Kenwood Excelon KDC X493 User Manual

The Kenwood Excelon KDC X493 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM radio with 18FM/6AM presets, advanced audio controls, built-in amplifier (22W RMS x 4 channels), customizable display colors, and steering wheel control compatibility. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Bluetooth Connectivity 7. USB and Audio Playback 8. Audio Adjustments 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Bluetooth module, USB port, Auxiliary input.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB inputFor connecting USB devices and charging
CD playbackSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Built-in amplifier22W RMS x 4 channels
Audio controls13-band equalizer, time alignment, crossover
Display customizationMultiple color options and brightness control
Steering wheel controlCompatible with most steering wheel interfaces
Remote controlIncluded for convenient operation
Security featuresDetachable faceplate with carrying case

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked with ignition 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 antenna adapter and ground wire to chassis.
  5. Secure unit in dashboard and test all functions.
  6. Reconnect battery and program settings.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure proper fuse rating for your vehicle.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing SRC/PWR button. Use volume knob to adjust sound level.

  1. Source selection: Press SRC to cycle through CD, USB, Bluetooth, Radio, Aux.
  2. Volume control: Rotate knob clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease.
  3. Mute: Press volume knob to mute/unmute audio.
  4. Display: Press DISP to change display information and colors.
  5. Menu access: Press and hold AUDIO for 2 seconds to enter settings menu.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: SRC/PWR, Volume knob, Eject, Function buttons. Remote: All basic functions.

Main Controls: SRC (source selection), Volume knob (press to mute), AUDIO (audio settings), DISP (display settings), BAND (radio band selection).

Audio Settings: 13-band equalizer, Bass/Mid/Treble, Loudness, Subwoofer level, Time alignment. System Settings: Bluetooth pairing, Display colors, Button illumination, Beep sounds, Security code. Radio Settings: Preset stations, Local/DX reception, Auto memory.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pair mobile devices for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device.
  2. Press and hold BT button until "PAIRING" appears on display.
  3. Select "KDC-X493" from your device's Bluetooth menu.
  4. Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
  5. Confirm pairing on both devices.

Tip: Up to 5 devices can be paired. Use phonebook download for caller ID display.

USB and Audio Playback

Supports USB devices up to 32GB. Plays MP3, WMA, AAC files.

  1. Connect USB device to USB port on front panel.
  2. Press SRC to select USB mode.
  3. Navigate folders using up/down buttons.
  4. Play/Pause: Press center of control knob.
  5. Fast forward/rewind: Hold left/right buttons.
  6. Repeat/random: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
  7. CD operation: Insert disc label-side up, press eject to remove.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device during playback. Eject CDs properly to prevent damage.

Audio Adjustments

Advanced audio controls for optimal sound quality.

  1. Equalizer: 13-band graphic EQ with preset curves (Pop, Rock, Jazz, etc.)
  2. Crossover: High-pass and low-pass filters adjustable from 50Hz to 250Hz
  3. Time Alignment: Adjust speaker delay for optimal staging
  4. Loudness: Automatic bass boost at low volume levels
  5. Subwoofer Control: Independent level and phase control

Note: Save settings by pressing AUDIO button after adjustments.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Remove faceplate before cleaning. Store faceplate in protective case when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No soundSettings/speakersCheck mute function; verify speaker connections; adjust volume.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/deviceDelete old pairing; restart both devices; ensure Bluetooth enabled.
USB not recognizedFormat/deviceUse FAT32 format; try different USB device; check for compatibility.
CD not playingDisc/damageClean disc; check for scratches; ensure proper format (CD-R/RW).

Reset: Hold SRC and AUDIO buttons for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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

Kenwood Excelon KDC X493 User Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025