Those of use who have been on the boards for a while are well aware that the stock mazdaspeed protege kenwood stereo components are very unreliable. Don't post another thread about your stock stereo until you have read through the following.
MAZDASPEED PROTEGE STEREO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Reading the instruction manual goes a long way. If you haven't already, I suggest you do so:
ftp://inform.kenwoodusa.com/MANUALS/KDCX859.pdf
Many of the upgrades and issues below will require you to remove the radio, since the instructions are vague, here's a little help: Removing Stock Radio
MAZDASPEED PROTEGE STEREO WARRANTY
The deck, amp, and subwoofer are covered under the 48mos/48KMi warranty. For any issues with any of them you can take it to the dealer. If they cannot fix it they will order a new part for you. If you are past the warranty period, then take it in anyway. The dealers know that the stereo is a problem area and will usually accomodate you if you are nice about it. If they tell you a part needs to be ordered and you have to pay for it, walk away. Do not pay cash for any of the stock parts. You can find cheaper, better alternative components from aftermarket retailers.
KNOWN ISSUES
My faceplate is stuck open/closed.
Stuck closed: Press the left corner for 3 secs. the face plate will unfold.
Stuck open: Press the reset button on the faceplate on the bottom with a pencil. Others have also claimed that removing and then replacing the fuse on the back of the unit has worked also. If you have no luck, see "replacing the ribbon cable" below.
My display is blank or my buttons don't work.
The ribbon cable is most likely damaged and its only a matter of time before the unit stops working completely. See "replacing the ribbon cable" below.
REPLACING A DAMAGED RIBBON CABLE
If weird stuff is happening to your unit, you may need to replace the ribbon cable. If that sounds a bit complicated then you have two more options. First you can take the deck into the dealership (woah what a novel idea) and if it is covered under warranty they will simply replace it. Second, you can remove the deck, place it behind your rear tire, get in the car, turn it on, put it in reverse, and let the clutch out. Voila, all your stock head unit problems are no more. Now go buy a new head unit and don't f*cking post about the stock one again!
My subwoofer stopped working.
There are three things that could be going wrong.
* First, there is a setting on the Kenwood head unit that will disable the subwoofer. If you hold the most upper left button (the AM button), it will turn NF off (subwoofer), hold it again, it will turn it back on. This only works if the RCA cables were connected to the NF (non-fading) outputs on the back. Some owners have noted that their RCAs were connected to the wrong outputs.
* The second thing wrong could be that the subwoofer is blown. This is very common. If you are still under warranty take the car in for a replacement. If you are past warranty, see replacing my subwoofer below. It is not recommended to buy the same kenwood subwoofer as it will only blow again.
* The final thing that could be wrong is the amplifier is blown. This is less common but it has been known to occur. Again, the dealership can replace it under warranty or you can replace it with an aftermarket amp, see replacing my amplifier below.
There are wires that are not connected behind my radio
This is not an issue but since people ask...There are 3 sets of RCA outputs on the back of the unit: Front, Rear, and NF (non-fading sub). There should be one set of RCA cables connected to the NF outputs and the other two sets should not be connected to anything. The solitary set of RCA wires go to the amplifier in the trunk which powers the subwoofer. The rest of the speaker connections run through the wiring harness and are powered by the head unit's internal amplifier (just like any other radio). If you want to upgrade you may use the other two sets of RCA outputs to send a signal to a separate external amplifier to power your door speakers.
UPGRADE OPTIONS
I want to connect my MP3 Player
Good news, you can easily connect your MP3 Player by simply purchasing the Kenwood CA-C1AUX adapter ($19 at crutchfield.com). If you own an Apple iPod you can use the Kenwood KCA-iP500 instead ($99 at crutchfield.com). The iP500 allows you to control your iPod from the head unit while the C1AUX requires you to continue using your player to change tracks. There have been mixed reviews about the iP500 on this board so do a search before purchasing one.
I want Satelite Radio
Good news, you can easily connect a satelite radio tuner also. For Sirius, use the Sirius SIR-KEN1 adapter ($99 at crutchfield.com) and for XM, use the XM Direct Satellite Radio Pkg ($99 at crutchfield.com). If you want to use satelite radio and your MP3 player, you will need a Y-Adapter from Kenwood.
I want to Add a Disc Changer
You can do that too! Contact Kenwood to find out which changers work with this radio (sorry I don't have models for you).
I want to replace my head unit.
This is a great idea! Almost any single or double din unit will fit in the MSP dash. There is a mounting depth restriction but I don't know the actual depth off the top of my head. The only decks that are a tight fit are the ones with flip out full-screen displays.
I want to replace my speakers.
The front speakers are 6x8" and the rear speakers are 6". You can fit any 5x7" or 6x8" in the front and most 5.25" and 6.5" speakers will also fit with a little custom work. Any 6" speakers will fit in the rear and most 5.25" and 6.5" speakers will also fit with a little custom work. When I say custom work, I mean you will need to create a speaker baffle. For the larger speakers you need to remove the plastic trim along the inside of the door panel with a utility knife.
I want to put speakers in the rear deck.
You cannot put speakers in the rear deck unless you remove the factory subwoofer enclosure. I highly advise against ANY rear speakers whether they are in the doors or the rear deck so I certainly would not avise you to install two sets of rear speakers. If you are itching to burn a hole in your pocket, invest in a set of component speakers for the front.
I want to replace my subwoofer.
There are a small handfull of subwoofers that will drop right into the factory location. The stock kenwood sub is 8 ohms but the stock amp can handle a 4 ohm load so I would suggest buying a 4 ohm subwoofer to increase the amplifier output from 80w to 120w. The main concern when looking for a replacement subwoofer is mounting depth. The JL Audio 8W0-4, and 8W1-4 will fit in perfectly. You won't find a better 8" sub that will fit so I suggest sticking with one of those. An 8W3-4 is another popular choice but it is too deep to drop right in. It will only fit if you make a spacer. If you want something bigger such as a 10" or 12" sub then don't expect to get it to fit in the factory location. You will need a new subwoofer box. If you plan to power said subwoofer with the factory amp look for 4 ohm models rated for 100-250w RMS.
I want to replace my amp.
The stock Kenwood amp (KAC-529S) is rated 40x2 into 4ohms, 80x1 into 8ohms, or 120x1 into 4ohms. I would not recommend upgrading the amp unless you were also upgrading the subwoofer. The stock kenwood sub has enough trouble with the 80w from the stock amp and adding more power will only shorten its lifespan. If you are upgrading to a JL Audio 8W3 or something similar you could install any amp rated at 100-250x1 into 4ohms. Measure the stock mounting location to make sure the amp will fit. I don't have the dimensions on hand.
If I have missed anything, please post it below and I will update this posting with all the correct information. If people still ask these questions, please link them here instead of answering in-line. It will make searching for answers easier.
MAZDASPEED PROTEGE STEREO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Reading the instruction manual goes a long way. If you haven't already, I suggest you do so:
ftp://inform.kenwoodusa.com/MANUALS/KDCX859.pdf
Many of the upgrades and issues below will require you to remove the radio, since the instructions are vague, here's a little help: Removing Stock Radio
MAZDASPEED PROTEGE STEREO WARRANTY
The deck, amp, and subwoofer are covered under the 48mos/48KMi warranty. For any issues with any of them you can take it to the dealer. If they cannot fix it they will order a new part for you. If you are past the warranty period, then take it in anyway. The dealers know that the stereo is a problem area and will usually accomodate you if you are nice about it. If they tell you a part needs to be ordered and you have to pay for it, walk away. Do not pay cash for any of the stock parts. You can find cheaper, better alternative components from aftermarket retailers.
KNOWN ISSUES
My faceplate is stuck open/closed.
Stuck closed: Press the left corner for 3 secs. the face plate will unfold.
Stuck open: Press the reset button on the faceplate on the bottom with a pencil. Others have also claimed that removing and then replacing the fuse on the back of the unit has worked also. If you have no luck, see "replacing the ribbon cable" below.
My display is blank or my buttons don't work.
The ribbon cable is most likely damaged and its only a matter of time before the unit stops working completely. See "replacing the ribbon cable" below.
REPLACING A DAMAGED RIBBON CABLE
If weird stuff is happening to your unit, you may need to replace the ribbon cable. If that sounds a bit complicated then you have two more options. First you can take the deck into the dealership (woah what a novel idea) and if it is covered under warranty they will simply replace it. Second, you can remove the deck, place it behind your rear tire, get in the car, turn it on, put it in reverse, and let the clutch out. Voila, all your stock head unit problems are no more. Now go buy a new head unit and don't f*cking post about the stock one again!
My subwoofer stopped working.
There are three things that could be going wrong.
* First, there is a setting on the Kenwood head unit that will disable the subwoofer. If you hold the most upper left button (the AM button), it will turn NF off (subwoofer), hold it again, it will turn it back on. This only works if the RCA cables were connected to the NF (non-fading) outputs on the back. Some owners have noted that their RCAs were connected to the wrong outputs.
* The second thing wrong could be that the subwoofer is blown. This is very common. If you are still under warranty take the car in for a replacement. If you are past warranty, see replacing my subwoofer below. It is not recommended to buy the same kenwood subwoofer as it will only blow again.
* The final thing that could be wrong is the amplifier is blown. This is less common but it has been known to occur. Again, the dealership can replace it under warranty or you can replace it with an aftermarket amp, see replacing my amplifier below.
There are wires that are not connected behind my radio
This is not an issue but since people ask...There are 3 sets of RCA outputs on the back of the unit: Front, Rear, and NF (non-fading sub). There should be one set of RCA cables connected to the NF outputs and the other two sets should not be connected to anything. The solitary set of RCA wires go to the amplifier in the trunk which powers the subwoofer. The rest of the speaker connections run through the wiring harness and are powered by the head unit's internal amplifier (just like any other radio). If you want to upgrade you may use the other two sets of RCA outputs to send a signal to a separate external amplifier to power your door speakers.
UPGRADE OPTIONS
I want to connect my MP3 Player
Good news, you can easily connect your MP3 Player by simply purchasing the Kenwood CA-C1AUX adapter ($19 at crutchfield.com). If you own an Apple iPod you can use the Kenwood KCA-iP500 instead ($99 at crutchfield.com). The iP500 allows you to control your iPod from the head unit while the C1AUX requires you to continue using your player to change tracks. There have been mixed reviews about the iP500 on this board so do a search before purchasing one.
I want Satelite Radio
Good news, you can easily connect a satelite radio tuner also. For Sirius, use the Sirius SIR-KEN1 adapter ($99 at crutchfield.com) and for XM, use the XM Direct Satellite Radio Pkg ($99 at crutchfield.com). If you want to use satelite radio and your MP3 player, you will need a Y-Adapter from Kenwood.
I want to Add a Disc Changer
You can do that too! Contact Kenwood to find out which changers work with this radio (sorry I don't have models for you).
I want to replace my head unit.
This is a great idea! Almost any single or double din unit will fit in the MSP dash. There is a mounting depth restriction but I don't know the actual depth off the top of my head. The only decks that are a tight fit are the ones with flip out full-screen displays.
I want to replace my speakers.
The front speakers are 6x8" and the rear speakers are 6". You can fit any 5x7" or 6x8" in the front and most 5.25" and 6.5" speakers will also fit with a little custom work. Any 6" speakers will fit in the rear and most 5.25" and 6.5" speakers will also fit with a little custom work. When I say custom work, I mean you will need to create a speaker baffle. For the larger speakers you need to remove the plastic trim along the inside of the door panel with a utility knife.
I want to put speakers in the rear deck.
You cannot put speakers in the rear deck unless you remove the factory subwoofer enclosure. I highly advise against ANY rear speakers whether they are in the doors or the rear deck so I certainly would not avise you to install two sets of rear speakers. If you are itching to burn a hole in your pocket, invest in a set of component speakers for the front.
I want to replace my subwoofer.
There are a small handfull of subwoofers that will drop right into the factory location. The stock kenwood sub is 8 ohms but the stock amp can handle a 4 ohm load so I would suggest buying a 4 ohm subwoofer to increase the amplifier output from 80w to 120w. The main concern when looking for a replacement subwoofer is mounting depth. The JL Audio 8W0-4, and 8W1-4 will fit in perfectly. You won't find a better 8" sub that will fit so I suggest sticking with one of those. An 8W3-4 is another popular choice but it is too deep to drop right in. It will only fit if you make a spacer. If you want something bigger such as a 10" or 12" sub then don't expect to get it to fit in the factory location. You will need a new subwoofer box. If you plan to power said subwoofer with the factory amp look for 4 ohm models rated for 100-250w RMS.
I want to replace my amp.
The stock Kenwood amp (KAC-529S) is rated 40x2 into 4ohms, 80x1 into 8ohms, or 120x1 into 4ohms. I would not recommend upgrading the amp unless you were also upgrading the subwoofer. The stock kenwood sub has enough trouble with the 80w from the stock amp and adding more power will only shorten its lifespan. If you are upgrading to a JL Audio 8W3 or something similar you could install any amp rated at 100-250x1 into 4ohms. Measure the stock mounting location to make sure the amp will fit. I don't have the dimensions on hand.
If I have missed anything, please post it below and I will update this posting with all the correct information. If people still ask these questions, please link them here instead of answering in-line. It will make searching for answers easier.
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