Kenwood Head Unit Manual

The Kenwood Head Unit is a premium car audio system featuring AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 playback, USB connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, auxiliary input, customizable audio settings, remote control compatibility, and advanced display options. Designed for vehicle integration with standard DIN sizing. 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 head unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth antenna, CD slot.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	Preset memory for 18 FM and 6 AM stations
CD/MP3 Playback	Plays CDs and MP3 encoded discs
USB Port	For USB flash drives and device connectivity
Bluetooth	Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum
Display	Multi-color LCD with adjustable dimmer
EQ Settings	Built-in equalizer with multiple presets
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation
Wiring Harness	Standard vehicle integration

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove factory radio: Use appropriate removal tools for your vehicle.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires to vehicle harness.
Mount head unit: Secure in DIN slot using supplied mounting sleeve.
Connect antennas: Attach radio and Bluetooth antennas.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Professional installation recommended. Ensure proper fuse rating. Disconnect battery before beginning.

First-Time Setup

Power on head unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to access settings menu.
Program radio stations: Use auto-store or manual preset method.
Pair Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode and connect mobile device.
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, balance, and fader.
Configure display: Set brightness and color themes.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner: FM/AM with 18 FM and 6 AM presets
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3
USB: Supports USB 2.0, MP3, WMA playback
Bluetooth: Version 4.1, A2DP, HFP
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: >80dB
Dimensions: Standard DIN (7" x 2")
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, MENU, EJECT. Display: Shows current mode, track info, and settings.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, TRACK UP/DOWN, PRESET, MUTE, MENU.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER control. System Settings: CLOCK, DISPLAY (brightness/color), BLUETOOTH, RESET. Radio: AUTO-STORE, MANUAL TUNING, PRESET MEMORY. CD: REPEAT, RANDOM, SCAN.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect flash drive or compatible device. Aux: 3.5mm cable to external audio. Bluetooth: Wireless connection.

Turn off head unit before connecting cables.
USB: Insert flash drive directly into USB port.
Auxiliary: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX input.
Select source via SOURCE button (USB, AUX, BT AUDIO).

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance. Format USB drives as FAT32.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3 CDs, USB media, Bluetooth audio.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
USB playback: Insert drive, automatically detects and plays.
Play/Pause: Center button on control knob.
Skip tracks: Turn control knob or use remote.
Repeat/Random: Press MENU during playback.
Folder navigation: For MP3 CDs and USB devices.
Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold skip buttons.

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs. Avoid extreme temperatures. Eject CDs before turning off vehicle.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Pair phone for call functions. Audio streaming: Play music from Bluetooth devices.

Enable Bluetooth on mobile device.
Press SOURCE to select BT AUDIO mode.
Enter pairing mode from settings menu.
Select "KENWOOD" from device list.
Accept pairing request (PIN: 0000).

Call functions: Answer/end with center button, reject with volume knob press. Voice dialing: Supported with compatible phones.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep discs clean and scratch-free.

CAUTION! Do not disassemble unit. Keep liquids away from electronics. Clean laser lens with approved cleaner only if necessary.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © 2025 Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse connections; verify proper ground; test vehicle power.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check mute; verify speaker connections; adjust volume.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/range	Delete old pairing; ensure within range; restart both devices.
CD not playing	Disc/format	Check disc for damage; verify format compatibility; clean lens.
USB not recognized	Format/power	Reformat as FAT32; ensure adequate power; try different drive.

Reset: Hold SOURCE and MENU for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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