Kenwood KDC 168U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 168U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, detachable faceplate security, front auxiliary input, 4-channel preamp outputs, variable color illumination, 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 & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formats
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
4-Channel Preamp Outputs	For connecting external amplifiers
Variable Color Illumination	Adjustable display colors
Power Output	50W x 4 maximum power
LCD Display	Shows track info and settings
Volume Control	Adjusts audio output level
Source Select	Switches between CD, Tuner, AUX

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo from dashboard.
Connect wiring harness to vehicle wiring following color codes.
Slide mounting sleeve into dashboard opening.
Connect antenna and insert unit into sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test operation.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Professional installation recommended.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust time with tuning knob.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE controls.
Set illumination color: Press COLOR button to cycle through options.

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

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.3 dBf, AM 25 μV
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA
Preamp Outputs: 4-channel, 2.5V
Display: LCD with variable illumination
AUX Input: Front 3.5mm stereo 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 button, BAND button, AUDIO button, CD eject.

Remote: POWER, Volume up/down, Track up/down, Preset buttons, MUTE, BAND, Display.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), FADER (F7 to R7), BALANCE (L7 to R7). Tuner: Manual/seek tuning, Local/DX reception, Preset memory. Display: 7-color illumination, Dimmer function.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Preamp Outputs: FL/FR/RL/RR for external amplifiers.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect 3.5mm cable to front AUX input.
For amplifiers, connect RCA cables to preamp outputs.
Select source via SOURCE button (CD/TUNER/AUX).

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance. Ensure proper grounding.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs.

Insert disc: Press eject button, load CD label side up.
Play: Unit auto-plays; use track buttons for navigation.
MP3/WMA: Folder navigation with fast-forward/rewind.
Repeat: Press RPT for track/disc repeat modes.
Random: Press RDM for shuffle playback.
Scan: Press SCAN to sample tracks.
Eject: Press eject button to remove disc.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular shaped CDs. Keep discs clean and scratch-free.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Optional code entry if power is disconnected.

Care & Cleaning

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or chemicals. Avoid liquid contact with unit.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Mute/settings	Check mute function; verify audio settings; check speaker connections.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure compatible disc format; clean disc; check for scratches.
Poor radio reception	Antenna/position	Ensure antenna fully extended; check antenna connection.
Remote not working	Batteries/distance	Replace batteries; ensure direct line of sight; reduce distance.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.