Kenwood KDC 138 Instruction Manual

The Kenwood KDC 138 is a single DIN car stereo receiver with CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM radio tuner, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel amplifier (22W x 4), preset equalizer modes, clock display, and rotary volume control. Compatible with most vehicles, featuring easy installation and user-friendly controls. 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. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: CD/MP3/WMA player, AM/FM tuner, front AUX input, detachable faceplate, 4-channel output, preset EQ modes.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays audio CDs and compressed audio files
AM/FM tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Front AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
4-channel amplifier	22 watts RMS x 4 channels
Preset EQ modes	ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, FLAT, USER
Rotary volume knob	Easy volume adjustment
Clock display	Time display when unit is off
Seek/tuning	Automatic station seeking
Repeat/shuffle	CD/MP3 playback modes

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract current unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front/rear channels (white, gray, green, purple wires).
Connect antenna: Push antenna plug firmly into socket.
Secure unit: Slide into dash and secure with mounting sleeve.

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

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery; power on unit for initial configuration.

Set clock: Hold CLOCK button, use TUNE to adjust time.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, hold preset button for 2 seconds.
Adjust audio settings: Use EQ button to select sound mode.
Test all functions: Verify CD, radio, and AUX input operation.

CAUTION! Ensure proper wiring connections to avoid electrical issues.

Specifications

Power Output: 22W x 4 channels (RMS)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
Preset Stations: 30 total (18 FM, 12 AM)
Supported Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Inputs: Front AUX (3.5mm), antenna
Outputs: 4-channel speaker outputs
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: Single DIN (178mm x 50mm)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND, TUNE, EQ, AUX, CLOCK.

Remote: Not included with KDC 138 model.

Audio Settings: EQ modes (ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, FLAT, USER), bass/treble adjustment, loudness control, fader/balance. Radio: Manual/seek tuning, local/distance reception, preset memory. CD: Repeat (1/ALL), random play, scan, intro scan.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for portable players. Antenna: Standard car antenna connector.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect AUX cable from device to front input.
Select AUX mode by pressing SOURCE repeatedly.
Adjust volume on both device and car stereo.

Tip: Use quality AUX cables to minimize audio interference.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs.

Insert CD: Press eject button, load disc label-up.
Play: Unit automatically begins playback.
Skip tracks: Press >> or << buttons.
Scan: Press and hold >> to scan through tracks.
Repeat: Press RPT for track or disc repeat.
Random: Press RDM for shuffle play.
MP3 navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
Eject: Press eject button to remove disc.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped CDs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove for theft prevention - press release button and slide faceplate off. Security Code: Optional code can be set (refer to advanced manual).

Care & Maintenance

Clean faceplate with soft, dry cloth only. Keep discs clean and free of scratches.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Store faceplate in protective case when removed.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse, verify power connections (red/yellow wires).
No sound	Speaker wiring	Verify speaker connections, check fader setting.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure compatible disc format, clean disc surface.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Check antenna connection, extend antenna fully.
Unit doesn't remember settings	Battery connection	Verify yellow wire connected to constant power source.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.