Kenwood KDC BT848U Installation Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT848U is a high-performance car stereo system featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM radio, and advanced audio controls. This installation manual provides comprehensive guidance for proper installation, setup, and operation of your Kenwood car receiver. Below are key sections covering features, installation procedures, wiring connections, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation Preparation 3. Wiring Connections 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Bluetooth Setup 7. Audio Settings 8. Safety Precautions 9. Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth Connectivity	Hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB Input	For connecting USB devices and charging
CD Playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM Tuner	With preset stations and RDS
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader adjustments
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum
Display	Multi-color LCD with dimmer control
Remote Control	Full function remote included
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm aux input for external devices
Preset EQ	Multiple sound profiles available

Installation Preparation

Before installation, gather all necessary tools and components.

Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
Remove existing car stereo if present.
Check dashboard opening dimensions (DIN standard).
Prepare wiring harness and mounting kit.
Ensure all cables and connectors are accessible.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before beginning installation to prevent electrical shorts or damage.

Wiring Connections

Connect wiring harness following color-coded system.

Yellow wire: Connect to constant 12V power source
Red wire: Connect to ignition-switched 12V power
Black wire: Connect to vehicle ground
Orange/White wire: Connect to illumination circuit
Blue/White wire: Connect to amplifier remote turn-on
Speaker wires: Match colors to respective speakers
Antenna connector: Connect vehicle antenna cable

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent short circuits.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Bluetooth Version: 4.1 with A2DP, AVRCP
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
USB Support: USB 2.0, up to 32GB storage
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 25 μV
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90 dB
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Functions

Front Panel Controls: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, MENU, BAND, TUNE/TRACK buttons.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, PRESET, MUTE, PLAY/PAUSE, PHONE.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER control. Display: DIMMER, CLOCK setting, Button illumination. Source Selection: RADIO, CD, USB, BT AUDIO, AUX. Phone Functions: CALL, END, VOICE DIAL, PHONE BOOK access.

Bluetooth Setup

Pairing your mobile device with the KDC BT848U.

Turn on car stereo and set to BT AUDIO mode
Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device
Search for "KDC-BT848U" in available devices
Select and pair using default PIN "0000" if required
Confirm pairing on both devices
Test audio streaming and phone functions

Tip: For best performance, keep mobile device within 3 feet during initial pairing.

Audio Settings

Optimize sound quality with built-in audio controls.

Bass/Treble: Adjust frequency response (-7 to +7)
Balance/Fader: Control speaker output distribution
Loudness: Enhance low-volume listening
EQ Presets: FLAT, POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CLASSICAL
Subwoofer Control: Adjust low-frequency output
Time Alignment: Fine-tune speaker timing
Crossovers: Set high-pass/low-pass filters

Note: Settings are retained in memory when power is disconnected.

Safety Precautions

Installation and operation safety guidelines.

Disconnect battery before installation
Ensure proper ventilation around unit
Do not block cooling vents
Secure all wiring away from moving parts
Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures
Do not disassemble unit - no user-serviceable parts

WARNING! Never operate the unit while driving if it distracts your attention from road safety.

Maintenance

Proper care and cleaning procedures.

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning front panel
Do not use chemical cleaners or solvents
Keep CDs clean and free of scratches
Regularly check wiring connections
Store remote control in safe location

CAUTION! Never insert foreign objects into CD slot or USB port.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Bluetooth: Qualified Bluetooth® product. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact customer service at 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Fuse/wiring	Check fuse; verify power and ground connections.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/range	Delete old pairing; ensure device is in range; reset BT.
CD not playing	Disc/dirty lens	Check disc format; clean lens with proper cleaner.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable is securely connected.
No sound from speakers	Wiring/settings	Check speaker wires; verify audio settings not muted.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Use FAT32 format; check device compatibility.

Reset: Press RESET button with small pin if unit becomes unresponsive.

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