Kenwood KDC X496 Instruction Manual

The Kenwood KDC X496 is a digital media receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, auxiliary input, CD playback capability, AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets, detachable faceplate security, customizable illumination, built-in amplifier (22W x 4 channels), advanced audio controls including bass/treble/midrange adjustments, subwoofer output, and steering wheel remote control compatibility. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Media 8. Bluetooth Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital media receiver, detachable faceplate, remote control, wiring harness, Bluetooth module, USB port, auxiliary input.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth connectivity	For hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB input	For connecting USB devices and charging
Auxiliary input	3.5mm jack for external audio sources
CD playback	Supports CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Customizable illumination	Multiple color options for display
Built-in amplifier	22W x 4 channels maximum power
Audio controls	Bass, treble, midrange, loudness
Subwoofer output	RCA preamp output for external subwoofer

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper vehicle compatibility.

Disconnect negative battery terminal: For safety during installation.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors to vehicle harness (red to ignition, yellow to battery, black to ground).
Mount receiver: Secure in DIN opening using mounting sleeve and brackets.
Connect antennas: Attach vehicle antenna connector.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to enter standby, then hold SETUP for clock setting.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired stations, press and hold preset buttons.
Configure Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KDC-X496" on your device.
Adjust audio settings: Use AUDIO menu for bass, treble, balance, fader.
Set illumination: Choose from multiple color options in display settings.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 22W x 4 channels (maximum)
Tuner: FM/AM with 18FM/6AM presets
Bluetooth: Version 2.1 + EDR, A2DP, AVRCP
USB: Supports USB 2.0, charging capability
Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC playback
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: 95dB (CD)
Preamp Outputs: Front, rear, subwoofer (2V)
Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm)
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, AUDIO button, SETUP button, USB port, auxiliary input.

Remote: POWER, SOURCE selection, volume up/down, track skip, preset buttons, mute, audio controls.

Audio Settings: Bass (-6 to +6), Treble (-6 to +6), Midrange (-6 to +6), Loudness (on/off), Balance/Fader. Display: Illumination color (red, blue, green, etc.), dimmer settings. Bluetooth: Pairing, phonebook access, call history. Radio: Manual tuning, seek, local/distance reception.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect compatible USB devices. Auxiliary: 3.5mm audio cable. Bluetooth: Wireless pairing.

Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
USB connection: Insert USB device directly into front port.
Auxiliary input: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
Bluetooth pairing: Enter pairing mode, connect from device settings.
Select source via SOURCE button (USB, BT AUDIO, AUX, CD, TUNER).

Tip: Format USB devices to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, Bluetooth audio, auxiliary input.

Insert CD: Load disc with label side up.
USB playback: Navigate folders using folder up/down buttons.
Play/Pause: Control playback with dedicated buttons.
Track navigation: Use skip buttons or rotary knob.
Repeat/Shuffle: Access through function menu.
Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold skip buttons.
Display info: Show track title, artist, album when available.
Random play: Activate through audio settings menu.

WARNING! Do not use damaged discs. Keep USB connections secure while driving.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Answer/end calls with phone button. Audio streaming: Play music from Bluetooth devices. Phonebook access: Download contacts to receiver.

Pairing: Enter pairing mode (SETUP > BT SETUP > PAIRING).
Call functions: Answer with phone button, end with power/volume knob.
Audio streaming: Select BT AUDIO source for music playback.
Phonebook: Download contacts for voice dialing capability.

Note: Compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled phones.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Remove faceplate when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified design. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse, verify power and ground connections.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Enter pairing mode, ensure device within range, delete old pairings.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32, try different USB device.
No sound	Mute/speaker connections	Check mute setting, verify speaker wiring.
CD not playing	Disc format/damage	Use compatible disc format, clean disc surface.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna connected properly, check local signal strength.

Reset: Press reset button on faceplate or disconnect battery for 30 seconds.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center or visit www.kenwood.com