Kenwood KDC MP445U Manual

The Kenwood KDC MP445U is a high-performance car stereo system featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel amplifier, high-power output, bass boost, loudness control, and customizable audio settings. Below are key sections for installation, features, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Audio Source Connections 7. Playing Media 8. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, remote control, wiring harness, mounting sleeve, user manual.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays CDs, MP3, and WMA formats
USB connectivity	Direct connection for USB devices
AM/FM tuner	18 station presets (6 FM, 6 AM, 6 FM2)
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
4-channel amplifier	50W x 4 max power output
Bass boost	Adjustable low-frequency enhancement
Loudness control	Automatic sound compensation
Audio settings	Balance, fader, tone controls
AUX input	External audio device connection
Illuminated controls	Red illumination for night visibility

Installation

Unpack and verify all components. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected during 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 antenna cable into rear port.
Mount unit: Slide into dashboard using mounting sleeve.
Test functions: Reconnect battery and test all features.

WARNING! Disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts.

Basic Operation

Power on unit by pressing POWER button. Attach faceplate if detached.

Source selection: Press SOURCE to cycle through CD, USB, AUX, TUNER.
Volume control: Turn VOL knob or use remote control.
Radio tuning: Press BAND to select AM/FM; use TUNE or SEEK.
Preset stations: Store stations by holding numbered button.
CD playback: Insert CD; unit automatically begins playback.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving; set controls before driving.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 max (22W x 4 RMS)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB
Preset Stations: 18 total (6 FM1, 6 FM2, 6 AM)
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
USB Support: USB 2.0, up to 32GB
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER, VOL knob, SOURCE, EJECT, FUNCTION button.

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

Audio settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, BASS BOOST. Tuner settings: LOCAL/DX, AUTO MEMORY, SCAN. System settings: CLOCK, DIMMER, BEEP ON/OFF. Security: CODE setting for theft protection.

Audio Source Connections

USB: Front panel USB port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm input for external devices. CD: Slot-loading mechanism.

USB connection: Insert USB device directly into front port.
AUX connection: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
CD loading: Insert CD with label facing up.
Source selection: Press SOURCE to select desired input.

Tip: Format USB devices to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, MP3, WMA, USB playback with folder navigation.

CD playback: Insert CD; auto-play begins.
USB playback: Insert USB; unit reads and begins playback.
Track navigation: Use >>| and |<< for next/previous tracks.
Fast forward/rewind: Hold >>| or |<< during playback.
Repeat: Press RPT for track repeat; press again for folder repeat.
Random: Press RDM for random track playback.
Folder navigation: Use number buttons to select folders (MP3).
Scan: Press SCAN to sample each track for 10 seconds.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged CDs or foreign objects into slot.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove for theft prevention. Security Code: 4-digit code prevents unauthorized use (default 0000).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Remove faceplate before cleaning. Avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals on display or controls. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/ignition	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse.
No sound	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wire connections; check volume setting.
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Ensure compatible format; clean disc; check for scratches.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32; try different USB device.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable secure; check antenna condition.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

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