: The thermostat reversing valve jumper is set
for “b”.
REMEDY: Set the reversing valve jumper for “O”. See
pages 5.4 and 5.5.

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SYMPTOM: When calling for cooling, both the heat 8
and cool come on.
CAUSE: The thermostat equipment jumper is configured
for “HP” and the HVAC unit is a Gas/Electric.
REMEDY: Set the equipment jumper for “Gas”. See
pages 5.2 and 5.3.

NOTE: Due to the Random Start feature, outputs may not energize for up to 30
seconds when the thermostat is first powered (see page 16.4 of the
Owner’s Manual)
P/N 88-606
Page 8.2 Rev. 1