Sony CDX-GT500 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony CDX-GT500 is a high-performance car stereo featuring CD/MP3/WMA playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 52W x 4 high power output, EQ7 sound settings, and advanced audio controls. 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 with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Antenna connector, Front AUX input, CD loading slot.

Feature	Description
CD/MP3/WMA Playback	Plays standard CDs and compressed audio files
AM/FM Tuner	18 station presets (12 FM, 6 AM)
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Power Output	52W x 4 channels (max)
EQ7 Sound Settings	7-band equalizer with preset modes
SOURCE Button	Cycles through CD, Tuner, AUX modes
VOLUME Knob	Adjusts audio level
POWER Button	Turns unit on/off
EJECT Button	Ejects CD from slot

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off.

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

WARNING! Incorrect wiring may damage unit or vehicle electrical system. Consult professional 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 for AM, 1-12 for FM).
Adjust audio settings: Use EQ button to select sound mode (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, etc.).
Set volume limit: In settings menu, adjust maximum volume level.

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

Specifications

Audio Formats: CD-DA, MP3, WMA
Tuner Sensitivity: FM: 10.8 dBf, AM: 25 μV
Output Power: 52W x 4 (max), 17W x 4 (RMS)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB (CD)
Power Requirements: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 160mm (D)
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME knob, SOURCE, EQ, BAND, tuning knob.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, BAND, Preset buttons.

Audio Settings: EQ7 (7-band equalizer with presets), Bass Boost, Loudness, Fader/Balance. Radio: Manual/auto tuning, Local/DX reception, Preset scan. Display: Dimmer control, Clock display. Security: Code entry, Faceplate removal.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players/phones. External Amplifier: Use pre-out connectors (if equipped).

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect 3.5mm cable from device to front AUX input.
Select AUX mode with SOURCE button.
Start playback on external device.

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

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs, MP3/WMA CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load CD label-side up.
Play: Unit auto-plays; use FF/REW to skip tracks.
MP3/WMA navigation: Use folder buttons to navigate directories.
Repeat/Shuffle: Press RPT or SHUF during playback.
Eject: Press EJECT button; remove disc.
Scan: Press and hold FF/REW to scan through track.
Display: Shows track number, elapsed time, file info.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped discs. Keep slot free of debris.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Press release button, slide faceplate off. Security Code: 4-digit code prevents unauthorized use (default 0000).

Care & Maintenance

Clean with dry, soft cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Remove faceplate before cleaning. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check connections; replace 10A fuse; verify battery connection.
No sound	Mute/volume	Check mute function; adjust volume; verify speaker connections.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure disc is clean; check format compatibility; try different disc.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna fully extended; check connection; adjust Local/DX setting.
Faceplate won't attach	Alignment	Clean connectors; align properly and slide until click.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

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