Sony MEX-GS600BT Car Stereo Manual

The Sony MEX-GS600BT is a single-DIN car stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, AM/FM tuner, CD player, and 4x50W high-power output. It features hands-free calling, audio streaming, EQ settings, and a customizable illumination system. Compatible with steering wheel controls via an 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. Playing Media 8. Bluetooth Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth	For hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB Port	For connecting USB drives and charging devices
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW discs
AM/FM Tuner	With 30 presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power Output	4 x 50W max (20W RMS)
EQ Settings	5-band equalizer with preset sound modes
Illumination	Customizable button and display colors
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with optional adapter
Aux Input	3.5mm auxiliary input on front panel
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation

Installation

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

Remove existing stereo: Use removal keys or tools specific to your vehicle.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors to vehicle harness (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear port.
Secure unit: Slide into mounting sleeve and secure with brackets.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to enter settings, adjust time.
Pair Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on phone, select "MEX-GS600BT" from list.
Program radio presets: Tune to station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust illumination: In settings menu, select color preferences.
Set audio preferences: Configure EQ, balance, fader.

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

Specifications

Dimensions: Single-DIN (178mm x 50mm x 159mm).
Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Output Power: 50W x 4 max (20W x 4 RMS).
Tuner: FM/AM with 30 presets.
Bluetooth: Version 3.0, profiles: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP.
Supported Formats: CD: CD-DA, CD-R/RW; USB: MP3, WMA, AAC.
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80dB (CD).
Operating Temperature: -10°C to +60°C.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, MENU, EJECT, USB port, AUX input.

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

Audio Settings: EQ (ROCK, POP, JAZZ, CUSTOM), Balance/Fader, Loudness, Subwoofer level. Bluetooth: Pairing, call history, phonebook access. Display: Dimmer, illumination color (7 colors selectable). System: Clock, beep tone, language, reset.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm cable for external audio. Bluetooth: Wireless connection.

Turn off vehicle before connecting wired devices.
For USB: Insert drive, unit will detect and switch to USB mode.
For AUX: Connect cable, select AUX source.
For Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode from SOURCE menu.

Tip: Format USB drive as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Playing Media

Supports CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth audio.

Insert CD: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
USB playback: Insert drive, press SOURCE to select USB.
Play/Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE on remote or unit.
Skip tracks: Use TRACK UP/DOWN or rotary knob.
Scan: Press and hold TRACK button to fast forward.
Repeat/Random: Access through MENU during playback.
Folder navigation (USB): Use rotary knob to browse.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Avoid using USB drives with multiple partitions.

Bluetooth Features

Hands-free Calling: Answer/end calls with remote or unit button. Audio Streaming: Play music from paired devices. Phonebook: Sync contacts for voice dialing. Call History: View missed/received calls.

Pairing: Enable Bluetooth on phone, select "MEX-GS600BT" from list, enter PIN "0000" if prompted.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for display and buttons. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: AK8MEXGS600BT. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) not cause harmful interference, (2) accept any interference received. Bluetooth is a 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/fuse	Check connections; replace vehicle fuse (10-15A).
Bluetooth not pairing	Distance/pairing mode	Ensure phone Bluetooth on; delete old pairing; restart both devices.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat as FAT32; use drive under 32GB.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable secure; check antenna amplifier power.
No sound from speakers	Wiring/settings	Verify speaker wires; check balance/fader settings; ensure mute off.
CD won't eject	Mechanical issue	Use manual eject tool (small hole near eject button).

Reset: Hold MENU button for 5 seconds to restore factory defaults.

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