Sony CDX-646 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony CDX-646 is a single-DIN car stereo featuring a CD player with MP3 playback, AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, and 52W x 4 high power output. It includes bass boost, loudness, and fader/balance controls for customized audio. 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 & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with CD slot, Detachable Faceplate, Remote Control (optional), Wiring harness, Antenna connector, Front AUX input.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3 Playback	Plays standard audio CDs and MP3-encoded CDs
AM/FM Tuner	30 presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for portable audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power Output	52W x 4 channels (max)
Audio Controls	Bass Boost, Loudness, Fader/Balance
Power/Antenna Connector	For vehicle power and antenna connection
EJECT	Ejects CD from slot
SOURCE	Cycles through CD, Tuner, AUX
POWER/VOLUME	Rotary knob for power on/off and volume control

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is off and battery disconnected.

Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red to ignition/accessory, yellow to constant battery, black to ground).
Connect speakers: Match speaker wire polarity (+/-).
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear port.
Secure unit in dashboard: Use mounting sleeve and bendable tabs.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect vehicle battery before installation to avoid short circuits. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow basic configuration.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use TUNE/SEEK to adjust time.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold a preset button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
Adjust audio settings: Use BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE controls.
Detach faceplate: Press RELEASE button and store securely when leaving vehicle.

CAUTION! Do not force faceplate during attachment/detachment. Store faceplate away from extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Disc Formats: CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3 CD.
Tuner: FM 87.5-108.0 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Audio Output: 52W x 4 (max power), 17W x 4 (RMS).
Inputs: Front 3.5mm AUX.
Preamp Outputs: None.
Security: Detachable faceplate.
Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, EJECT, TUNE/SEEK, BAND, numbered presets (1-6).

Remote (optional): POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, TUNE/SEEK, numbered buttons.

Audio: BASS, TREBLE, LOUDNESS (On/Off), FADER (front/rear), BALANCE (left/right). Tuner: Manual tuning with TUNE/SEEK; auto-store for presets. Clock: Set via CLOCK button. Playback: REPEAT (track/disc), RANDOM play.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for portable players. Antenna: Rear connector.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Plug 3.5mm cable from device into front AUX input.
Select AUX mode by pressing SOURCE button.
Control volume on both device and car stereo.

Tip: Use a quality shielded cable for AUX connection to minimize noise.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3 CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT to open slot, load CD label-side up.
Play: Press SOURCE to select CD mode; playback starts automatically.
Skip tracks: Press TUNE/SEEK left/right for previous/next.
Repeat/Random: Press REPEAT or RANDOM during playback.
Eject: Press EJECT to remove disc.
MP3 Navigation: Use TUNE/SEEK to skip folders/files.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged or irregular-shaped discs. Do not use in extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parking to deter theft. Faceplate must be attached for unit to operate.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for faceplate and unit. For CD lens, use approved cleaning disc only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep faceplate away from direct sunlight and liquids.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit does not power on	Power/Battery connection	Check fuse; verify wiring (red/yellow/black); reconnect battery.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wiring/Source	Check speaker connections; ensure source is selected (CD/Tuner/AUX).
CD will not play	Disc format/Damage	Ensure disc is compatible (CD-DA, MP3); clean disc; check for scratches.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable is fully inserted; check antenna mast condition.
Faceplate not working	Connection/Dirt	Clean faceplate and unit connectors with dry cloth; reattach firmly.

Reset: Disconnect power for 1 minute to reset microprocessor.

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