Kenwood KW85 Manual

The Kenwood KW85 is a high-performance car audio system featuring AM/FM radio with RDS, CD player with MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity, auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, 4x50W output power, and customizable audio settings. 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: Main unit with detachable front panel, Remote Control, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna, Speaker outputs.

FeatureDescription
AM/FM RadioWith RDS for station information display
CD PlayerSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA formats
USB PortFor USB flash drives and device connectivity
AUX Input3.5mm jack for external audio devices
BluetoothHands-free calling and audio streaming
Power Output4x50W maximum power
Detachable FrontSecurity feature to prevent theft
LCD DisplayBacklit display with adjustable dimmer
Audio ControlsBass, treble, balance, fader adjustments
Preset Memory18 FM and 6 AM station presets

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper vehicle compatibility.

  1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
  2. Remove existing radio: Use appropriate removal tools for your vehicle.
  3. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires to vehicle harness.
  4. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
  5. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using supplied brackets.
  6. Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

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 presets: Tune to desired stations, press and hold preset buttons.
  3. Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls.
  4. Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search for "KENWOOD-KW85" on your device.
  5. Set display dimmer: Adjust brightness for day/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, AUDIO controls.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, BAND, VOLUME, MUTE, PRESET, AUDIO.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L9 to R9), FADER (F9 to R9). Display: DIMMER control, CLOCK setting. Radio: Manual/auto tuning, preset memory. Bluetooth: Pairing, call handling, phonebook access.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm input for external players. Bluetooth: Wireless audio and phone connectivity.

  1. Turn off unit before connecting devices.
  2. USB: Insert flash drive, select USB source.
  3. AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable, select AUX source.
  4. Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode, connect from device.

Tip: Format USB drives as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

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

  1. CD: Insert disc, playback starts automatically.
  2. USB: Connect drive, press SOURCE to select USB.
  3. File navigation: Use folder up/down buttons to browse.
  4. Play modes: Repeat, random, scan functions available.
  5. Track selection: Use numeric buttons or seek controls.
  6. Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold >> or << buttons.
  7. MP3 ID3 tag display: Shows artist and track information.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or scratched discs. Keep USB connections clean.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free calling: Answer/end calls with remote or unit buttons. Audio streaming: Play music from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Phonebook access: Download and access contacts.

  1. Pairing: Hold PAIR button until display shows "PAIRING"
  2. Search: On phone, search for Bluetooth devices
  3. Connect: Select "KENWOOD-KW85" from list
  4. Confirm: Enter PIN 0000 if prompted

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Remove front panel when not in use for security. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Keep discs and USB ports free of dust.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE marked for European markets. Bluetooth qualified design. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/fuseCheck fuse, wiring connections, and ground.
No soundSettings/speakersCheck volume, mute, speaker connections.
CD won't playDisc/formatEnsure compatible disc format; clean disc.
Bluetooth not connectingPairing/distanceReset pairing; ensure within range (10m).
USB not recognizedFormat/powerReformat as FAT32; try different USB device.
Poor radio receptionAntenna/locationCheck antenna connection; reposition vehicle.

Reset: Press reset button on front panel with small object.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.

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