Kenwood AR 404 Manual

The Kenwood AR 404 is a high-performance car audio receiver with advanced features including AM/FM radio tuner, CD player, USB connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, auxiliary input, and remote control compatibility. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital display, CD slot, USB port, AUX input, Remote Control, Power/Volume knob, Function buttons.

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW
USB Port	For USB flash drives and MP3 playback
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming from compatible devices
AUX Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for external audio sources
AM/FM Tuner	Preset memory for 30 stations (18 FM, 12 AM)
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation
Power/Volume	Rotary knob for power on/off and volume control
Function Button	Switches between CD, USB, AUX, BT, RADIO modes
Bass/Treble Control	Adjustable audio equalization
LCD Display	Shows track information and settings

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper vehicle compatibility.

1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
2. Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools for your vehicle model.
3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires to vehicle harness.
4. Mount receiver: Secure in dashboard using mounting sleeve.
5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Professional installation recommended. Ensure proper fuse rating. Disconnect battery before installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust with tuning knob.
2. Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
3. Adjust audio settings: Use BASS/TREBLE controls for preferred sound.
4. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD AR404" on your device.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Set all controls before driving.

Specifications

• Power Output: 50W x 4 channels (max)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
• Supported Formats: CD-DA, MP3, WMA
• Bluetooth Version: 2.1 + EDR
• USB Support: Up to 32GB FAT32
• Display: LCD with orange illumination
• Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm)
• Operating Voltage: 12V DC negative ground

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER/VOLUME knob, FUNCTION button, BASS/TREBLE controls, AUDIO button.

Remote Control: POWER, MODE, PRESET, TRACK, VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, PLAY/PAUSE.

Audio Settings: Bass (-10 to +10), Treble (-10 to +10), Balance (L/R), Fader (F/R). Radio: Manual tuning, Auto memory preset, Local/DX reception. Display: Dimmer control, Clock setting. Bluetooth: Pairing, Device list management.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect flash drive for MP3 playback. AUX: 3.5mm cable for external devices. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for audio streaming.

1. Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
2. Insert USB drive fully into USB port.
3. Connect AUX cable to headphone jack of external device.
4. Select appropriate source mode (USB/AUX/BT).

Tip: Use high-quality USB drives formatted in FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CDs, USB media, Bluetooth audio, AUX input.

1. Insert CD: Label side up, press gently until loaded.
2. USB playback: Navigate folders using >>| and |<< buttons.
3. Bluetooth audio: Play/pause/skip tracks from connected device.
4. AUX input: Control volume from both source and receiver.
5. Repeat: Press RPT button for track/folder repeat.
6. Random: Press RDM for random track playback.
7. Scan: Press SCAN to sample tracks.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular CDs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pairing: Hold BT button until display shows "PAIRING", search on device. Multipoint: Connect up to 2 devices. Phone: Answer/end calls with remote control (if supported).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep CDs and USB ports free from dust and moisture.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked. Bluetooth qualified. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Fuse/wiring	Check vehicle fuse; verify wiring connections; ensure battery connected.
No sound	Volume/mute	Check volume setting; verify mute is off; check speaker connections.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure CD is clean; check for scratches; verify CD format compatibility.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/distance	Delete old pairings; ensure within range; restart both devices.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat to FAT32; verify drive capacity under 32GB; try different USB drive.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.