Kenwood KDC 152 Owner's Manual

The Kenwood KDC 152 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, bass boost, loudness control, and customizable audio settings. Compatible with most vehicles, it offers easy installation and user-friendly operation. 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 CD slot, detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Front panel controls, AUX input, Antenna connector, Wiring harness.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formatted discs
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
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Loudness, Fader, Balance
Power Output	50W x 4 channels max
Display	LCD with adjustable illumination
SOURCE Button	Cycles through CD, Tuner, AUX modes
VOLUME Knob	Adjusts audio level
Power/Antenna	12V DC power connection

Installation

Disconnect vehicle battery before installation. Prepare wiring harness and mounting kit.

Remove existing radio: Use removal tools to extract old unit from dashboard.
Connect wiring: Match color-coded wires (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Attach speaker wires to corresponding channels.
Mount unit: Secure with mounting sleeve and bend tabs.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure basic settings for optimal performance.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust with tuning knob.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE controls.
Set illumination: Adjust display brightness to match vehicle lighting.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle during setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
Preset Stations: 18 FM, 6 AM
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA
AUX Input: 3.5mm front panel jack
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, Number buttons, OPEN/CLOSE, AUX jack.

Remote: POWER, Volume, Track selection, Preset buttons, MUTE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-7 to +7), TREBLE (-7 to +7), LOUDNESS (On/Off), FADER (Front/Rear), BALANCE (Left/Right). Tuner Settings: Manual/Seek tuning, Local/Distance reception, Preset memory. CD Settings: Random/Repeat play, Scan, Intro scan.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front panel 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Antenna: Vehicle antenna connector.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Plug 3.5mm cable into front AUX jack.
Select AUX mode with SOURCE button.
Start playback on external device.

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs, and external AUX devices.

Insert CD: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load disc label-side up.
Play: Unit automatically begins playback; use >>| and |<< for track navigation.
Stop/Eject: Press OPEN/CLOSE to eject disc.
MP3 Navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
Random/Repeat: Press RPT or RDM for playback modes.
Scan: Press SCAN to sample each track for 10 seconds.
AUX Playback: Connect device, select AUX mode, control volume on both devices.

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code can be set to prevent unauthorized use.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Store faceplate in protective case when removed.

CAUTION! Keep liquids away from unit. Do not disassemble.

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 authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse, wiring connections, and ground.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume, mute, speaker connections.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure compatible disc format; clean disc.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Check antenna connection; extend fully.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter correct security code if enabled.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.