Kenwood X997 Manual

The Kenwood X997 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, CD playback, AM/FM radio with 18 FM and 6 AM presets, built-in amplifier, customizable display colors, advanced audio controls, and steering wheel control compatibility. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Bluetooth Connectivity 7. USB and Audio Playback 8. Audio Adjustments 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Bluetooth module, USB port, AUX input.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth connectivityFor hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB inputFor iPod/iPhone and USB storage devices
CD playbackSupports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner18 FM and 6 AM station presets
AUX input3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices
Display customization128-color customizable display
Audio controls13-band equalizer, time alignment, crossover
Steering wheel controlCompatible with most steering wheel interfaces
Power output50W x 4 channels maximum power
Security featuresDetachable faceplate with carrying case

Installation

Remove existing stereo and prepare wiring harness.

  1. Disconnect vehicle battery: Ensure safety by disconnecting negative terminal.
  2. Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red - ignition, yellow - battery, black - ground).
  3. Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna connector.
  4. Mount unit: Secure in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve.
  5. Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; attach faceplate if removed.

  1. Source selection: Press SOURCE button to cycle through modes (Radio, CD, USB, Bluetooth, AUX).
  2. Volume control: Turn knob or use remote control volume buttons.
  3. Radio tuning: Use TUNE buttons or seek function for automatic station search.
  4. Preset stations: Hold desired number button (1-6) for 2 seconds to store current station.
  5. CD operation: Insert disc; use playback controls (PLAY, PAUSE, SKIP).

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving; set all functions before driving.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via FUNCTION button. Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, EJECT, FUNCTION.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, PLAY/PAUSE, SKIP, MENU.

Audio Settings: 13-band equalizer, Bass/Mid/Treble, Loudness, Subwoofer level. Display: Color settings, Dimmer, Button illumination. System: Clock setting, Beep tone, Language, Reset. Bluetooth: Pairing, Phonebook access, Call history. Source: Mode preferences, Auto-play settings.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pair mobile devices for hands-free operation and audio streaming.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on mobile device.
  2. Press SOURCE to select Bluetooth mode.
  3. Enter pairing mode: Hold PAIR button for 3 seconds until display shows "PAIRING".
  4. Select "KENWOOD X997" from device list on mobile.
  5. Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
  6. Confirm pairing on both devices.

Tip: Up to 5 devices can be paired; only one can be connected at a time.

USB and Audio Playback

Supports USB devices and iPod/iPhone connectivity.

  1. Connect USB device: Use front panel USB port.
  2. Select USB source: Press SOURCE until USB mode activates.
  3. Navigation: Use folder/track navigation for USB devices.
  4. iPod control: Full control interface for compatible Apple devices.
  5. File formats: MP3, WMA, AAC audio files supported.
  6. Play modes: Repeat, Shuffle, Random playback available.

WARNING! Do not remove USB device during playback to prevent data corruption.

Audio Adjustments

Advanced audio controls for optimal sound quality.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth only. Remove faceplate when parking in public areas.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Bluetooth qualified device. Copyright © 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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerWiring/connectionsCheck battery and ignition connections; verify fuse condition.
Bluetooth not pairingDevice compatibilityEnsure device Bluetooth is enabled; delete old pairing and retry.
USB not recognizedFormat/compatibilityUse FAT32 formatted devices; check file format compatibility.
Poor radio receptionAntenna connectionEnsure antenna cable is securely connected; check antenna condition.
CD skippingDisc condition/vibrationClean disc surface; ensure proper mounting to reduce vibration.

Reset: Hold SOURCE and FUNCTION buttons for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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

Kenwood X997 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025