Kenwood Car Stereo KDC 138 Manual

The Kenwood KDC 138 is a single-DIN car stereo with CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner, front auxiliary input, detachable face security, 4-channel amplifier, and customizable audio settings. Features include 52W x 4 max power output, LCD display with adjustable illumination, preset EQ modes, loudness control, and compatibility with various audio formats. 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. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with CD slot, detachable faceplate, remote control, wiring harness, mounting sleeve.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formatted discs
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable Face	Security feature to prevent theft
Power Output	52W x 4 channels maximum power
LCD Display	Orange illumination with adjustable dimmer
EQ Presets	Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic, User customizable
Loudness Control	Enhances bass at low volumes
Fader/Balance	Adjusts front/rear and left/right sound distribution
Power/Antenna	Turns unit on/off, extends/retracts power antenna

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use DIN tools to release old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front and rear speaker outputs (gray, white, green, purple pairs).
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna: Plug in antenna cable.
Test operation: Reconnect battery, test all functions.

WARNING! Ensure proper grounding and fuse protection. Professional installation recommended.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure basic settings.

Set clock: Press SOURCE until display shows time, then hold SET for 2 seconds.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, hold preset button for 2 seconds.
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE controls.
Set illumination: Adjust display brightness in settings menu.
Test CD playback: Insert CD to verify proper operation.

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

Specifications

Power Output: 52W x 4 (max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 μV
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: >80 dB
Separation: >50 dB
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)
Operating Temp: -20°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, AUX, OPEN/CLOSE, numeric buttons.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, numeric buttons, SEEK, PRESET, MUTE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-7 to +7), TREBLE (-7 to +7), FADER (F7 to R7), BALANCE (L7 to R7). EQ Presets: ROCK, POP, JAZZ, CLASSIC, USER. Display: Dimmer control, clock setting. Radio: Manual/seek tuning, local/distance reception.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Power Antenna: Blue wire from harness.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect AUX cable to front input and device headphone jack.
Select AUX mode by pressing SOURCE repeatedly.
Adjust volume on both device and stereo for optimal sound.

Tip: Use quality cables to minimize interference and noise.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs.

Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load CD label side up.
Play: Disc auto-plays; use numeric buttons for track selection.
Skip tracks: Press >>| or |<< for next/previous track.
Fast forward/rewind: Hold >>| or |<< during playback.
Repeat: Press RPT for track repeat, RAND for random play.
MP3 navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
Eject: Press OPEN/CLOSE to remove disc.

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

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parking to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code can be set (write down code for recovery).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Store faceplate in protective case when removed.

CAUTION! Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures. Keep discs clean and scratch-free.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check ignition and battery connections; replace fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wire connections; check mute function.
CD won't play	Disc/loading	Ensure disc is clean and properly inserted; check format compatibility.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Check antenna cable connection; ensure proper grounding.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter security code if prompted; contact dealer if code lost.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.