Bluetooth I Garmin Navigation I iPod I USB I General
Bluetooth [Top]
Q1) Where can I find the latest Bluetooth Software Updates?
A1) Please go to the Kenwood Bluetooth Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt and fill in deck and phone information. Software update information is found near the bottom of the page.
Q2) What cellular phones are compatible with Kenwood Bluetooth models?
A2) Please go to the Kenwood Bluetooth Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt and fill in Kenwood deck and phone device information. Please note that the phone compatibility database references US and European wireless carriers only. Alternatively, test the actual phone in-store for incoming/outgoing calls and phonebook transfer.
Q3) What head units are compatible with KCA-BT200/BT300?
A3) Please go to the Kenwood Bluetooth Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt and fill in deck and phone information. All Kenwood and eXcelon Multimedia models featuring USB are compatible plus the DDX6019.
Q4) The person I am calling hears an echo while I am using Bluetooth in my car, how do I solve this?
A4) This can be a result of microphone positioning. Rear-view mirror, near the headliner or on the steering wheel column are generally the best positions for microphone. If the deck has the ability to select left or right front speaker, choose the speaker not facing the microphone to reduce echo.
Q5) The Phonebook and Direct Number functions appear to be disabled.
A5) For Multimedia models, please ensure the e-brake function is engaged in order to see the Phonebook and Direct Number functions, this is for safety purposes.
Q6) How do I increase/decrease Bluetooth volume during a phone call?
A6) While on a hands-free call, simply adjust the volume on your Kenwood deck. This volume setting is independent of music volume once your phone call ends.
Q7) What do I need to perform a Bluetooth firmware update via Bluetooth?
A7) For Kenwood Bluetooth products that require software updates via Bluetooth, you will require a Windows PC equipped with integrated Bluetooth or the addition of a Bluetooth USB dongle.
Q8) What is the maximum number of phones which I can register with a Kenwood Bluetooth equipped head unit?
A8) Up to 5 registered phones. To add an additional phone when five are already registered, you must delete one from the registration list first.
Q9) Why does the phonebook re-download every time I get in the car?
A9) The initial synch of your phone's contact phonebook takes longer than the subsequent synching as it is only looking for changes/additions/deletions
Q10) How do I reset a cell phone?
A10) Please research this on the phone manufacturer's website or contact your service provider.
Q11) Why does the Kenwood radio say "HF disconnect/error"?
A11) HF stands for hands-free, this is a communication problem between the cell phone and the Kenwood unit. This is normally fixed with either a software update of the Bluetooth unit or of the smartphone. You may also try to reset your phone device.
Q12) Why do I need to update my Bluetooth unit?
A12) Cell phones, particularly smartphones, have constantly changing software. Kenwood, through their partnership with Parrot, give you a way to update to the latest firmware for best performance or enhancements, and greater compatibility to the latest phone devices being introduced to market.
Q13) My cell phone is asking for a pass code to link up with my BT unit, what is this code?
A13) Please check in the Bluetooth Menu to confirm the PIN Code of your Kenwood product. The default PIN code is typically "0000" or "1234".
Q14) What is A2DP?
A14) A2DP is streaming audio over Bluetooth. Music stored on your phone can be wirelessly played via Bluetooth thru a Kenwood head unit which supports the A2DP feature.
Q15) How many contacts can be transferred into my phonebook?
A15) Maximum of 1000 Contacts with 5 numbers per contact, per registered phone. Up to five phones can be registered.
Q16) My phone won't Pair with the Kenwood deck.
A16) Firstly, please check the Kenwood Bluetooth Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt to ensure that your phone is compatible. Secondly, ensure you are using the correct PIN Code during the Pairing Process. Lastly, check the Paired Devices List, if there are already 5 Devices in the list you'll need to delete one before you can complete Pairing.
Q17) My phonebook doesn't transfer.
A17) Check to ensure that all the settings on the phone have been set to enable Phonebook Transfer, and that all Notification Messages on the phone were acknowledged. If "Downloading" or "DL" is being displayed on the Kenwood deck, the download process has not completed yet.
Q18) Phone cannot be found.
A18) Bluetooth functionality is off or the phone is not in "discoverable mode." Make the device you are trying to find and pair with visible/discoverable by either turning this on from the appropriate menu.
Q19) My phone doesn't automatically reconnect to the Kenwood deck.
A19) Make sure that the setting on the phone for "Connect on Power ON" is set to "Yes". If there is a "Trusted Device" setting on the phone ensure this is set to "Yes" for the Kenwood deck.
Q20) What units have streaming audio?
A20) Please search your Kenwood model at www.kenwood.ca to see if your model supports A2DP function.
Q21) Can an external Mic be added to the KDC-BT645U?
A21) No.
Garmin Navigation [Top]
Q1) How do I purchase new Garmin maps?
A1) For USA customers, new maps can be purchased directly from Garmin. Simply go to www.garmin.com/kenwood , find your model and click on Map Updates. For non-US consumers, please contact a local authorized Garmin map re-seller.
Q2) Does Kenwood support free map updates?
A2) Map updates are optional and licensed by Garmin at an additional cost. Check the View Map feature found at www.garmin.com/kenwood on the actual product page to see if the new map release offers additional coverage for your area prior to making a decision to purchase.
Q3) How do I confirm the map version on my Kenwood Garmin navigation system?
A3) From the main Garmin screen, go to SETTINGS -> MAP -> INFO.
Q4) How do I confirm the software version on my Kenwood Garmin navigation system?
A4) From the main Garmin screen, go to SETTINGS -> SYSTEM -> ABOUT.
Q5) How do I update my Garmin firmware?
A5) First, go to www.garmin.com/kenwood and find your model. Click on SOFTWARE UPDATE. Follow the prompts and DOWNLOAD the file onto your desktop. Create a new folder on your desktop and re-name it "garmin" (lower-case). Now unzip the file and extract to the "garmin folder". Depending on your model, you will need to burn the garmin folder onto a CD-R or place onto a microSD or SD card.
Q6) How do I quickly adjust navigation volume?
A6) When the navigation voice prompt occurs, simply adjust volume. This navigatio volume is separate from Bluetooth and music volume.
Q7) How do I change vehicle icons?
A7) From the main Garmin screen, go to SETTINGS -> MAP -> VEHICLE
Q8) The GPS antenna is connected, but I am not receiving GPS signal, what should I do?
A8) Ensure the antenna is "grounded" on the included metal plate or magnetically attached to a flat metal surface on your vehicle.
Q9) Can I search for a destination using coordinates?
A9) Yes, simply by inputting LATITUDE and LONGITUDE.
Q10) My main mapping screen shows me only speed and direction can I change these or add more items?
A10) Yes, you can do both by selecting the speed it will pull up other items like elevation direction etc to put there instead of speed. If you go into your Settings -> Map -> Map Data Layout. You can select [More Data] so you can have elevation, speed, direction, and time of day all displayed at once.
Q11) Where can I find software updates for my Navigation unit and do I need to pay for these updates?
A11) Navigation software updates can be found on both Kenwood and Garmin’s Website’s. Software updates are free, mapping updates are the only thing that cost you money.
Q12) Which models offer built-in NAVTEQ traffic with lifetime subscription?
A12) DNX9960 & DNX7160
Q13) Which model(s) offer 3D Landmark mapping?
A13) DNX9960
Q14) Is there a way to quickly find out my exact location in case of an emergency?
A14) Yes, simply touch the vehicle icon on the map.
Q15) What is the add-on Navteq Traffic receiver for DNX5160, DNX6160, DNX6960 and KNA-G610?
A15) The KNA-NT100. It includes lifetime Navteq Traffic subscription and is compatible with 2010 models only.
Q16) How many Points-Of-Interests are there typically on Kenwood Garmin navigation products?
A16) Approximately over 6 million POIs.
Q17) Can I add my own custom Points-Of-Interests on a Kenwood Garmin navigation product?
A17) This advanced function is possible using Garmin's POI Loader program. (Please note that Kenwood does not offer technical support for 3rd-party applications)
iPod [Top]
Q1) I have updated to the latest Apple iOS4 software on my iPod Touch/iPhone - now it doesn't work with my Kenwood head unit.
A1) Please ensure your Apple device has been updated to its latest software using iTunes. Alternatively, please try the following:
(a). Power off your iPod Touch / iPhone completely.
(b). Power off your car stereo.
(c). Connect your iPod Touch / iPhone via the white USB-iPod dock connector to the radio
(d). Turn on your car
(e). The deck will turn on and in turn it will turn on your iPod Touch / iPhone
This should re-establish the handshake between the two devices.
Q2) How do I confirm if my iPod or iPhone is compatible to a Kenwood head unit?
A2) Please go to the Kenwood iPod Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod and choose your Apple device and Kenwood model.
Q3) How do I confirm what cable I need to connect my iPod or iPhone to a compatible Kenwood head unit?
A3) Please go to the Kenwood iPod Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod and choose your Apple device and Kenwood model.
Q4) What should I do if my iPod does not work with a compatible Kenwood head unit?
A4)
(a). Please ensure your Apple device has been updated to the latest Apple software using iTunes.
(b). Perform a hard reset on your iPod (see Apple's web site for details)
(c). Please verify compatibility by going to the Kenwood iPod Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod
(d). Please verify cable compatibility by going to the Kenwood iPod Compatibility List at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/ipod .
(e). Please verify that your Kenwood firmware version is up to date by going to the Kenwood Software Updater page at www.kenwood.com/cs/ce .
(f). Please test with another compatible iPod to isolate the problem.
Q5) I am unable to watch video content from my iPod on my Kenwood multimedia head unit.
A5)
(a). Please ensure that the emergency hand-brake is engaged in order to see video playback.
(b). Ensure you are searching thru the iPod's Video Search list
(c). Depending on the model, you may need to press the video album cover on the Control Screen menu to "see" the video playback.
(d). Please ensure you are using the correct Kenwood-iPhone/iPod cable for audio/video playback and that it is connected correctly.
Q6) How do I verify the software version on the iPod?
A6) It depends on the model, usually Settings->General->About->Version - see Apple's website for details by model.
Q7) How does the consumer update his iPod to the latest Apple software version?
A7) The iPod must be re-connected with the PC that it is "synched" with and press Check For Updates.
Q8) I have an IPhone and would like to connect it to my Kenwood unit, do I need any special cables?
A8) The cable that comes with your IPod is not intended for use in a vehicle. Extreme weather can affect the cable and cause serious damage to the unit or the IPod. Kenwood cables are made to withstand the most intense weather conditions and work at full speed during these conditions.
Q9) What units offer iPod control by hand?
A9) DNX9960, DNX7160, DDX896, KIV-BT900, KIV-700, KDC-BT945U,KDC-MP745U, KDC-BT645U, KDC-HD545U, KDC-MP445U, KDC-MP345U, KDC-X994, KDC-X794, KDC-X494
Q10) Can I stream Pandora off of my iPhone thru USB?
A10) Yes, Kenwood units only lock out the iPod functionality of your iPhone if you press your home button it will take you back to your main screen select Pandora and you will notice your Pandora play list will start playing immediately.
USB [Top]
Q1) What USB devices are compatible with my head unit?
A1) Please go to www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/audiofile to verify all details pertaining to USB device playback.
Q2) What size USB memory can I use with my Kenwood multimedia head unit?
A2) The limitation is file and folder structure using FAT16/32 formatting. Please go to www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/audiofile to verify correct formatting of your USB device.
Q3) Can I use an external hard drive with my Kenwood multimedia head unit with USB?
A3) Efficient portable drives which are formatted correctly can be used. Please go to www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/audiofile to verify all details pertaining to USB device playback and file/folder structure.
Q4) How do I know how to format my files and folders?
A4) Please go to www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/audiofile to verify all details pertaining to USB device playback and file/folder structure.
General [Top]
Q1) My CD changer has CD Text but when I load a disc, the display shows 'NO TEXT'. How do I get the text information to display?
A1) You might be playing a CD that does not have CD Text encoding. CD Text is digitally encoded text information on the disc. This technology is only found on more recently manufactured CDs.
Q2) I have a CD Changer hooked up to my receiver, and every time I press the source (SRC) button, the changer does not show up.
A2) If you have a changer that can read CD Text, the 'N - O' switch needs to be switched to the "O" position. Make sure the changer cable is securely hooked up and not damaged.
Q3) Where can I get car audio spare parts / instruction manuals and accessories from?
A3) Most of our instruction manuals are available for download. Please go to the SUPPORT menu and then INSTRUCTION MANUAL menu. If the model you require is not mentioned, then it is only available in paper book form, from our Part Supplier detailed below. Spare parts, accessories and instruction manuals for car audio products can be obtained from the following Company. NOTE; - Detachable faceplates for car audio products can be supplied, but the following information is required for security reasons. You will be required to supply details on the model number and serial number of the stereo. This can be found the top panel of the stereo or on the original packaging. Also, a copy of the purchase receipt for the stereo is required for security reasons. Global Electronics Supplies, 5600 Timberlea Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4M6 Tel no: 1-800-668-8776 Fax no: 1-905-624-9044 E-mail: sales@globalsemi.com Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm