Sony CDX-M800 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony CDX-M800 is a high-performance car stereo featuring a CD player, AM/FM tuner, and auxiliary input capabilities. It includes a detachable faceplate for security, customizable sound settings with EQ presets, and compatibility with various audio formats. Key features include a large LCD display, wireless remote control, and multiple audio inputs for external devices. 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 CD player, Detachable Faceplate, Wireless Remote Control, AM/FM Antenna connector, AUX input, Preamp outputs.

Feature	Description
CD Player	Plays standard audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
AUX Input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
Preamp Outputs	Front, rear, and subwoofer outputs for external amplifiers
EQ Presets	Customizable sound profiles (Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc.)
LCD Display	Backlit display with track and station information
Wireless Remote	Included for convenient control
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum power
Clock & Timer	Built-in clock with sleep timer function

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off before installation.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract old unit from dashboard.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors of Sony harness to vehicle harness (red to ignition, yellow to battery, black to ground).
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear antenna port.
Mount unit: Slide CDX-M800 into dashboard sleeve and secure with mounting brackets.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on the unit and configure initial settings.

Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob to adjust time.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
Adjust sound settings: Use SOUND button to select EQ preset or customize bass/treble.
Set volume limit: In settings menu, adjust maximum volume to prevent distortion.
Attach faceplate: Align and click into place until it locks.

CAUTION! Do not force faceplate; ensure proper alignment before attaching.

Specifications

Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Output Power: 50W x 4 max (20W x 4 RMS).
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB.
Preset Stations: 30 total (18 FM, 12 AM).
CD Compatibility: Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW.
Audio Inputs: AUX-in (3.5mm), Preamp outputs (front, rear, sub).
Display: Backlit LCD with orange illumination.
Dimensions: Standard DIN size (7" x 2").
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via SOUND, SETUP, and FUNCTION buttons. Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, EJECT, Number buttons.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME UP/DOWN, MUTE, SOURCE, TRACK UP/DOWN, PRESET buttons.

Sound Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, EQ presets (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, FLAT). Setup: Clock, Dimmer (display brightness), Beep (key tone on/off), Volume Limit. Radio: Manual/auto tuning, Seek, Local/DX reception. CD: Repeat, Random, Scan, Intro play.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: 3.5mm cable from portable player. Preamp Outputs: RCA cables to external amplifiers.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect AUX cable to front or rear AUX input port.
Connect preamp outputs to amplifier inputs matching channels (front to front, etc.).
Select source via SOURCE button (CD, FM, AM, AUX).

Tip: Use shielded cables for preamp connections to reduce noise interference.

Playing Media

Supports audio CDs and external AUX devices.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, load CD label-side up, press again to close.
Play: Press PLAY; skip tracks with TRACK UP/DOWN buttons.
Stop: Press STOP; eject with EJECT button.
Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat track or entire disc.
Random: Press RANDOM to shuffle tracks.
Scan: Press SCAN to sample each track for 10 seconds.
Intro: Plays first 10 seconds of each track automatically.
AUX mode: Connect device, select AUX source, control volume on external device.

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

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Optional 4-digit code can be set in menu; unit will require code if power is disconnected.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Keep faceplate and unit away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store faceplate in protective case when detached.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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	Blown fuse/wiring	Check vehicle fuse (usually 10A); verify wiring connections (red/yellow/black).
CD won't play	Disc/dirty lens	Ensure disc is clean and inserted correctly; use lens cleaning CD if needed.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable is fully inserted; check antenna for damage.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wiring	Verify speaker wires are connected properly and not shorted.
Unit asks for code	Power loss	Enter 4-digit security code (default 0000 or as set).
Remote not working	Batteries/obstruction	Replace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to front panel sensor.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit if locked up.

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