Installing Child Seats Using the Upper Tether

When transporting children in the vehicle, they must be securely restrained to prevent dangerous movement in the event of a traffic accident.

A child seat equipped with upper tethers can be installed in any outboard rear seating position, using one of the anchor points shown in the illustration.

Since the tethers provide an increased level of safety, we recommend using them in all cases where the vehicle is equipped with them. (Check with the child seat manufacturer whether the child seat can be installed using the tether.)

Using the Tether Anchorage

1. After correctly installing the child restraint (page 49 or 52), route the strap over the seatback and above the head restraint as shown in the illustration.

The upper illustration shows attachment of the latch hook in accordance with European standards.

On certain vehicle variants

Raise the head restraint and route the tether strap over the seatback between the head restraint posts.

2. Lift the cover, then attach the tether hook to the anchorage bracket and make sure the strap is not twisted.

3. Tighten the strap following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

When attaching the strap to the child restraint, follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.

When using any child restraint system, be sure to follow all instructions contained in the manufacturer's manual.

WARNING: Anchorages designed for child restraint systems are rated only for loads generated by properly installed child restraints. Under no circumstances should adult seat belts, cargo tie-down straps, or accessories be attached to them.

If the child's weight and height no longer allow use of a child restraint, we recommend placing the child on a booster cushion on the rear seat and securing the child with the vehicle's lap/shoulder belt.

The following pages provide instructions for checking proper routing of the shoulder belt, types of booster cushions, and information on transporting children in the front passenger seat.

WARNING

Seating a child under 12 years old in the front passenger seat may result in serious injury or death in the event of front airbag deployment.

If it is necessary to transport a child in the front passenger seat, move the seat fully rearward and properly secure the child with the seat belt, using a booster cushion if necessary.

WARNING

If a child leans against the front door, the child may be seriously or even fatally injured if the side airbag deploys.

Sit upright with your back against the seatback.