Kenwood KDC 162U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 162U is a single-DIN car stereo with CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner, front AUX input, detachable faceplate, 4x50W max power output, preset EQ settings, loudness control, and rotary volume knob. 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 & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with CD player, Remote Control, Front AUX input, Detachable faceplate, Power/speaker connectors.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA audio files
AM/FM tuner	18 FM/6 AM presets with seek tuning
Front AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power output	4x50W maximum power
EQ settings	Preset equalizer modes (POP, ROCK, etc.)
Loudness control	Enhances bass at low volumes
Rotary volume knob	Easy volume adjustment
Display dimmer	Adjusts display brightness
Clock function	Time display with setting capability

Installation

Disconnect vehicle battery before installation. Ensure proper mounting.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract current unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
Mount unit: Secure in DIN slot using mounting sleeve.
Connect speakers: Ensure proper polarity (+/-).
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect battery to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust with tuning knob.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust EQ: Select preferred sound mode (POP, ROCK, CLASSIC, etc.).
Set display dimmer: Adjust brightness for driving conditions.
Test all functions: CD, radio, AUX input.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 4x50W max (4x22W RMS)
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 25 µV
Audio Input: Front 3.5mm AUX jack
Display: LCD with orange illumination
EQ Presets: POP, ROCK, CLASSIC, etc.
Security: Detachable faceplate
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 159mm(D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, TUNE knob, AUX input, EJECT button.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, BAND, PRESET, VOLUME, MUTE.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, LOUDNESS, BALANCE, FADER. Tuner: SEEK tuning, manual tuning, preset stations. CD: RANDOM, REPEAT, INTRO scan. System: CLOCK setting, display dimmer, reset function.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Speakers: Standard car speaker connections.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect AUX cable to front input and external device.
Select AUX source using SOURCE button.
Adjust volume on both device and car stereo.

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3, WMA discs, and AUX input.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
Play: Unit auto-plays; use FF/REW for track navigation.
Stop: Press EJECT to remove disc.
Skip: Use TUNE knob or remote for track selection.
Random/Repeat: Press RANDOM or REPEAT during playback.
Folder navigation: For MP3 discs, use folder skip function.
AUX playback: Connect device, select AUX source.

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs. Keep fingers from CD slot.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove for theft prevention. Security Code: Optional code setting in menu (write down code for recovery).

Care & Cleaning

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. For CD lens, use approved cleaning disc only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Remove faceplate before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse, wiring connections, battery connection.
No sound	Speaker connections	Check speaker wires, balance/fader settings.
CD won't play	Disc/loading	Check disc for damage, clean lens, ensure proper insertion.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna connected properly, check antenna condition.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter security code if prompted (refer to written code).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.