Kenwood Auto Stereo Manual

The Kenwood Auto Stereo is a high-quality car audio system featuring AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity, auxiliary input, Bluetooth compatibility, preset stations, equalizer settings, and remote control capability. Designed for easy installation in most vehicles with standard DIN sizes. 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 Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main stereo unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth antenna, Speaker outputs.

FeatureDescription
AM/FM TunerDigital tuner with 30 preset stations
CD PlayerPlays CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
MP3/WMA PlaybackSupports compressed audio files
USB PortFor USB flash drives and device connectivity
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for external audio devices
BluetoothWireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
Power Output50W x 4 channels maximum power
EQ SettingsMultiple sound presets and custom equalizer
Remote ControlIncluded for convenient operation
IlluminationAdjustable display and button lighting

Installation

Remove old stereo and prepare wiring harness.

  1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Ensure safety during installation.
  2. Remove factory stereo: Use appropriate removal tools for your vehicle.
  3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red - ignition, yellow - battery, black - ground).
  4. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
  5. Mount stereo: 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 stereo; configure initial settings.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust time with tuning knob.
  2. Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
  3. Adjust sound settings: Use EQ button to select sound profile (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, etc.).
  4. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD" on your mobile device.
  5. Set illumination: Match display color to vehicle interior lighting.

CAUTION! Ensure proper wiring connections to avoid electrical issues.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

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

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

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE, LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER control. Display: DIMMER, COLOR settings. Bluetooth: PAIR, CALL, VOICE commands. Radio: AUTO SCAN, MANUAL TUNING, PRESET memory.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives. Auxiliary: 3.5mm input for MP3 players. Bluetooth: Wireless audio streaming.

  1. USB devices: Insert flash drive, stereo automatically detects and plays audio files.
  2. Auxiliary input: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX port.
  3. Bluetooth pairing: Hold PAIR button until display shows "PAIRING", select "KENWOOD" on your device.

Tip: For best Bluetooth performance, keep paired device within 3 feet of stereo.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, Bluetooth, and auxiliary sources.

  1. CD Playback: Insert disc, press PLAY; use SKIP for tracks.
  2. USB Playback: Insert drive, stereo automatically switches to USB mode.
  3. MP3 Navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
  4. Repeat/Shuffle: Press RPT or RDM for repeat or random play.
  5. Fast Forward/Rewind: Press and hold SKIP buttons.
  6. Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE to temporarily stop playback.
  7. Eject: Press EJECT to remove CD or safely remove USB device.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs or foreign objects into CD slot.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Answer/end calls with remote or stereo buttons. Audio streaming: Wireless music playback from compatible devices. Voice commands: Activate phone's voice assistant.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners on display or buttons. Keep CDs and USB ports free of dust.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © 2025 Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks property of their respective owners. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck battery and ignition connections; verify fuse condition.
No soundSpeaker connectionsVerify speaker wire connections; check fade/balance settings.
CD won't playDisc format/damageEnsure disc is clean and compatible format; try different CD.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing mode/distanceEnter pairing mode; ensure device within range; delete old pairings.
Radio poor receptionAntenna connectionCheck antenna cable connection; ensure antenna fully extended.

Reset: Press and hold POWER button for 10 seconds to reset unit.

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

Kenwood Auto Stereo Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025