Sony SCPH-170 U Car Stereo Manual

The Sony SCPH-170 U is an in-dash car stereo system featuring AM/FM radio with 30 station presets, CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, front auxiliary input for portable devices, detachable faceplate security, and 52W x 4 high power output. 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 & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control (optional), Wiring harness, Antenna connector, Front AUX input, Speaker outputs.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	30 preset stations (18 FM, 12 AM)
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA formats
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for portable audio devices
Power Output	52W x 4 (max)
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance, Loudness
Clock & Timer	Built-in digital clock with sleep timer
Illumination	Green button illumination
Remote Control Ready	Compatible with optional Sony remotes
Power Requirements	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 if necessary.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect antenna plug and speaker wires.
Slide unit into dash and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect vehicle battery.

WARNING! Installation requires basic knowledge of car electronics. Incorrect wiring may damage the unit or vehicle. Seek professional help if unsure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup.

Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use TUNE/SEEK to adjust.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, press and hold a numbered button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
Adjust audio settings: Use SOUND button to cycle through Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance.
Detach faceplate: Press RELEASE button and slide faceplate off for security.

CAUTION! Do not touch metal connectors on back of faceplate. Store faceplate in protective case.

Specifications

Audio Section: Max Power Output: 52W x 4 (at 14.4V, 1kHz, 10% THD).
Tuner Section: FM Sensitivity: 10.3 dBf (1.0 µV/75Ω). AM Sensitivity: 30 µV.
CD Section: Compatible formats: CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA. Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
General: Power Supply: 12V DC (negative ground). Operating Temp: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C). Dimensions (WxHxD): 7" x 2" x 6.5".
Terminals: ISO connector, Antenna input, Front AUX input (3.5mm), 4-channel speaker outputs.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SRC (source) button, TUNE/SEEK buttons, numbered preset buttons (1-6), SOUND button, CLOCK button, RELEASE button for faceplate.

Remote (optional): POWER, VOLUME, SRC, TUNE/SEEK, numbered buttons, MUTE, DISPLAY.

Audio Settings: Press SOUND repeatedly to cycle through Bass (-7 to +7), Treble (-7 to +7), Fader (F7 to R7), Balance (L7 to R7). Loudness: On/Off in SOUND menu. Display: Press DISPLAY to show clock, track info, or station frequency.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for MP3 players, smartphones. Speakers: Standard car speakers (4-8 ohms).

Turn off vehicle and unit before connecting.
Plug 3.5mm cable from portable device into front AUX jack.
Select AUX source by pressing SRC button.
Control volume on both the car stereo and portable device.

Tip: For best audio quality, set portable device volume to 75% and adjust final volume on the car stereo.

Playing Media

Supports Audio CD, MP3/WMA CD, Radio, AUX input.

Insert CD: With label side up, gently insert into slot.
Play/Pause: Press SRC to select CD mode. Press again to pause.
Skip Tracks: Use TUNE/SEEK buttons or numbered presets for MP3 folders.
Scan: Press and hold TUNE/SEEK to scan through tracks.
Repeat/Random: Press SOUND while in CD mode to access play modes (Repeat One, Repeat All, Random).
MP3 Navigation: Use TUNE/SEEK to navigate folders; numbered buttons for quick access.
Radio: Press SRC for FM/AM. Use TUNE/SEEK or numbered presets.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped CDs. Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Press RELEASE button and slide off. Store separately when leaving vehicle. Security Code: Optional code can be set via hidden menu (see full manual). If power is disconnected, unit may require code to reactivate.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect battery before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for faceplate and unit. For stubborn dirt, use cloth slightly dampened with water. Do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Never use chemicals, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Do not get moisture into openings.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Canadian ICES-003. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. 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).
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires/Fader	Check speaker connections. Adjust Fader/Balance settings.
CD won't play	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is finalised and compatible (MP3/WMA). Clean disc.
Radio poor reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna plug is fully inserted. Extend antenna fully.
Faceplate won't attach	Misaligned connectors	Align connectors properly and slide gently until it clicks.
Unit asks for code	Power was disconnected	Enter security code if set. Default may be 0000 or 1111.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit (will lose presets).

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