Kenwood KDC BT265U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT265U is a single DIN car stereo receiver with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, auxiliary input, CD playback capability, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, detachable faceplate security, and 50W x 4 maximum power output. Features include hands-free calling, audio streaming, customizable illumination, and advanced 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. Bluetooth Operation 8. Audio Settings 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Bluetooth antenna, USB port, AUX input, CD slot.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB portFor USB flash drives and device charging
AUX inputFor external audio devices
CD playerPlays CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable faceplateSecurity feature to prevent theft
Power output50W x 4 maximum power
IlluminationCustomizable button and display colors
Audio controlsBass, treble, balance, fader adjustments
Remote controlFull function remote included

Installation

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

  1. Disconnect negative battery terminal: For safety during wiring.
  2. Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors to vehicle harness (red to ignition, yellow to battery, black to ground).
  3. Mount unit: Slide into DIN opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
  4. Connect antennas: Attach car antenna and Bluetooth antenna.
  5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedures.

  1. Set clock: Press SOURCE to turn on, then hold SETUP to access clock settings.
  2. Pair Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on phone, select "KDC-BT265U" from available devices.
  3. Program radio presets: Tune to desired stations, press and hold preset buttons.
  4. Adjust audio settings: Use AUDIO button to set bass, treble, balance, fader.
  5. Customize illumination: In SETUP menu, select color preferences.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, AUDIO button, SETUP button, EJECT button.

Remote: POWER, SOURCE, VOLUME, TRACK UP/DOWN, PRESET, MUTE, PHONE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-6 to +6), TREBLE (-6 to +6), BALANCE (L9 to R9), FADER (F9 to R9). Setup Menu: Clock setting, Illumination color, Beep on/off, Bluetooth settings, Reset. Source Selection: Tuner, CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm input for external audio. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for phones/audio.

  1. Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
  2. USB: Insert flash drive directly into front port.
  3. AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX input.
  4. Bluetooth: Pair phone through Bluetooth settings menu.
  5. Select source via SOURCE button (USB, AUX, BT AUDIO).

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Bluetooth Operation

Supports hands-free calling and audio streaming.

  1. Pairing: Enable Bluetooth on phone, select "KDC-BT265U" from available devices.
  2. Calling: Answer calls with PHONE button; end calls with same button.
  3. Audio streaming: Select BT AUDIO source to play music from phone.
  4. Phonebook: Access contacts through unit (if supported by phone).
  5. Redial: Press PHONE button twice for last number redial.
  6. Voice dial: Press and hold PHONE button for voice commands (phone dependent).

WARNING! Use hands-free features only when safe to do so. Park for complex operations.

Audio Settings

Audio Controls: Bass, treble, balance, fader, loudness. Sound Presets: Flat, Powerful, Vocal, Custom.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use chemicals or abrasives. Remove faceplate when not in use for security.

CAUTION! Do not expose to extreme temperatures or moisture. Keep discs clean and free of scratches.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Bluetooth qualified design. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck battery and ignition connections; verify fuse.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing mode/distanceEnsure unit in pairing mode; move phone closer.
No soundMute/speaker connectionsCheck mute setting; verify speaker wire connections.
CD not playingDisc/loadingEnsure disc is clean and properly inserted; check format.
USB not recognizedFormat/capacityReformat as FAT32; try smaller capacity drive.

Reset: Hold SETUP button for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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

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