Kenwood KDC BT945U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT945U is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, AUX input, CD playback, AM/FM radio tuner, and advanced audio controls. With 50W x 4 maximum power output, built-in amplifier, customizable EQ settings, and hands-free calling capability, this unit delivers superior sound quality and modern connectivity options for your vehicle. 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. Bluetooth Operation 8. Audio Settings 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with display, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Bluetooth antenna, USB extension cable, Installation accessories.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth connectivity	For wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB input	For connecting USB devices and charging
AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio sources
CD playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power output	50W x 4 maximum power
EQ settings	Built-in equalizer with multiple presets
Display	Multi-color LCD with customizable illumination
Steering wheel control	Compatible with steering wheel remote interfaces
Power antenna control	Automatic antenna power control

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo unit from dashboard.
Connect wiring harness following color-coded wires.
Connect antenna cable and Bluetooth antenna.
Secure unit in dashboard and reassemble trim.
Reconnect battery and test operation.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button to set time.
Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode and connect mobile device.
Program radio stations: Use auto-store or manual preset method.
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, and EQ to preference.
Configure display: Set illumination color and brightness.

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure before final installation.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Bluetooth Version: 4.1 with A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
USB Support: Up to 32GB, MP3, WMA playback
Tuner Sensitivity: FM 10.8 dBf, AM 25 μV
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Operating Voltage: 14.4V DC (11-16V allowable)
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, MENU, BAND, USB/AUX buttons.

Remote Control: 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 (color/brightness), BLUETOOTH settings, BEEP on/off. Radio: AUTO-STORE, MANUAL tuning, PRESET memory. CD: REPEAT, RANDOM, SCAN, INTRO scan.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front or rear USB port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm front input. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for audio and calls.

Turn off unit before connecting wired devices.
For USB: Insert flash drive; unit will automatically detect.
For AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
For Bluetooth: Ensure pairing mode is active on both devices.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance with AUX connection.

Bluetooth Operation

Supports audio streaming and hands-free calling.

Pairing: Press SOURCE to BT, then MENU to enter pairing mode.
Connect: Search for "KDC-BT945U" on mobile device and connect.
Audio streaming: Play music from connected device automatically.
Hands-free: Answer/end calls with PHONE button; use microphone.
Phonebook: Access contacts through unit display if supported.
Disconnect: Turn off Bluetooth on mobile or reset unit pairing.

WARNING! Do not operate Bluetooth pairing while driving. Park safely first.

Audio Settings

Equalizer: 3-band parametric EQ with presets. Sound Effects: LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER control, HIGH-PASS filter. Balance/Fader: Adjust speaker balance and front/rear fader.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry, soft cloth only. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep discs clean and free of scratches.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners on display or controls.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth SIG qualified. Copyright © 2024 Kenwood Corporation. For technical support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Enter pairing mode; ensure devices within 3 feet; delete old pairing.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires/settings	Check speaker connections; verify fader/balance settings.
CD not playing	Disc/damage	Ensure disc is clean and undamaged; check format compatibility.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Use FAT32 format; ensure USB under 32GB; try different device.

Reset: Press RESET button with small pin or disconnect power for 30 seconds.

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