Kenwood KDC 165U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 165U is a single DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, detachable faceplate security, front auxiliary input, high-power output, and various audio 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: Main unit with CD slot, detachable faceplate, remote control, wiring harness, mounting sleeve.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays CDs, MP3 and WMA files
AM/FM tuner	18 station presets (12 FM, 6 AM)
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Front AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
High-power output	50W x 4 channels maximum power
Audio controls	Bass, treble, balance, fader adjustments
LCD display	Shows track info and settings
Clock function	Time display with alarm capability
Loudness	Enhances bass at low volumes
Source attenuation	Reduces volume when switching sources

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper vehicle compatibility.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools if applicable.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front and rear channels as needed.
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
Test operation: Reconnect battery and test all functions.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; configure initial settings.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to adjust.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, balance, and fader to preference.
Test CD playback: Insert CD to verify proper operation.
Test AUX input: Connect device to front input.

CAUTION! Ensure proper wiring connections to avoid electrical issues.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 channels max (22W RMS)
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 μV
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: >90 dB
Separation: >55 dB
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)
Weight: 1.2 kg

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, tuning knob, CD slot, AUX input.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, BAND, PRESET, SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, folder navigation.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L9 to R9), FADER (F9 to R9), LOUDNESS (On/Off). Tuner Settings: LOCAL (On/Off), ST (Stereo/Mono). Display: DIMMER (On/Off), CLOCK setting.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for portable devices. Speaker connections: Standard automotive speaker wiring.

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

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3, WMA formats.

Insert CD: Press EJECT to open slot, insert disc label up.
Play: Press PLAY or close CD slot to auto-play.
Skip tracks: Press SEEK up/down or use remote.
MP3 navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE to temporarily stop playback.
Stop: Press STOP to cease playback.
Eject: Press EJECT to remove disc.
Random play: Press RANDOM for shuffle mode.
Repeat: Press REPEAT for track or folder repeat.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular shaped CDs.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove for theft prevention. Security Code: Optional code entry if power disconnected.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft dry cloth only. Avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wiring; check volume and mute settings.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure compatible disc format; clean disc; check for scratches.
Radio poor reception	Antenna connection	Verify antenna cable connected; check LOCAL setting.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstruction	Replace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to unit.
Unit asks for code	Power interruption	Enter security code if set; contact dealer if code lost.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.