Sony MEX-DV1600U Manual

The Sony MEX-DV1600U is a single-DIN CD receiver with a built-in DVD player, featuring a 1-DIN chassis, motorized detachable faceplate, AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, CD-R/RW and MP3 playback, DVD-Video playback (for parking brake engaged viewing), 4-channel high-power amplifier (52W x 4 max), front/rear/subwoofer preamp outputs, auxiliary input, and wired remote control capability. 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 motorized faceplate, Wired Remote Control, Wiring harness, Installation hardware, User manual.

Feature	Description
Motorized Detachable Faceplate	For security and sleek appearance
DVD-Video Playback	Plays DVD movies (viewing requires parking brake engagement)
CD/MP3 Playback	Plays audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs with MP3 files
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Preamp Outputs	Front, Rear, and Subwoofer outputs for external amplifiers
Auxiliary Input	3.5mm jack for connecting portable audio devices
Wired Remote Capability	Supports connection of optional Sony wired remote
4-Channel Amplifier	High-power (52W x 4 max) built-in amplifier
Display	Multi-color fluorescent display
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance, Loudness, Source Tone Memory

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is parked with parking brake engaged and battery disconnected.

Remove existing radio: Use proper removal tools for your vehicle.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (Red to ignition, Yellow to constant 12V, Black to ground, etc.). Use crimp connectors or solder.
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into the unit.
Connect speakers and preouts: Attach speaker wires and RCA cables for external amps if used.
Secure the unit: Insert into dashboard and secure with mounting sleeve and brackets.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation to prevent short circuits. Ensure all wires are properly insulated.

First-Time Setup

Reconnect battery, attach faceplate, and power on the unit.

Set the clock: Press and hold the DISP button until the clock blinks, use tuning knob to adjust.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a preset button (1-6) to store.
Adjust audio settings: Use SOUND button to access Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance. Set LOUDNESS to ON for enhanced low-volume listening.
Set DVD restrictions: In setup menu, configure parking brake interlock and parental controls if needed.

CAUTION! Do not operate DVD video functions while driving. Ensure parking brake is fully engaged for DVD viewing.

Specifications

Chassis Size: 1-DIN (50mm H x 180mm W x 160mm D).
Disc Formats: DVD-Video, CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3 (ISO 9660 Level 1/2, Joliet).
Tuner: FM/AM with 18 FM and 6 AM presets.
Amplifier: MOSFET 50W x 4 (max), 17W x 4 (RMS).
Preamp Outputs: Front/Rear/Subwoofer (2V).
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB (CD).
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 158°F (0°C to 70°C).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via FUNCTION button. Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, EJECT, SOUND, DISP, BAND/AMS, Number buttons, Arrow keys.

Detachable Faceplate: Contains main controls; remove for security.

Audio: BASS, TREBLE, FADER, BALANCE, LOUDNESS (ON/OFF), Source Tone Memory (stores settings per source). Radio: Manual tuning, Seek, Preset memory. DVD/CD: Play/Pause, Stop, Skip, Repeat, Random play. Setup: Clock, Display dimmer, Beep tone, Parking brake interlock, Parental lock.

Connecting Devices

Speakers: Use harness wires (White/White-black: Front Left, etc.). External Amp: Use RCA preouts. Auxiliary: 3.5mm to RCA cable into AUX IN.

Turn off the unit and disconnect battery before making connections.
Match speaker polarity (+ to +, - to -) to prevent phase issues.
For subwoofer, use non-fading sub preout for independent control.
Select source via FUNCTION button (TUNER, DVD/CD, AUX).

Tip: Use high-quality RCA cables for preamp outputs to minimize noise.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, Audio CD, MP3 CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load disc with label facing up.
Play: Press PLAY; for DVD, ensure parking brake is engaged for video.
Navigate: Use arrow keys for DVD menus; number buttons for track selection.
Skip: Press >>| or |<< for next/previous track or chapter.
Repeat/Random: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
MP3 Playback: Displays folder and file names; use arrow keys to navigate folders.
Fast Search: Hold >>| or |<< while playing.
Resume: Some discs resume from stop point.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped discs. Do not block ventilation slots.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: If enabled, unit will prompt for code after reconnection (default may be 0000 or 1111 - refer to manual). Parking Brake Interlock: DVD video only plays when parking brake wire is grounded (connected to parking brake switch).

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth to clean faceplate and unit. For stubborn dirt, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Do not spray cleaners directly on unit. Keep discs clean and free of scratches. Store faceplate in protective case.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for vehicle use. This product contains a laser system: Compliance with IEC 60825-1. Do not open enclosure; laser radiation present. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact Sony customer service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit does not power on	Power/Battery connection	Check fuse; ensure Yellow (constant) and Red (ignition) wires have 12V; verify ground.
No sound from speakers	Wiring/Settings	Check speaker connections; ensure not muted; verify fader/balance settings.
DVD video not playing	Parking brake interlock	Ensure parking brake is fully engaged and parking brake wire is properly grounded.
Radio has poor reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable is fully inserted; check antenna amplifier power (blue wire).
Disc not recognized/ejected	Disc/Dirty lens	Use only supported formats; clean disc; if problem persists, lens may need cleaning by professional.
Asking for security code	Power loss	Enter correct security code (default often 0000 or 1111). If lost, contact Sony with proof of purchase.

Reset: Disconnect battery for a few minutes to reset unit (will lose presets and clock).

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