Kenwood KDC 258U Manual

The Kenwood KDC 258U is a single-DIN car stereo with CD receiver, USB input, front AUX input, AM/FM tuner, 4x50W max power output, detachable faceplate security, preset EQ settings, and LCD display. Compatible with MP3/WMA playback, featuring rotary volume control, source selection, and customizable audio settings. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Audio Settings 7. USB and AUX Playback 8. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: CD receiver with USB/AUX inputs, detachable faceplate, LCD display, rotary volume knob, preset buttons.

Feature	Description
CD Receiver	Plays audio CDs, CD-R/RW
USB Input	Front USB port for flash drives
AUX Input	3.5mm front auxiliary input
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18FM/12AM)
Power Output	4x50W max power
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature against theft
LCD Display	Shows track info and settings
EQ Presets	ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, etc.
Rotary Volume	Main volume control knob
Source Button	Cycles through CD/USB/AUX/TUNER

Installation

Unpack and verify contents. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected.

Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires to vehicle harness.
Ground connection: Connect black wire to vehicle chassis ground.
Speaker connections: Connect front/rear speaker wires accordingly.
Antenna connection: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
Secure unit: Slide into DIN slot and secure with mounting sleeve.

WARNING! Disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

Basic Operation

Power on unit; insert faceplate if detached.

Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD/USB/AUX/TUNER.
Volume control: Turn rotary knob to adjust volume level.
CD playback: Insert CD; use << and >> for track navigation.
Radio: Press BAND to select AM/FM; use TUNE to seek stations.
Preset stations: Hold 1-6 buttons to store current station.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving; set controls before driving.

Specifications

Power Output: 4x50W Max (22W RMS)
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 27 dBμ
Inputs: Front USB, Front AUX 3.5mm
Display: LCD with orange illumination
Security: Detachable faceplate
Dimensions: 178mm(W) x 50mm(H) x 153mm(D)
Operating Voltage: 12V DC negative ground

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Power/Volume knob, Source button, Eject, AUX/USB ports.

Remote: Not included; all controls on front panel.

Basic Controls: POWER/VOLUME knob (press to turn on/off), SOURCE (mode selection), EJECT (CD removal), << >> (track skip/tune), BAND (AM/FM selection), 1-6 (preset stations). Display shows current source, track info, station frequency.

Audio Settings

Access audio menu by holding AUDIO button.

Bass/Treble: Adjust levels from -7 to +7
Loudness: On/Off for bass boost at low volumes
Balance/Fader: Adjust speaker balance front/rear, left/right
EQ Presets: Select from ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, etc.
Subwoofer: Adjust subwoofer level if connected

Tip: Reset settings by holding AUDIO for 5 seconds.

USB and AUX Playback

Supports USB flash drives and auxiliary devices.

USB playback: Insert USB drive; unit auto-detects and plays
Folder navigation: Use << >> to browse folders on USB
AUX input: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device
Playback control: Use unit controls for play/pause/skip
File support: MP3, WMA up to 320kbps

WARNING! Do not remove USB during playback; eject properly.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Release button on front panel detaches faceplate for secure storage.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemicals on display.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot or ports.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Volume/speakers	Check volume level; verify speaker connections.
CD not playing	Disc/dirty lens	Clean disc; use CD lens cleaner if needed.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Use FAT32 format; ensure drive under 32GB capacity.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Check antenna connection; extend antenna fully.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

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