Kenwood KDC 125U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 125U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel 50W max output, LCD display with adjustable illumination, bass/treble controls, loudness function, and clock display. Compatible with most vehicles requiring single-DIN installation. 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. Audio Sources 7. Tuner Operation 8. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, detachable faceplate, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, remote control, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays audio CDs and MP3/WMA files
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power Output	4 x 50W max (4 x 22W RMS)
LCD Display	With adjustable illumination
Bass/Treble Controls	Adjustable sound settings
Loudness Function	Enhances bass at low volumes
Clock Display	Time display function

Installation

Prepare vehicle and gather necessary tools before installation.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo: Use DIN tools or follow vehicle manual.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front/rear speaker wires as needed.
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Test unit: Reconnect battery, test all functions before final assembly.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

Basic Operation

Power on unit and familiarize with basic controls.

Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off.
Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD, Tuner, AUX.
Volume control: Turn VOL knob or use remote control.
CD operation: Insert disc for automatic playback.
AUX input: Connect device to front 3.5mm jack.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving if it distracts from road safety.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 max (22W x 4 RMS)
Tuner: AM/FM with 18 FM/6 AM presets
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Audio Input: Front 3.5mm AUX jack
Display: LCD with orange illumination
Security: Detachable faceplate
Dimensions: Single-DIN (178mm x 50mm x 159mm)
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER, VOL knob, SOURCE, BAND, buttons for track/station selection.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, numeric buttons, track controls.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), LOUDNESS (On/Off), BALANCE (L/R), FADER (F/R). Display: DIMMER (day/night), CLOCK setting. Tuner: LOCAL/DX reception, preset memory. CD: REPEAT, RANDOM play modes.

Audio Sources

CD/MP3/WMA: Insert disc for auto-play. AUX: Connect external device to front input.

CD Operation: Insert disc label side up.
MP3/WMA: Navigate folders using folder buttons.
AUX Input: Connect cable, select AUX source.
Track Control: Use SKIP buttons or remote.

Tip: Use high-quality CDs and keep lens clean for optimal playback.

Tuner Operation

AM/FM radio with seek and manual tuning.

Select band: Press BAND to switch AM/FM.
Tune stations: Use SEEK or manual tuning buttons.
Store presets: Tune to station, hold preset button (1-6/1-18).
Recall presets: Press preset number directly.
Reception: Adjust LOCAL/DX setting for area.

Note: FM stereo indicator shows when receiving stereo signal.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parking in unsafe areas. Anti-theft LED: Blinking red LED when faceplate removed.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemicals and moisture.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents; keep faceplate away from extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wire connections; check mute setting.
CD won't play	Disc/loading	Ensure disc is clean and inserted properly; check format compatibility.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Check antenna connection; adjust LOCAL/DX setting.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstruction	Replace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to unit.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.