Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belts

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). These types of seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to “Automatic Locking Mode” description under “Seat Belts in Passenger Seating Positions” section. The chart below defines the seating positions with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate.

• N/A — Not Applicable

• N/A — Not Applicable
• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor

To attach a child restraint tether strap:

1. To install a child restraint with ALR, first, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it through the belt path of the child restraint. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” Next, extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. As the belt retracts, you will hear a ratcheting sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.

2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

Installing a Child Restraint with a Cinching Latch Plate:

1. To install a child restraint with a cinching latch plate, first, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it through the belt path of the child.

Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.” 2. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

• In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out.

• If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position.

To attach a child restraint tether strap

• Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path for the strap between the anchor and the child seat, preferably between the head restraint posts underneath the head restraint.

Tether Strap Mounting
Tether Strap Mounting

WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to increased head motion and possible injury to the child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap.

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