Sony CDX-GT20W Car Stereo Manual

The Sony CDX-GT20W is a single-DIN car stereo featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/12 AM presets, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 52W x 4 high power output, EQ7 sound settings, and a large LCD display with customizable illumination. 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, wiring harness, antenna connector, front AUX input.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA playback	Plays standard audio CDs and MP3/WMA files from CD-R/RW
AM/FM tuner	18 FM and 12 AM station presets
Front AUX input	3.5mm jack for connecting portable audio devices
Detachable faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power output	52W x 4 channels (max)
EQ7 sound settings	7-band equalizer with preset sound profiles
LCD display	Large display with customizable illumination colors
Rotary volume knob	Easy volume adjustment
SOURCE button	Switches between CD, Tuner, and AUX modes
Audio adjustments	Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance controls

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper wiring harness for vehicle.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools if necessary.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors to vehicle harness (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect antenna: Plug antenna cable into rear connector.
Secure unit: Slide into dashboard opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are secure and insulated. Professional installation recommended if unsure.

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).
Adjust sound settings: Use SOUND button to access EQ7, Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance.
Set display illumination: Press DISP to cycle through color options.
Detach faceplate: Press RELEASE button and store securely when leaving vehicle.

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

Specifications

Audio Formats: CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA.
Tuner: FM/AM with 18 FM and 12 AM presets.
Output Power: 52W x 4 (max), 17W x 4 (RMS).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB (CD).
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz.
Inputs: Front 3.5mm AUX input.
Display: LCD with multi-color illumination.
Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Dimensions: Single-DIN (178mm x 50mm x 159mm).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: SOURCE, VOLUME knob, BAND, SOUND, DISP, OPEN/CLOSE, numeric buttons 1-6.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, SOUND, DISP, OPEN/CLOSE.

Sound Settings: EQ7 (Heavy, Pops, Jazz, Unique, Custom1, Custom2, Flat), Bass (-7 to +7), Treble (-7 to +7), Fader (F7 to R7), Balance (L7 to R7). Display: Press DISP to change illumination color (Green, Red, Amber, Blue). Tuner: Manual/seek tuning, preset memory. Clock: Set time with CLOCK button and tuning knob.

Connecting Devices

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

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect 3.5mm cable from portable device to front AUX input.
Select AUX mode by pressing SOURCE button.
Adjust volume on both device and car stereo.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs.

Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load CD label side up.
Play: Press PLAY; select track with numeric buttons or seek arrows.
Stop: Press STOP; eject with OPEN/CLOSE.
Skip: PREV/NEXT for tracks.
Random/Repeat: Press RPT for repeat modes; RDM for random play.
Folder navigation (MP3/WMA): Use left/right arrows to navigate folders.
Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold FF or REW.

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

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Press RELEASE button to remove; store securely. Anti-theft LED: Blinking red LED indicates security mode when faceplate removed.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for display and faceplate. For stubborn dirt, dampen cloth slightly with water.

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

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check connections; verify ignition wire; check vehicle fuse.
No sound from speakers	Speaker connections	Verify speaker wires connected properly; check fader/balance settings.
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is compatible format (CD-DA, MP3, WMA); clean disc.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable securely connected; check antenna condition.
Faceplate won't attach	Alignment/obstruction	Align properly; ensure no debris in connector area.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit memory.

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