With driver and public safety in mind and in response to hands-free cell phone laws, Kenworth introduced Bluetooth-equipped radios in its trucks in 2012. Not surprisingly, this has been a popular move with truck drivers who can make calls and keep their attention on the road ahead while also syncing their favorite long-haul music playlists they have stored on their phones and devices.
Pairing a Bluetooth-enabled device is a process that can be completed in a matter of minutes, even for the most tech-challenged of drivers. Keep reading for the important steps to remember when enabling Bluetooth on a Kenworth radio.
How to Enable Bluetooth on Kenworth Radio
Enabling Bluetooth on the radio in a Kenworth truck is a simple and straightforward operation that can be completed within minutes by simply using the radio’s volume knob and “Phone” button to access the radio’s Bluetooth menu and enable the system.
Accessing the Bluetooth Menu on the Radio
In order to access the Bluetooth menu, your Kenworth radio must first be turned on. Then follow these easy steps to access the programming options:
- Locate the phone button (it is in the upper left-hand corner of the radio console and has a phone icon on it)
- Press and hold this button until the Bluetooth menu appears on the display (this step requires a minimum of 2-3 seconds)
Enabling Bluetooth
Once the Bluetooth menu has been accessed, enabling this feature is simply a matter of selecting the right option and activating it:
- Locate the volume control knob (it is on the right side of the radio console)
- Turn the knob until the display reads “BT Enable”
- Push in the volume knob to make this selection
- Bluetooth has now been enabled on your Kenworth radio
- (To disable Bluetooth follow the same steps but select the “BT Disable” option)
With Bluetooth now enabled, additional functions can be performed, such as pairing a phone or other device.
Enabling Bluetooth on Kenworth Radio with Touchscreen Display
As far as factory-installed radios on Kenworth trucks with Bluetooth capability, there are two basic types:
- Stand-alone radios with small built-in displays
- Radios with larger, “smart” (touchscreen) displays
The procedures for enabling Bluetooth on radios with smart displays found in later model Kenworths (or trucks with upgraded audio systems) are similar to the aforementioned steps.
Pairing Bluetooth Devices with Kenworth Radio
Enabling Bluetooth on your Kenworth radio is only the first step toward hand-free communication and expanded entertainment options while on the road. What follows is pairing your phone and other Bluetooth-compatible devices to your radio. The pairing process is a bit more involved than enabling Bluetooth but can be completed by following these simple steps:
- On your device, such as Apple or Android phone, access the Bluetooth options typically found in the settings menu
- Turn the Kenworth radio on
- Access the Bluetooth programming menu on the radio by pushing and holding the phone button
- Rotate the knob to cycle through the various menu options until the display reads “Add Phone”
- Push in the knob to make this selection
- At this time, the radio and your device will attempt to recognize each other and establish Bluetooth connectivity
- The radio display will briefly flash a pin (series of numbers)
- Your device’s Bluetooth menu will display all Bluetooth devices that have been previously (and successfully) paired while it searches for a new Bluetooth device
- When your device locates the Kenworth radio, it will display the radio’s identification tag (usually its name or model number, for example, “DEA 500”)
- To complete the pairing, a confirmation message will appear on your device (you will need to confirm or allow the pairing)
- Additional messages may appear on your device asking whether certain permissions will be allowed (for example, synching the contacts on your phone, accessing certain types of files or folders like playlists or favorites)
- When successful, the Kenworth radio will appear among the list of successfully connected Bluetooth devices
Up to ten compatible devices can be paired to a Kenworth radio through Bluetooth, allowing multiple drivers to access hands-free calling and other types of connectivity in a fleet situation, or for a single owner-operator to have a multitude of communications and entertainment options while on a long haul.
Conclusion
With the number of long hours spent behind the wheel, the advent of wireless technology in the cab has been a much-welcomed feature for long-haulers. Leading the way is the Bluetooth connectivity found in Kenworth radios which allows for hands-free calling. And drivers probably are not complaining about having their favorite playlists a voice command away either.
