Kenwood KSC 25 Manual

The Kenwood KSC 25 is a compact car stereo system with AM/FM radio, CD player, USB connectivity, auxiliary input, and Bluetooth capabilities. Features include digital tuner with preset stations, MP3/WMA playback, remote control compatibility, LCD display, and adjustable audio settings. Powered by 12V DC vehicle electrical system. 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 Connectivity 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital AM/FM tuner, CD player, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth connectivity, LCD display, Remote Control compatibility.

FeatureDescription
AM/FM RadioDigital tuner with 30 preset stations
CD PlayerSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
USB PortFor MP3/WMA playback from USB devices
AUX Input3.5mm jack for external audio sources
BluetoothWireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
LCD DisplayBacklit display showing track info and settings
Power Output4 x 50W maximum power
Remote ControlOptional remote control operation
Audio ControlsBass, treble, balance, fader adjustments
Power Supply12V DC vehicle electrical system

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is turned off during installation.

  1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
  2. Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools specific to your vehicle.
  3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red - ignition, yellow - battery, black - ground).
  4. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
  5. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using mounting sleeve.
  6. Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Incorrect installation may damage vehicle electrical system. Use appropriate fuses.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust time with tuning knob.
  2. Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6).
  3. Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls.
  4. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD KSC25" on mobile device.
  5. Set display brightness: Adjust via DIMMER control for night driving.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, TUNE knob, AUDIO button, CD slot, USB port.

Remote Functions: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, BAND, PRESET, PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK UP/DOWN.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L/R), FADER (F/R). Radio: Manual/seek tuning, preset memory. Display: Dimmer control, clock setting. Bluetooth: Pairing, call handling, audio streaming.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect USB drive for music playback. AUX: 3.5mm cable from external device. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for audio and calls.

  1. Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
  2. USB: Insert USB drive directly into front port.
  3. AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from device to AUX input.
  4. Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode, connect from mobile device.
  5. Select source using SOURCE button.

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth audio sources.

  1. CD Playback: Insert disc label-side up, closes automatically.
  2. USB Playback: Insert USB drive, automatically detects and plays.
  3. Track Selection: Use TUNE knob or remote TRACK buttons.
  4. Play Modes: Repeat (RPT), Random (RDM) available.
  5. Fast Forward/Rewind: Press and hold TRACK buttons.
  6. Folder Navigation: Press TUNE knob to access USB folder structure.
  7. MP3 ID3 Tag Display: Shows artist and track name when available.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling capabilities.

  1. Pairing: Press SOURCE until BT appears, enable Bluetooth on phone, select "KENWOOD KSC25".
  2. Audio Streaming: Play music from paired device automatically.
  3. Phone Calls: Answer with PLAY/PAUSE, end call with same button.
  4. Phonebook: Access contacts if supported by mobile device.
  5. Last Pairing Memory: Remembers last paired device automatically.

Note: Bluetooth range approximately 10 meters unobstructed.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry, soft cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep discs and USB ports free of dust.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air on CD mechanism. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck ignition and battery connections; replace fuse if blown.
No soundVolume/muteCheck volume setting; ensure mute is off; verify speaker connections.
CD not playingDisc/formatEnsure disc is clean and undamaged; check format compatibility.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/rangeDelete old pairing; restart both devices; reduce distance.
USB not recognizedFormat/powerReformat as FAT32; ensure drive is properly powered.
Poor radio receptionAntenna/locationCheck antenna connection; extend antenna fully; reposition vehicle.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

Kenwood KSC 25 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025