Kenwood DNX8120 Manual

The Kenwood DNX8120 is a premium in-dash navigation and multimedia receiver featuring a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, built-in GPS navigation with Garmin technology, DVD/CD playback, iPod/iPhone connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, HD Radio compatibility, satellite radio ready, USB input, rear camera input, and advanced audio processing with 4V preamp outputs. 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. Navigation Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen display, Garmin navigation system, DVD/CD mechanism, Bluetooth module, USB port, iPod direct control, rear camera input.

FeatureDescription
Display6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen with adjustable angle
NavigationBuilt-in Garmin GPS with preloaded maps
Audio SourcesDVD, CD, USB, iPod, Bluetooth audio, HD Radio
ConnectivityUSB port, iPod direct cable, Bluetooth, rear AUX input
Camera InputRear view camera input for parking assistance
Audio Output4V preamp outputs (Front/Rear/Subwoofer)
Power12V DC vehicle power supply
DimensionsDIN size: 178mm x 100mm
Supported MediaDVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA
Voice GuidanceText-to-speech for navigation prompts

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

  1. Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning installation.
  2. Remove factory radio using appropriate removal tools.
  3. Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
  4. Connect GPS antenna and place for optimal satellite reception.
  5. Connect Bluetooth microphone in optimal position for clear voice pickup.
  6. Mount unit securely in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve.
  7. Reconnect battery and test all functions.

WARNING! Installation requires automotive electrical knowledge. Incorrect installation may damage vehicle electronics or cause safety hazards.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup wizard.

  1. Language Selection: Choose preferred language for interface and voice guidance.
  2. Time/Date Setup: Set current time, date, and time zone.
  3. Bluetooth Pairing: Pair your mobile phone for hands-free operation.
  4. Navigation Setup: Accept GPS terms, set home location, preferred routes.
  5. Audio Settings: Configure sound preferences, equalizer settings.
  6. Source Setup: Configure connected devices (iPod, USB, etc.).

CAUTION! Complete setup while vehicle is parked in safe location. Do not operate while driving.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via touchscreen interface. Physical buttons: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, EJECT.

Touchscreen Controls: Navigation shortcut, Audio settings, Source selection, Phone, Setup menu.

Audio Settings: Equalizer (Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc.), Bass/Mid/Treble, Loudness, Subwoofer level. Navigation Settings: Route preferences, Avoidances, Map display options. Phone Settings: Pairing, Contacts sync, Call history. System Settings: Display brightness, Beep tones, Language, Reset options.

Connecting Devices

iPod: Use Kenwood KCA-iP202V cable. USB: Direct connection for flash drives. Bluetooth: Wireless pairing. Rear Camera: RCA video input.

  1. Ensure vehicle ignition is off before connecting devices.
  2. Use genuine Kenwood cables for optimal performance.
  3. Connect iPod/iPhone through dedicated port for full control.
  4. Pair Bluetooth devices through phone settings menu.
  5. Connect rear view camera to designated video input.

Tip: Update device firmware through USB connection for latest features.

Playing Media

Supports DVD, CD, USB, iPod, Bluetooth audio streaming.

  1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, load media face down.
  2. Select source: Touch SOURCE button, choose desired input.
  3. Playback controls: Use on-screen transport controls (Play, Pause, Skip).
  4. Navigation: Browse folders/files through touchscreen interface.
  5. Repeat/Shuffle: Access through playback options menu.
  6. Video playback: Available when parking brake is engaged.
  7. Bluetooth audio: Stream from paired mobile devices.
  8. USB playback: Supports MP3, WMA files from flash drives.

WARNING! Video playback disabled while vehicle is in motion for safety. Do not watch video while driving.

Navigation Features

Garmin-based navigation system with comprehensive features.

  1. Destination Entry: Address, Points of Interest, Recent, Favorites.
  2. Route Calculation: Fastest, Shortest, Avoid highways/tolls.
  3. Voice Guidance: Text-to-speech with street name announcement.
  4. Map Display: 2D/3D view, day/night mode, zoom controls.
  5. Traffic Information: Compatible with optional traffic receiver.
  6. Lane Assistance: Visual lane guidance for complex intersections.
  7. Where Am I?: Displays current location information.

Note: Navigation requires clear view of sky for GPS signal reception.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off unit before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for screen. Mild detergent for stubborn marks.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or compressed air. Avoid excessive moisture on touchscreen.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Bluetooth qualified device. Garmin and MapSource are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. For technical support, contact Kenwood USA Corporation at 1-800-536-9663 or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/ignitionCheck fuse, wiring connections, ignition wire connection.
No GPS signalAntenna placementReposition GPS antenna for clear sky view; check connection.
Bluetooth not pairingDevice compatibilityEnsure device is discoverable; delete old pairing; restart both devices.
iPod not recognizedCable/connectionUse genuine Kenwood cable; check iPod compatibility; restart both devices.
No soundSettings/connectionsCheck volume, mute setting, amplifier connections, speaker wiring.
Disc not playingDisc format/damageCheck disc format compatibility; clean disc; ensure proper loading.
Touchscreen not respondingCalibrationPerform touchscreen calibration in system settings; clean screen.

Reset: System Settings > Factory Reset (erases all user settings).

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

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