Car Radio Kenwood Manual

The Kenwood Car Radio is a high-quality automotive audio system featuring AM/FM radio reception, CD/MP3 playback, USB connectivity, Bluetooth wireless technology, auxiliary input, preset station memory, digital tuning, LCD display, remote control capability, equalizer settings, and power output optimization. Designed for 12V DC vehicle operation. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Media 8. Bluetooth Connectivity 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital tuner with preset memory, CD/MP3 player, USB port, Bluetooth module, Auxiliary input, LCD display, Remote control sensor, Power/speaker connectors.

FeatureDescription
AM/FM TunerDigital tuning with 18 FM/6 AM presets
CD/MP3 PlayerPlays audio CDs and MP3 files
USB PortFor USB flash drives and device charging
BluetoothWireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for external audio devices
LCD DisplayShows station info, track data, and settings
Power/Speaker Output50W x 4 channel maximum power
Remote ControlWireless remote for all functions
EQ SettingsBass, treble, balance, fader controls
Power Connector12V DC vehicle power input

Installation

Remove old radio and prepare wiring harness.

  1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Ensure safety before beginning installation.
  2. Remove trim panel: Carefully remove dashboard trim around existing radio.
  3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
  4. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
  5. Mount radio: Secure in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve.
  6. Reconnect battery: Test all functions before final assembly.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

First-Time Setup

Power on radio; configure initial settings.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to set time.
  2. Program stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6).
  3. Adjust audio: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls for optimal sound.
  4. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD" on your device.
  5. Set display: Adjust brightness and contrast in display settings.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving - complete setup when vehicle is parked.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, MENU, EJECT.

Remote Control: POWER, Numeric buttons, VOLUME UP/DOWN, BAND, PRESET, MUTE, MODE, PLAY/PAUSE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L/R), FADER (F/R). Display: DIMMER (day/night), COLOR (display color themes). Bluetooth: PAIR, CONNECT, DISCONNECT. System: CLOCK, RESET, BEEP ON/OFF.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel USB port for flash drives. Aux: 3.5mm auxiliary input. Bluetooth: Wireless connection.

  1. Turn off radio before connecting wired devices.
  2. USB devices: Insert USB flash drive - system automatically detects and plays audio files.
  3. Auxiliary input: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device to AUX port.
  4. Select source: Press SOURCE button to cycle through available inputs.

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3 CDs, USB flash drives, auxiliary input.

  1. Insert CD: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
  2. Play/Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE button to start or pause playback.
  3. Track selection: Use >>| and |<< buttons or numeric keys for direct access.
  4. Folder navigation: Press FOLDER button to navigate USB directory structure.
  5. Repeat/Shuffle: Press RPT or SHUF button for repeat or random play modes.
  6. Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold >>| or |<< during playback.
  7. Display info: Press DISP to cycle through track information.
  8. Eject: Press EJECT to remove CD or safely remove USB device.

WARNING! Do not use damaged CDs. Avoid extreme temperatures during operation.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling capability.

  1. Enter pairing mode: Hold BT button until display shows "PAIRING".
  2. Search on device: On your phone, search for Bluetooth devices.
  3. Select "KENWOOD": Choose from available devices list.
  4. Enter PIN: Input "0000" if prompted for pairing code.
  5. Confirm connection: Display shows "CONNECTED" when paired successfully.
  6. Answer calls: Press PHONE button to answer incoming calls.
  7. Voice dial: Press and hold PHONE button for voice commands.

Note: Some phones may require manual connection in Bluetooth settings.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners on display and controls.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or sprays. Keep CDs and USB ports free of dust and debris.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © 2025 Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. For technical support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck fuse (10A); verify power connections (red/yellow wires).
No soundSpeaker connectionsVerify speaker wire connections; check mute function.
CD won't playDisc format/damageEnsure compatible disc format; clean disc surface.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing mode/distanceEnter pairing mode; ensure device within 3 feet.
Poor radio receptionAntenna connectionCheck antenna cable connection; extend antenna fully.
USB not recognizedFormat/capacityReformat as FAT32; try smaller capacity USB drive.

Reset: Hold RESET button for 5 seconds to restore factory settings.

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com/support

Car Radio Kenwood Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025