Kenwood KDC BT33U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT33U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver with Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, auxiliary input, CD playback capability, AM/FM radio tuner, and remote control compatibility. Features include hands-free calling, audio streaming, customizable sound settings, and preset station memory. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, 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. Bluetooth Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with display, Remote Control, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna, wiring harness.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB portFor connecting USB devices and charging
AUX inputFor external audio devices
CD playbackPlays audio CDs and CD-R/RW
AM/FM tunerWith 18 FM and 6 AM presets
Remote controlIncluded for convenient operation
Power output50W x 4 channels maximum
DisplayLCD with adjustable illumination
EQ settingsMultiple sound presets and custom equalizer
Source buttonCycles through available audio sources

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected before installation.

  1. Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract current unit from dashboard.
  2. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red - ignition, yellow - battery, black - ground).
  3. Connect antenna: Plug antenna cable into designated port.
  4. Mount unit: Slide KDC BT33U into dashboard opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
  5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial configuration steps.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to adjust time.
  2. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KDC-BT33U" on your phone.
  3. Program radio presets: Tune to desired stations, press and hold preset buttons.
  4. Adjust sound settings: Use EQ menu to select preferred sound profile.
  5. Set display options: Configure illumination and dimmer settings.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle safely when adjusting settings.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, MENU button, EJECT button.

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

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, EQ presets (POP, ROCK, JAZZ, etc.). System Settings: CLOCK, DISPLAY (dimming), BEEP ON/OFF, BLUETOOTH settings. Radio: AUTO STORE, LOCAL/DX, SEEK/SCAN. CD: REPEAT, RANDOM, INTRO SCAN.

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 unit before connecting wired devices.
  2. For USB: Insert flash drive directly into front port.
  3. For AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX input.
  4. For Bluetooth: Put unit in pairing mode, connect from device settings.

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

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth audio sources.

  1. Select source: Press SOURCE button to cycle through available inputs.
  2. CD playback: Insert disc, press PLAY; use TRACK buttons for navigation.
  3. USB playback: Insert drive, unit automatically detects and plays music files.
  4. Radio: Press BAND to select AM/FM, use tuning knob or SEEK for stations.
  5. Playback controls: PLAY/PAUSE, PREV/NEXT track, FF/REW (press and hold).
  6. Repeat/Random: Access through FUNCTION menu during playback.
  7. Folder navigation: For USB devices with multiple folders.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Avoid using while driving in hazardous conditions.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Answer/end calls with remote or unit buttons. Audio streaming: Play music from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Phonebook access: Download contacts for voice dialing.

  1. Pairing: Hold PAIRING button until display shows "PAIRING", select "KDC-BT33U" on phone.
  2. Call functions: Use PHONE button to access call features.
  3. Audio streaming: Select BT AUDIO as source after pairing.
  4. Multiple devices: Supports pairing with multiple phones (one active at a time).

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemical cleaners on display and controls.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or aerosols. Keep discs and USB ports free of dust and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck fuse, verify wiring connections, ensure ignition power.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing mode/distanceEnter pairing mode, ensure within 10 feet, delete old pairing.
USB not recognizedFormat/capacityReformat as FAT32, ensure under 32GB, try different drive.
Poor radio receptionAntenna connectionCheck antenna cable, ensure secure connection, extend antenna fully.
CD not playingDisc/formatClean disc, ensure compatible format, check for scratches.
No sound from speakersSettings/wiringCheck volume, mute, balance/fader settings, verify speaker connections.

Reset: Press RESET button on front panel with small object.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center or visit www.kenwood.com

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