Kenwood KDC 24BU Manual

The Kenwood KDC 24BU is a single DIN car stereo receiver with CD player, USB input, AM/FM radio tuner, and auxiliary input. Features include 50W x 4 maximum power output, detachable faceplate security, preset equalizer settings, and compatibility with various audio formats. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, detachable faceplate, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, remote control, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays audio CDs, CD-R/RW
USB Input	Front panel USB for flash drives
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm jack for external devices
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18FM/12AM)
Power Output	50W x 4 maximum power
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
EQ Presets	Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic, etc.
LCD Display	Blue illumination with adjustable dimmer
Clock Function	12/24 hour format
Fader Control	Front/rear speaker balance

Installation

Ensure vehicle is parked with ignition off before installation.

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
2. Remove existing stereo using removal tools.
3. Connect wiring harness following color codes:
   • Yellow: Constant 12V (memory)
   • Red: Switched 12V (ignition)
   • Black: Ground
   • Speaker wires: Color-coded pairs
4. Slide unit into mounting sleeve and secure.
5. Reconnect battery and test operation.

WARNING! Professional installation recommended. Incorrect wiring may damage unit or vehicle electrical system.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing SRC/PWR button.

1. Source selection: Press SRC to cycle through CD, USB, AUX, RADIO.
2. Volume control: Turn knob or use remote VOL +/- buttons.
3. Mute: Press MUTE button for instant silence.
4. Detach faceplate: Press RELEASE button and slide out for security.
5. Clock setting: Hold CLOCK button and use number keys to set time.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Set controls before driving.

Specifications

• Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
• CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3/WMA CDs
• USB Support: MP3, WMA files up to 32GB
• Tuner Sensitivity: FM: 10.8 dBf, AM: 25 µV
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise: >90 dB
• Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
• Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: SRC/PWR, VOL knob, EJECT, USB port, AUX input, RELEASE button.

Remote Control: Power, Volume, Track up/down, Preset buttons, Mute, Mode selection.

Display Indicators: Source mode, track number, time, preset number, EQ setting. Function buttons: BAND (radio band selection), APS (automatic program search), LOUD (loudness compensation), FAD (fader control).

Audio Settings

Access audio menu by pressing FUNCTION button.

1. EQ Presets: Select from Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic, Flat, User
2. Bass/Treble: Adjust from -7 to +7 levels
3. Loudness: Boost low/high frequencies at low volumes
4. Fader: Balance front/rear speaker output
5. Balance: Adjust left/right speaker balance

Tip: Use User EQ setting for custom sound preferences.

Radio Operation

Press SRC until RADIO mode is selected.

1. Band selection: Press BAND to switch between FM1, FM2, AM
2. Tuning: Manual - press ; Auto - press and hold
3. Preset stations: Tune to desired station, hold 1-6 button for 2 seconds
4. Seek function: Automatically finds next strong station
5. Local/DX: Switch between local and distance reception

Note: For best reception, ensure antenna is fully extended and properly connected.

CD/USB Playback

Supports audio CDs and USB flash drives with MP3/WMA files.

1. Insert media: CD into slot or USB into front port
2. Playback: Starts automatically or press PLAY
3. Track navigation: Use buttons or number keys
4. Repeat: Press RPT for track/disc repeat modes
5. Random: Press RDM for shuffle playback
6. Fast forward/rewind: Hold during playback
7. Folder navigation (USB): Use to switch folders

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs or foreign objects into CD slot.

Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Remove faceplate before cleaning. Store faceplate in protective case when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Safety Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device. Keep volume at reasonable levels while driving. Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure proper grounding during installation. Copyright © 2025 Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/ignition	Check fuse, wiring connections, ignition wire
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wire connections, check fader setting
CD won't play	Disc/format	Check disc for damage, ensure compatible format
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Check antenna connection, extend fully
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32, check file formats (MP3/WMA)

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com