Kenwood KDC BT420U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT420U 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. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Bluetooth Connectivity 7. Audio Settings 8. USB and Auxiliary Input 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with display panel, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth connectivity	For hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB input	For connecting USB devices and charging
Auxiliary input	For external audio devices
CD playback	Supports CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner	With 18 FM and 6 AM presets
Remote control	Included for convenient operation
Power output	50W x 4 channels maximum
Display	LCD with adjustable illumination
EQ settings	Multiple sound presets and custom equalizer
Source select	Toggle between radio, CD, USB, BT, AUX

Installation

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract current unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
Mount unit: Slide into dashboard opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Ensure proper grounding and fuse protection. Professional installation recommended.

Basic Operation

Power on unit; press SOURCE to select input mode.

Radio operation: Press BAND to select AM/FM, use TUNE to find stations, press and hold preset buttons to store.
CD playback: Insert disc with label facing up, playback starts automatically.
Volume control: Turn knob or use remote VOL+/- buttons.
Mute function: Press MUTE button for instant audio silence.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Set all functions before vehicle motion.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20,000Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
Bluetooth Version: 3.0 + EDR
Supported Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
USB Support: Up to 32GB FAT32
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, EJECT, FUNCTION, BAND, TUNE/TRACK buttons.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, PRESET, TUNE, PLAY/PAUSE.

Display: Shows current source, track info, time, and settings. Buttons: SOURCE cycles through inputs, FUNCTION accesses settings menu, BAND switches radio bands, TUNE/TRACK navigates stations or tracks.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pairing procedure for hands-free and audio streaming.

Enable Bluetooth on mobile device.
Press SOURCE to select BT mode.
Search for "KDC-BT420U" on device.
Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
Accept pairing on both devices.

Tip: For calls: Answer with PHONE button, end call with same button. Audio streaming starts automatically when selected as source.

Audio Settings

Access audio menu via FUNCTION button.

Equalizer: FLAT, POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CUSTOM
Bass: -6 to +6 dB adjustment
Treble: -6 to +6 dB adjustment
Loudness: On/Off for bass enhancement at low volumes
Balance/Fader: Adjust speaker output distribution

Note: Custom EQ allows adjustment of 5 bands (60Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 3.5kHz, 12kHz).

USB and Auxiliary Input

USB: Connect compatible devices for music playback and charging.

Insert USB device into port.
Select USB source.
Navigate folders using TUNE/TRACK buttons.
Auxiliary: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
Select AUX source for playback.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device during playback. Ensure compatible file formats.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemical cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot or ports. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse integrity.
Bluetooth not pairing	Distance/previous pairing	Ensure within 3 feet; delete old pairing from device; reset unit.
CD not playing	Disc/format	Check for scratches; ensure compatible format (CD-DA, MP3).
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Verify antenna cable securely connected; check antenna condition.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat to FAT32; ensure under 32GB capacity.

Reset: Press and hold POWER button for 10 seconds to reset unit.

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