Sony MEX-BT39UW Car Stereo Manual

The Sony MEX-BT39UW is a single-DIN car stereo featuring Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, USB port for device charging and media playback, AM/FM tuner with 18 presets, front auxiliary input, CD playback capability, 52W x 4 high-power output, customizable illumination, and detachable faceplate security. Compatible with steering wheel controls via adapter. 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. Bluetooth Operation 8. USB & Media Playback 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB extension cable, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth	Hands-free calling & wireless audio streaming (A2DP/AVRCP)
USB Port	Connect and charge USB devices, play MP3/WMA files
AM/FM Tuner	18 station presets (12 FM, 6 AM)
CD Player	Playback of audio CDs, CD-R/RW
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm front panel input for external audio devices
Power Output	52W x 4 channels (max)
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Illumination	Customizable button/display colors
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with adapters (not included)
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation

Installation

Unpack and verify all components. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to release old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground, etc.).
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear port.
Secure unit: Slide mounting sleeve into dash, insert stereo until it clicks.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect negative battery terminal first to prevent electrical shorts or damage. Professional installation recommended if unsure.

First-Time Setup

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

Set clock: Press SOURCE to turn on, hold SETUP to enter menu, select CLOCK.
Pair Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on phone, select BT AUDIO source, follow pairing prompt.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a preset button (1-6).
Adjust audio settings: Use AUDIO menu for bass, treble, fader, balance.
Set illumination: In SETUP menu, select ILLUMINATION to choose color.

CAUTION! Do not operate settings while driving. Park vehicle safely first.

Specifications

Power Output: 52W x 4 (Max), 17W x 4 (RMS).
Bluetooth Profiles: Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Audio Streaming (A2DP), Remote Control (AVRCP).
Supported Media: CD, CD-R/RW, USB drives (FAT32), MP3/WMA files.
Tuner: AM/FM with 18 presets.
Inputs/Outputs: Front USB, front AUX, rear preamp outputs (2V).
Illumination: 7-color customizable, dimmer function.
Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Dimensions: Single-DIN (178mm x 50mm x 159mm).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, MENU/SETUP, AUDIO, BAND, numbered preset buttons, USB/AUX ports.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, SOURCE, PRESET, TRACK/SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE, PHONE.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE, LOUDNESS (On/Off). Source Settings: BT DEVICE (pair/connect), RADIO (local/distant), CD (repeat/shuffle), USB (folder play). System Settings: CLOCK, ILLUMINATION (color/dimmer), BEEP (On/Off), RESET.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect directly to front port or use extension cable. AUX: 3.5mm cable to front input. Bluetooth: Pair via menu.

Turn ignition to ACC or ON position.
Select source (USB, AUX, BT AUDIO).
For USB: Insert drive; unit reads files automatically.
For AUX: Connect cable, play from external device.
For Bluetooth: Ensure phone visibility is on, select BT AUDIO, search on phone.

Tip: Use high-quality USB drives formatted to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Bluetooth Operation

Hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming.

Pairing: First time, go to SETUP > BT SETTINGS > PAIRING. On phone, select "MEX-BT39UW".
Calling: When call comes, audio mutes; press PHONE button to answer/end. Use microphone built into faceplate.
Streaming music: Select BT AUDIO source; control playback (play/pause, skip) from stereo or phone.
Disconnect/Reconnect: Turn off BT on phone or select other source. Reconnects automatically when BT AUDIO selected.
Delete paired device: SETUP > BT SETTINGS > DELETE.

WARNING! Keep attention on driving. Use voice commands or brief button presses only when safe.

USB & Media Playback

Play MP3/WMA files from USB drive.

Insert USB drive into front port.
Select USB source; unit reads file structure.
Navigate: Use folder up/down buttons or number keys for direct track access.
Play modes: Press P.MODE for repeat (one/all/off) or shuffle.
Fast forward/rewind: Press and hold SEEK buttons.
CD playback: Insert disc label-up; functions similar to USB.

CAUTION! Do not remove USB drive or CD while reading/playing. Eject CD properly with OPEN button if equipped.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. For stubborn marks, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Detach faceplate before cleaning. Avoid liquids entering vents or ports. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: AK8MEXBT39UW. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of 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/ignition	Check fuse, ground, and ignition wire connection; ensure faceplate attached.
Bluetooth not pairing	Phone visibility/distance	Enable phone's Bluetooth visibility; ensure within 3 ft; delete old pairing and retry.
USB not recognized	Format/power	Reformat drive to FAT32; use shorter cable; ensure drive draws less than 500mA.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable fully inserted; check antenna mast condition.
No sound from speakers	Settings/wiring	Check fader/balance settings; verify speaker wires connected properly.
Unit gets hot	Ventilation	Ensure adequate space around unit; do not block vents.

Reset: Hold SETUP while turning on power, select FACTORY RESET.

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