Kenwood KDC 248U Installation Manual

The Kenwood KDC 248U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, USB direct control, front auxiliary input, 50W x 4 high power output, detachable face security, variable color illumination, and preset EQ curves. 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, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, remote control, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formats
USB Direct Control	Front USB port for flash drives and devices
Front AUX Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for external audio sources
Power Output	50W x 4 channels (max power)
Detachable Face	Security feature to prevent theft
Variable Color Illumination	Adjustable display colors
Preset EQ Curves	Multiple sound equalizer settings
Radio Tuner	AM/FM with 18 FM/6 AM presets
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with steering wheel remote interfaces
Power Connector	12V DC vehicle power supply

Installation

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

Disconnect negative battery terminal: For safety during installation.
Remove existing stereo: Use DIN tools to release factory unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect speakers: Front and rear speaker outputs (white/gray/green/purple pairs).
Install mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna: Push antenna cable into rear port.
Test unit: Reconnect battery, test functions before final assembly.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to enter clock setting mode.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired stations, hold preset button.
Adjust illumination: Use DISP button to cycle through color options.
Set audio preferences: Use AUDIO button to select EQ curves (POP, ROCK, etc.).
Configure security: Remove faceplate when leaving vehicle unattended.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation around unit. Do not block cooling vents.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Supported Media: CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA
USB Support: USB flash drives, MP3 players
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 18 dBμ
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Power Supply: 12V DC negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)
Operating Temp: -20°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, AUDIO, DISP, USB/AUX ports.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, AUDIO, DISP.

Audio Settings: BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, LOUDNESS, FADER, BALANCE. Display: Variable color illumination (green/red/amber). Source Selection: CD, USB, AUX, TUNER. Radio: Auto store, local/distance tuning. Security: Detachable faceplate with storage case.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front port for flash drives. AUX: Front 3.5mm input for portable players. Antenna: Rear connector.

Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
USB devices: Insert directly into front USB port.
AUX devices: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to front AUX input.
Select source: Press SOURCE to cycle through available inputs.

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility. Maximum supported capacity 32GB.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, and radio playback.

Insert media: Load CD into slot; connect USB device.
Play: Press SOURCE to select media type; playback starts automatically.
Skip tracks: Press >>| or |<< for next/previous track.
Folder navigation (USB): Press >>| or |<< to change folders.
Repeat/shuffle: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
Fast forward/rewind: Hold >>| or |<< during playback.
Display info: Press DISP to cycle through track information.
Radio presets: Store stations by holding preset buttons 1-6.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or deformed CDs. Keep USB connections clean and dry.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when leaving vehicle to prevent theft. Security Code: Optional code can be set (default 0000).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry, soft cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not spray cleaners directly on unit. Keep faceplate in protective case when removed.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for vehicle use. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized Kenwood service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse integrity.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wire connections; check fader/balance settings.
CD not playing	Disc/loading	Ensure disc is clean and properly inserted; check format compatibility.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat as FAT32; verify device capacity under 32GB.
Radio poor reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable is securely connected; check antenna condition.
Unit locked	Security code	Enter security code if prompted (default 0000).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center; www.kenwood.com