Kenwood KDC BT848U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT848U is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM radio tuner, built-in amplifier, remote control, and advanced audio controls. With 50W x 4 maximum power output, detachable faceplate security, and compatibility with various audio formats, this unit delivers superior sound quality and convenience for your vehicle. 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. USB and Audio Playback 8. Audio Settings 9. Security Features 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Bluetooth antenna, USB extension cable.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming
USB inputFor connecting USB devices and charging
CD playbackSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power output50W x 4 maximum power
Audio inputsFront AUX input for external devices
Detachable faceplateSecurity feature to prevent theft
EQ controlsBass, Treble, Loudness, Balance, Fader
DisplayMulti-color LCD with adjustable illumination
Remote controlFull-function wireless remote included

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked with ignition off.

  1. Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning installation.
  2. Remove existing stereo and prepare wiring harness according to vehicle specifications.
  3. Connect wiring harness to unit, ensuring proper color matching and secure connections.
  4. Mount unit securely in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve and brackets.
  5. Connect Bluetooth antenna and USB extension cable if needed.
  6. Reconnect battery and test all functions before final assembly.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing POWER button. Detach faceplate for security when leaving vehicle.

  1. Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD, USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM, AUX.
  2. Volume control: Use VOLUME knob or remote control buttons.
  3. Playback controls: PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN, FAST FORWARD/REVERSE.
  4. Mode selection: Access different audio modes and settings via FUNCTION button.

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

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, EJECT, FUNCTION, AUX input.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK navigation.

Audio Controls: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS. Display: Illumination color selection, dimmer control. Bluetooth: Pairing button, call answer/end. System: Reset function, demo mode on/off.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pair mobile devices for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device.
  2. Press SOURCE to select Bluetooth mode.
  3. Press and hold PAIRING button until display shows "PAIRING".
  4. Select "KDC-BT848U" from your device's Bluetooth menu.
  5. Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
  6. Connection confirmed when display shows device name.

Tip: Up to 5 devices can be paired. Delete old pairings if connection issues occur.

USB and Audio Playback

Supports USB devices with MP3 and WMA files.

  1. Connect USB device to USB port using extension cable.
  2. Press SOURCE to select USB mode.
  3. Navigate folders using TRACK buttons or remote control.
  4. Play/Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE button.
  5. Fast forward/reverse: Hold TRACK buttons.
  6. Repeat/Shuffle: Access through FUNCTION menu.
  7. CD playback: Insert CD, unit automatically begins playback.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device or CD during playback to prevent data corruption.

Audio Settings

Customize sound to your preference using built-in equalizer and tone controls.

Bass: -7 to +7 adjustment. Treble: -7 to +7 adjustment. Loudness: On/Off for enhanced low-volume performance. Balance: Left/Right speaker balance. Fader: Front/Rear speaker distribution. Subwoofer: Level control if connected. EQ Presets: ROCK, POP, CLASSIC, JAZZ, FLAT.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when leaving vehicle to prevent theft. Security Code: 4-digit code can be set to disable unit if stolen.

  1. To set code: With unit off, press and hold FUNCTION while turning unit on.
  2. Enter 4-digit code using numeric buttons.
  3. Confirm code by re-entering.
  4. If unit displays "CODE", enter security code to reactivate.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Bluetooth: Qualified Bluetooth product. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit doesn't power onPower connection/fuseCheck wiring harness; verify fuse; ensure proper ground connection.
No sound from speakersSpeaker wiring/settingsVerify speaker connections; check balance/fader settings; test speakers.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/device compatibilityDelete old pairings; ensure device compatibility; reset Bluetooth connection.
CD/USB not readingMedia format/damageCheck supported formats; clean disc; try different USB device.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to unit; check remote operation.

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

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

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