Kenwood KDC-BT555U - User Manual

Questions and Answers

B
Barry ClarkSep 5, 2025
What does “NOT SUPPORT” mean on Kenwood KDC-BT555U?
- H
  Hannah FranklinSep 5, 2025
  If “NOT SUPPORT” appears on your Kenwood Car Receiver, the connected phone does not support Voice Recognition feature.
J
John BryantAug 25, 2025
Why is the radio reception poor on my Kenwood KDC-BT555U?
- R
  robert34Aug 25, 2025
  If you are experiencing poor radio reception on your Kenwood Car Receiver, make sure the antenna is firmly connected.
T
Tina ReidAug 25, 2025
Why is my Kenwood KDC-BT555U Car Receiver not detecting Bluetooth devices?
- A
  Alvin PetersenAug 26, 2025
  If your Kenwood Car Receiver is not detecting any Bluetooth devices, try searching from the Bluetooth device again. If that doesn't work, reset the unit.
S
Shannon RussellSep 13, 2025
What does “CHECK ANTENNA” mean on Kenwood KDC-BT555U?
- D
  danieltaylorSep 13, 2025
  Check the antenna and its connection are in good condition.
C
cohenelijahSep 23, 2025
What does 'CH LOCKED' mean on my Kenwood KDC-BT555U Car Receiver?
- C
  Cheryl RodriguezSep 23, 2025
  If your Kenwood Car Receiver displays 'CH LOCKED', it means the selected channel is locked. Enter the correct pass code to unlock it.
K
kelly68Sep 9, 2025
What does “CHECK DEVICE” mean on Kenwood KDC-BT555U Car Receiver?
- J
  James WrightSep 9, 2025
  Check the Pandora application on your device.
C
Christina CastroSep 1, 2025
What does “iPod ERROR” mean on Kenwood KDC-BT555U Car Receiver?
- P
  pattersonrichardSep 1, 2025
  If “iPod ERROR” appears on your Kenwood Car Receiver, try reconnecting the iPod. If that doesn't work, reset the iPod.
E
Emily HortonSep 23, 2025
What does 'NOT SUPPORT' mean on my Kenwood Car Receiver?
- J
  Joseph KnightSep 23, 2025
  If your Kenwood Car Receiver displays 'NOT SUPPORT', the connected phone does not support the Voice Recognition feature.
J
Jessica AdamsSep 17, 2025
What to do if my Kenwood KDC-BT555U says 'USB ERROR'?
- C
  Charles VelasquezSep 18, 2025
  If your Kenwood Car Receiver displays 'USB ERROR', remove the USB device, turn the unit off, and then turn it back on. If the error persists, try connecting a different USB device.
D
David Kelly MDAug 28, 2025
Why is the phone sound quality poor on my Kenwood Car Receiver?
- H
  Hannah CardenasAug 28, 2025
  If the phone sound quality is poor when using your Kenwood Car Receiver, try reducing the distance between the unit and the Bluetooth device. Moving the car to a place where you can get better signal reception can also help.

Summary

BASICS

Basic Operations

How to turn on/off, adjust volume, select sources, and change display.

GETTING STARTED

Initial Settings Configuration

Guide to configure initial setup options like preset type and key beep.

CD, USB, and iPod Operations

Starting Playback

How to begin playing music from CD, USB, or iPod.

Pandora Integration

Pandora Preparation and Listening

Setting up and listening to Pandora via the connected device.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Preparation

Connecting and activating the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

Steps to establish a wireless connection with a Bluetooth device.

Bluetooth Mobile Phone Functions

Call Management

Handling incoming and outgoing calls, switching modes, and adjusting volume.

Bluetooth Voice and Memory Dialing

Voice Recognition and Control

Using voice commands and intelligent personal assistants.

Bluetooth Audio Player Control

Bluetooth Audio Playback

Controlling music playback from a connected Bluetooth device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Audio and Power Problems

Resolving issues with no sound, no power, or incorrect display information.

Disc and File Playback Errors

Troubleshooting errors like "NO DISC", "TOC ERROR", and "READ ERROR".

USB and iPod Connectivity Issues

Addressing "NO DEVICE", "USB ERROR", "iPod ERROR", and playback discrepancies.

Troubleshooting Pandora and SiriusXM

Pandora Service Errors

Resolving issues like ADD ERROR, SEARCH ERROR, and station limits.

SiriusXM Connection Issues

Troubleshooting no device detection, pairing failures, and "DEVICE FULL".

Bluetooth Audio and Call Quality

Addressing echo, noise, poor sound quality, and interrupted playback.

Installation and Connection Guide

Important Safety Warnings

Critical safety precautions before and during installation.

Basic Installation Procedure

Step-by-step guide for wiring and mounting the unit.

In-Dash Mounting Methods

Instructions for mounting the unit in the dashboard or without a sleeve.

Wiring Connections Diagram

Wiring Harness Connections

Detailed diagram showing how to connect wires for power, speakers, and accessories.

This document describes the Kenwood KDC-X597, KDC-BT555U, and KDC-BT355U CD-receivers, which are designed for in-car audio entertainment and communication. These devices combine a CD player, AM/FM tuner, and various connectivity options, including USB, iPod/iPhone, Bluetooth, Pandora, and SiriusXM, to provide a comprehensive in-vehicle infotainment experience.

Function Description

The Kenwood CD-receivers serve as a central hub for audio playback and communication in your vehicle.

CD Playback: The unit supports playback of audio CDs, as well as AAC, MP3, and WMA files stored on CD-R/RW/ROM discs. It features basic controls like play/pause, track selection, folder selection, reverse/fast-forward, repeat play, and random play. The CD Read setting allows you to choose between automatic distinction of audio file discs and music CDs, or forcing playback as a music CD.
USB Playback: Connect a USB mass storage class device to play AAC, MP3, and WMA audio files. Similar to CD playback, it offers controls for play/pause, track/file selection, folder selection, reverse/fast-forward, repeat play, and random play. You can also select tracks from a list, making it easier to navigate large music libraries.
iPod/iPhone Playback: Connect your iPod or iPhone via the USB input terminal to enjoy music. The unit supports various iPod and iPhone models. You can choose between controlling playback from the iPod/iPhone itself (MODE ON) or from the unit (MODE OFF). Features include play/pause, file selection, fast-forward/reverse, direct music search by track/file number, and song selection by name with alphabet search. A unique "skip search" feature allows you to quickly skip through songs at predefined ratios (0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%).
AM/FM Tuner: The built-in tuner allows you to listen to AM and FM radio stations. It offers different tuning methods: AUTO1 (automatic search), AUTO2 (preset search), and MANUAL. Auto Memory can automatically store up to 6 stations with good reception. The Mono Set feature improves FM reception in areas with weak signals, though it may sacrifice stereo effect. PTY Search allows you to search for stations by program type (e.g., News, Sports, Music genres). Traffic Information (TI) can temporarily switch to traffic broadcasts. You can also store and select preset stations using the number buttons. Direct Access Tuning (via remote control) allows direct frequency input.
Pandora Integration (KDC-X597/KDC-BT555U): For compatible devices (iPhone/iPod touch), the unit integrates with the Pandora application. After installing the Pandora app and logging in, you can stream music. Controls include pause/resume, thumbs up/down, skip track, creating new stations from the current track or artist, and saving/searching registered stations.
SiriusXM™ Integration (KDC-X597/KDC-BT555U): Connect an optional SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner to access SiriusXM satellite radio. After activation, you can select SiriusXM as a source, browse categories and channels, and store/select preset channels. The unit also supports Replay, allowing you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward live SiriusXM broadcasts. Channel Lock and Mature Channel settings provide parental control with a passcode.
Bluetooth® Connectivity: The KDC-BT555U and KDC-BT355U models feature Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
- Hands-Free Calling: Connect a microphone to enable hands-free phone calls. The unit supports receiving calls, rejecting incoming calls, ending calls, and switching between hands-free and private talk modes. You can adjust the phone volume during a call. Text message notifications are displayed when a message is received.
- Phonebook and Call History: Access your phone's contacts (if PBAP is supported) and call history (received, made, missed calls). Alphabet Search helps quickly find contacts. You can also dial numbers directly.
- Voice Recognition: Use voice commands to call contacts or control phone functions.
- Bluetooth Audio Player: Stream audio from your Bluetooth-enabled device. Basic controls like play/pause, group/folder selection, skip, fast-forward/reverse, repeat play, and random play are available.
- Pandora via Bluetooth: Listen to Pandora from your Android or RIM OS smartphone through Bluetooth on the unit.
AUX Input: A built-in auxiliary input allows you to connect portable audio players or other audio devices. You can customize the name of the AUX source (e.g., DVD, Portable, Game).
Audio Settings: A wide range of audio adjustments are available to fine-tune your listening experience.
- Preset EQ: Choose from various equalizer presets (Natural, Rock, Pops, Jazz, etc.) or a user-customizable setting.
- Bass Boost and Loudness: Enhance low frequencies at different levels.
- Balance and Fader: Adjust speaker output balance between left/right and front/rear.
- Subwoofer Control: Enable/disable subwoofer output, adjust its level, and set the low-pass filter (LPF) frequency and phase.
- High-Pass Filter (HPF): Set the high-pass filter frequency for main speakers.
- Supreme Set: Enhances high-frequency components lost in compressed audio files (MP3/WMA).
- Volume Offset: Adjusts the volume level for each source independently.
- EQ PRO (KDC-X597 only): Offers more detailed control over bass, mid, and treble frequencies, including center frequency and Q-factor adjustments, and bass extend.
Display Settings: Customize the display and key illumination.
- Color Select (KDC-X597/KDC-BT555U): Choose from variable scan, preset colors, or create a custom color for key illumination.
- Display Dimmer: Adjust display brightness.
- Text Scroll: Control automatic or one-time scrolling of display information.
- Key Dimmer (KDC-X597/KDC-BT555U): Adjust key illumination brightness.
- Bluetooth Device Status: View connection status, battery level, and signal strength of connected Bluetooth devices.

Usage Features

Faceplate Controls: The unit features a volume knob (turn/press), SRC button for source selection, and other buttons for various functions. The faceplate is detachable for security.
Remote Control (RC-406): A remote control provides convenient access to most functions, including power, volume, source selection, track/station navigation, and attenuation.
Initial Setup: Upon first power-on or after a reset, the unit guides you through canceling the demonstration mode and setting the clock. Initial settings for preset type, key beep, Pandora source, built-in AUX, CD read mode, pre-out switch, and speaker select can be configured.
Reset Function: A reset button is available to restore the unit to its factory default settings, which can be useful for troubleshooting.
Pairing Bluetooth Devices: The pairing process involves searching for the unit's model name on your Bluetooth device and confirming the pairing. The unit supports Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) and can store up to five paired devices.
Switching Connected Phones: Easily switch between two connected Bluetooth phones.
Firmware Update: The unit supports firmware updates, with details available on the Kenwood website.

Maintenance Features

Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to help diagnose and resolve common issues related to sound, display, CD/USB/iPod playback, radio reception, Pandora, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Resetting the Unit: The reset function can often resolve operational issues by returning the unit to its default state.
Cleaning Connectors: For issues like no sound or incorrect display information, cleaning the connectors is recommended.
Antenna Connection: Ensuring the antenna is firmly connected and extended is crucial for good radio reception.
Fuse Replacement: If the fuse blows, check for short circuits in the wiring before replacing it with a fuse of the same rating.
Checking Wiring and Connections: For installation and operational problems, verifying all wiring and connections is a fundamental step.
Microphone Adjustment: For optimal hands-free calling, the microphone's position and angle can be adjusted, and the echo cancellation level can be fine-tuned.
Software Updates: Regularly checking the Kenwood website for the latest compatible lists for iPhone/iPod and Bluetooth devices, as well as firmware updates, helps maintain optimal performance and compatibility.

Kenwood KDC-BT555U Specifications

General

Power Output (RMS)	22W
Bluetooth	Yes
USB Port	Yes
CD Playback	Yes
Radio Tuner	AM/FM
Display Type	LCD
Preamp Outputs	3 (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
Subwoofer Output	Yes
AUX Input	Yes
MP3 Playback	Yes
WMA Playback	Yes
AAC Playback	Yes
FLAC Playback	Yes
Remote Control	Yes
Channels	4
Wireless Audio Streaming	Yes
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Steering Wheel Control Compatible	Yes
Equalizer	13-Band Graphic
Maximum Output Power	50W x 4 Channels