Sony CDX-4250 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony CDX-4250 is an in-dash CD receiver designed for car audio systems. It features AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, CD playback, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel high power output (52W x 4 max), front auxiliary input, bass boost, loudness, and customizable audio settings. Compatible with standard ISO wiring harness. 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. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Detachable faceplate, Remote control (if included), Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power Output	52W x 4 maximum (high power)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Bass Boost	Enhances low frequency response
Loudness	Compensates for low volume listening
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader adjustments
Illumination	Green/amber display illumination
Clock	Digital clock with timer

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Prepare dashboard: Remove existing stereo if present.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors to vehicle harness (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect speakers: Ensure proper polarity (+/-).
Insert mounting sleeve: Secure in dashboard opening.
Connect antenna: Plug into rear antenna input.
Test connections: Reconnect battery, turn on to verify operation.

WARNING! Incorrect wiring may damage unit or vehicle electrical system. Use proper tools and follow vehicle manual.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, adjust with tuning knob.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6 for AM, 1-18 for FM).
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER controls.
Set illumination: Choose green or amber in display settings.
Security: Detach faceplate when leaving vehicle.

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

Specifications

Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Output Power: 52W x 4 max (17W x 4 RMS).
Tuner Section: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
CD Compatibility: Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90 dB (CD).
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Audio Input: Front 3.5mm AUX jack.
Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm x 159mm).
Operating Temp: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, TUNING knob, AUDIO button, EJECT button, AUX input.

Remote (if included): POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, PRESET, SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE.

Audio Settings: BASS (-10 to +10), TREBLE (-10 to +10), BALANCE (L/R), FADER (F/R), LOUDNESS (On/Off), BASS BOOST (0/1/2). Radio: Manual/seek tuning, preset memory, local/distance reception. CD: Play, pause, skip, repeat, random play. Display: Clock, illumination color, dimmer.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Antenna: Standard car antenna cable. Speakers: 4-channel output.

Turn off vehicle and unit before connecting.
Connect AUX device: Use 3.5mm cable to front input.
Select source: Press SOURCE until "AUX" appears.
Adjust volume: Start low to prevent damage.

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio performance. Secure cables to prevent rattling.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, CD-R/RW.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, insert disc label side up.
Play: Press SOURCE to select CD mode; playback starts automatically.
Skip tracks: Press >>| or |<< for next/previous.
Seek: Press and hold >>| or |<< for fast forward/rewind.
Repeat: Press RPT for track repeat; press twice for disc repeat.
Random: Press RDM for random play.
Eject: Press EJECT to remove disc.
Radio: Press BAND to switch AM/FM; use TUNING or SEEK.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular CDs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove by pressing release button; store separately. Security Code: Optional code can be set to disable unit if stolen (refer to manual for setup).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry, soft cloth. Do not use solvents. Keep discs clean and free of scratches. Store faceplate in protective case.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture or direct sunlight for extended periods. Keep ventilation openings clear.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery connection; verify fuse (10A) in power wire; ensure ignition wire connected.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume; verify speaker connections; ensure mute not activated.
CD won't play	Disc/player	Ensure disc is clean and inserted properly; check for compatible format.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna fully extended and connected; adjust local/distance setting.
Faceplate won't attach	Alignment	Clean connectors; align properly and press firmly until click.
Unit locked (CODE)	Security code	Enter correct security code (default may be 0000).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit (note: may lose presets).

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/electronics/support