Kenwood KDC 122U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 122U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, LCD display with adjustable illumination, 4-channel amplifier (22W x 4 max), bass boost, loudness, and high/low pass filters. Compatible with steering wheel controls via optional adapter. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, detachable faceplate, wiring harness, installation hardware, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA files
AM/FM Tuner	18 station presets (12 FM, 6 AM)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
LCD Display	Orange illumination with dimmer control
Power Output	22W x 4 channels maximum
Audio Controls	Bass, treble, loudness, fader, balance
POWER	Turns unit on/off
VOLUME	Adjusts audio level
SOURCE	Cycles through audio sources

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

1. Remove existing stereo: Use removal keys for factory unit or appropriate tools.
2. Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
3. Connect speakers: Front/rear channels following wiring diagram.
4. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using supplied sleeve and brackets.
5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; insert faceplate if detached.

1. Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off.
2. Volume: Turn VOLUME knob or use remote control.
3. Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD, radio, AUX.
4. Mute: Press VOLUME knob briefly to mute/unmute.
5. Display: Press DISP to change display information.

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

Specifications

• Power Output: 22W x 4 channels (max)
• Tuner: FM/AM with 18 presets
• CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
• Audio Inputs: Front 3.5mm AUX jack
• Display: LCD with orange illumination
• Security: Detachable faceplate
• Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
• Dimensions: Single DIN (7" x 2")

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, EJECT, BAND, SEEK/TRACK, AUDIO.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, numeric buttons, SEEK/TRACK, BAND.

Audio: Bass, treble, fader, balance, loudness. Display: Dimmer control, clock setting. Radio: Preset memory, seek tuning. CD: Repeat, random, scan play modes.

Audio Settings

Access audio menu by pressing AUDIO button.

1. Bass/Treble: Adjust low/high frequencies (-5 to +5)
2. Loudness: Enhances bass at low volumes (On/Off)
3. Balance: Adjust left/right speaker balance
4. Fader: Adjust front/rear speaker balance
5. EQ Presets: Flat, Powerful, Natural, Vocal

Tip: Reset to factory settings by holding AUDIO for 3 seconds.

Radio Operation

Press BAND to select AM/FM1/FM2.

1. Tuning: Press SEEK for automatic station search
2. Manual tuning: Turn TUNE knob for manual station selection
3. Presets: Tune to station, hold 1-6 button for 2 seconds to store
4. FM stereo: Automatic stereo/mono switching
5. Local/DX: Adjusts sensitivity for strong/weak stations

Note: Presets are retained when power is disconnected.

CD/MP3 Playback

Supports audio CD, MP3, WMA formats.

1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, load CD label side up
2. Play: Automatically starts playback
3. Track selection: Press SEEK/TRACK buttons or numeric keys
4. Fast forward/rewind: Hold SEEK/TRACK buttons
5. Repeat: Press RPT for track/disc repeat
6. Random: Press RDM for random play
7. Scan: Press SCAN to sample each track
8. Folder selection (MP3): Use numeric keys or folder buttons

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs. Keep discs clean and scratch-free.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Remove faceplate before cleaning. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; replace fuse
No sound	Speaker wiring	Verify speaker connections; check fader/balance settings
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure compatible disc format; clean disc; check for damage
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna fully extended and properly connected
Unit gets hot	Ventilation	Ensure adequate airflow around unit; check installation

Reset: Disconnect power for 5 minutes to reset unit.

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