Sony MHC-RV2 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony MHC-RV2 is a high-performance car stereo system featuring AM/FM tuner, cassette tape player, CD changer control, Dolby B noise reduction, loudness control, detachable faceplate security, 4-channel amplifier, front/rear fader, bass/treble controls, and preamp outputs. Designed for 12V DC vehicle power systems. 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, Preamp outputs, Cassette door, CD changer control port.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM) with seek/scan
Cassette Player	Auto-reverse, Dolby B NR, metal tape capability
CD Changer Control	Controls compatible Sony CD changers (via BUS)
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Loudness, Fader (Front/Rear)
Power Output	4 x 20W max (4Ω)
Preamp Outputs	Front & Rear RCA line outputs for external amps
Security	Detachable faceplate with carrying case
Display	FL fluorescent display with dimmer
Clock	Digital clock with sleep timer
Power Supply	12V DC negative ground

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal first.
Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools for factory unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect antenna: Plug into rear antenna port.
Mount unit: Slide into DIN slot until it clicks.
Reconnect battery: Attach negative terminal last.

WARNING! Incorrect wiring may damage unit or vehicle electrical system. Use proper fuse (10A).

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery; turn on ignition to ACC position.

Set clock: Press CLOCK, use HOUR/MIN buttons.
Program radio stations: Tune to station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, fader to preference.
Test functions: Verify tape, radio, and CD control operation.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle during setup.

Specifications

Tuner: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Cassette: Frequency response 30-15,000 Hz (metal).
Power Output: 20W x 4 (max at 4Ω, 1kHz, 10% THD).
Preamp Output: 2V RMS (front & rear).
Signal-to-Noise: 72 dB (tape, Dolby ON).
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 160mm (D).
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground.
Operating Temp: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE (TAPE/TUNER/CD), BASS/TREBLE knobs, FADER control, EJECT, CLOCK/DISP.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, PRESET up/down, SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, FF/REW.

Tuner: Manual tuning, seek, scan, preset memory (18FM/12AM). Tape: Auto-reverse, Dolby NR, metal tape switch. Audio: Bass (±10 dB at 100 Hz), Treble (±10 dB at 10 kHz), Loudness (ON/OFF), Fader (front/rear balance). Display: Dimmer (2 levels), clock display mode.

Connecting Devices

Antenna: Standard motorola plug. External Amp: Use RCA preamp outputs. CD Changer: Connect compatible Sony changer via BUS control cable.

Turn off ignition before connecting devices.
Connect RCA cables (red=right, white=left).
Route cables away from power wires to avoid noise.
Select source via SOURCE button (TUNER, TAPE, CD).

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

Playing Media

Supports cassette tapes, FM/AM radio, and CD changers.

Cassette: Insert tape label side up; auto-starts playback.
Radio: Press TUNER, use SEEK or manual tuning.
CD Changer: Press CD, use remote to control changer functions.
Fast Forward/Rewind: Press and hold FF/REW during tape play.
Dolby NR: Engage for Type I tapes to reduce hiss.
Loudness: Boost bass at low volumes for better sound.
Auto-reverse: Tape automatically reverses at end of side.
Sleep Timer: Press CLOCK then SLEEP to set (15-90 min).

WARNING! Do not insert damaged tapes. Keep magnets away from unit.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Press release button, slide faceplate off. Security Code: Optional code can be set (see manual).

Care & Maintenance

Clean faceplate with soft dry cloth only. Clean tape heads every 30 hours with cleaning cassette.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. This device complies with Part 15 of 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/bad connection	Check vehicle fuse (10A); verify wiring connections.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna plugged in fully; check antenna damage.
Tape won't play	Dirty heads/tape type	Clean heads with cleaning cassette; ensure correct tape type.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires/fader	Check speaker connections; adjust fader control.
CD changer not responding	BUS connection	Verify BUS cable connection; ensure compatible changer.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 1 minute to reset unit.

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