Kenwood KDC 148 Manual

The Kenwood KDC 148 is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, detachable faceplate security, auxiliary input, front panel USB port, 4-channel preamp outputs, and 50W x 4 max power output. 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: Main unit with detachable faceplate, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, remote control, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA files
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Front Panel USB	For USB flash drive connectivity
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Preamp Outputs	4-channel RCA outputs for amplifiers
Power Output	50W x 4 maximum power
LCD Display	Backlit display with track information
Source Select	CD/USB/AUX/TUNER mode selection
Volume Control	Master volume and balance/fader controls

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use DIN tools to release old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front/rear speaker wires (typically white, gray, green, purple).
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna and test: Reconnect battery, test all functions.

WARNING! Disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to set time.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls.
Set security code: In menu, set 4-digit code for theft protection.
Test all sources: Verify CD, USB, AUX, and radio functionality.

CAUTION! Record security code in safe place; unit will lock without it.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 max (22W x 4 RMS)
Supported Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 μV
Preset Stations: 18 FM, 6 AM
Preamp Outputs: 4-channel, 2.2V
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: 95 dB (CD)
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, MENU button, eject button.

Remote Control: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, BAND, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, SEEK, PRESET.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS. Display: DIMMER, CLOCK setting. Tuner: LOCAL/DX, SEEK/SCAN, PRESET memory. CD: REPEAT, RANDOM, INTRO SCAN. Security: CODE setting, detachable faceplate.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm front input for phones/players. Preamp Outputs: Rear RCA jacks for amplifiers.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
USB devices: Format as FAT32, maximum capacity 32GB.
Aux input: Use quality cable to minimize noise.
Amplifier connections: Match RCA cables to amplifier inputs.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3, WMA, USB devices, and auxiliary input.

Insert CD: Press eject button, load disc label-side up.
USB playback: Insert USB device, select USB source.
Auxiliary: Connect device, select AUX source.
Play controls: PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN, FAST FORWARD/REVERSE.
Repeat/Random: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
Folder navigation: Use left/right buttons for USB folder browsing.
Scan: Press and hold FF/REV for 10-second sampling.

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs; avoid extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: 4-digit code required if power disconnected. Display shows "CODE" when locked.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners. Store faceplate in protective case when removed.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot or USB port.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit won't power on	Power connection/fuse	Check wiring harness; verify fuse in power wire; check vehicle fuse.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wiring	Verify speaker connections; check speaker impedance (4-8 ohms).
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Use supported disc formats; clean disc; check for scratches.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Format as FAT32; ensure capacity under 32GB; try different device.
Radio poor reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable secure; check antenna amplifier power.
"CODE" display	Security lock	Enter 4-digit security code; contact dealer if code lost.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset unit.

Service: Authorized Kenwood service centers only.