Kenwood Car CD Player Manual

The Kenwood Car CD Player is a high-quality automotive audio system featuring CD playback, AM/FM radio tuner, auxiliary input, USB connectivity, Bluetooth compatibility, equalizer settings, preset stations, remote control capability, and customizable audio controls. Designed for 12V DC vehicle power systems with anti-shock protection and digital signal processing. 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 CD Media 8. Radio Operation 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: CD player mechanism, AM/FM tuner, LCD display, Control buttons, AUX input, USB port, Remote sensor, Speaker outputs.

FeatureDescription
CD PlayerPlays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW
AM/FM Tuner30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
AUX Input3.5mm jack for external audio devices
USB PortFor USB flash drives and device charging
BluetoothWireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
LCD DisplayShows track info, radio frequency, and settings
EJECTEjects CD from player
SOURCECycles through audio sources (CD/Radio/AUX/USB)
MUTEMutes audio output
POWERTurns unit on/off

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper DIN size 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 (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
  4. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
  5. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using mounting sleeve.
  6. Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Professional installation recommended. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

  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 (1-6).
  3. Adjust audio settings: Use EQ button to select preset (ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, FLAT).
  4. Pair Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD" on your device.
  5. Set fade/balance: Use audio menu to adjust speaker balance.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle during setup.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, MENU. Display: Shows track number, time, radio frequency.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, EJECT, SOURCE, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, PRESET, SEEK.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE, LOUDNESS. EQ Presets: ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, FLAT. Radio: AUTO STORE, MANUAL TUNE, SEEK, LOCAL/DX. System: CLOCK, DISPLAY, BEEP, RESET.

Connecting Devices

AUX: 3.5mm cable from external device. USB: Flash drive or charging cable. Bluetooth: Wireless pairing.

  1. Turn off unit before connecting devices.
  2. AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable to front/rear AUX input.
  3. USB: Insert flash drive or connect charging cable.
  4. Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode, connect from device settings.
  5. Select source via SOURCE button (CD/RADIO/AUX/USB/BT).

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing CD Media

Supports audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW.

  1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, load CD label-side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; unit starts automatically in most cases.
  3. Track selection: Use SEEK or numeric buttons for direct access.
  4. Stop: Press EJECT to stop and remove disc.
  5. Skip: PREV/NEXT for track navigation.
  6. Repeat: Press RPT for track/repeat all.
  7. Random: Press RDM for shuffle play.
  8. Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold SEEK buttons.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped CDs. Keep discs clean.

Radio Operation

AM/FM tuner with 30 presets.

  1. Select band: Press BAND to cycle through FM1/FM2/FM3/AM.
  2. Tune stations: Use tuning knob or SEEK for automatic station finding.
  3. Store presets: Tune to station, press and hold preset button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
  4. Recall presets: Press preset button briefly.
  5. Auto store: Press and hold AS for automatic preset programming.
  6. Local/DX: Switch between local and distant station reception.

Note: FM reception may vary based on location and antenna quality.

Care & Maintenance

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft dry cloth for display and faceplate. Clean CD lens with approved cleaner only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked for European compliance. Bluetooth SIG qualified. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. All trademarks property of 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 wiring connections; test vehicle power.
CD won't playDisc/mechanismCheck disc for damage; clean lens; ensure proper insertion.
Poor radio receptionAntenna/locationEnsure antenna connected; check antenna wire; adjust location.
No sound from speakersWiring/settingsCheck speaker connections; verify fade/balance settings; test speakers.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/rangeDelete old pairing; restart both devices; ensure within range.
Unit gets hotVentilation/loadEnsure proper ventilation; check impedance matching; reduce volume.

Reset: Press reset button with paperclip or disconnect battery for 30 seconds.

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

Kenwood Car CD Player Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025