Installing child restraint systems using the lap and shoulder belt

If the vehicle does not have lower anchors, all types of child restraint systems must be installed using the lap portion of the lap and shoulder belt.

The rear seat lap and shoulder belt has a locking function that must be activated during child restraint system installation.

When installing a child restraint system, make sure the seat belt buckle is securely latched.

For proper seat belt installation, follow the instructions of the seat belt manufacturer.

For a list of child restraints recommended for use in European countries, refer to page 56.

The following are instructions for installing child restraint systems in which the child faces forward.

1. Place the child restraint system on the selected rear seating position. Slide the child restraint system fully rearward against the seatback.

If you are installing a child restraint system in any rear seating position and using the top tether strap for additional safety, set the head restraint to the required position and secure the strap to the anchor before fastening the restraint with the seat belt.

2. In accordance with the instructions of the child restraint manufacturer, route the lap and shoulder belt through the belt guides provided on the child restraint system, then insert the belt tongue into the buckle.

3. To securely lock the child restraint system with the locking mechanism, slowly pull the shoulder portion of the belt out of the retractor to its full length.

4. Press the release button. Route the shoulder portion of the seat belt through the side slot of the child restraint system, then release the belt and let it retract onto the retractor.

5. After the belt has retracted, pull on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you are able to pull the belt out, the belt is not securely locked, and you must repeat all of the previous steps in order to lock the belt securely.

6. After confirming that the seat belt is securely locked, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt near the buckle and pull it to remove all slack from the lap portion.

Keep in mind that if the lap portion of the seat belt is loose, the child restraint system will not be securely installed.

To remove all slack from the belt, it is helpful to press down on the child restraint system or firmly push on its seatback while pulling the belt tight.

7. Press the release button to secure the belt in the slot. Make sure the belt is not twisted and is correctly routed through the slot.

8. After installing the child restraint system, pull it forward and backward and from side to side to check that it is securely installed in the required position and that it stays upright when the vehicle maneuvers.

If the child restraint system is not properly secured, unbuckle the seat belt, let it retract fully onto the retractor, and then repeat all of the steps described above.

To release the lock and remove the child restraint system, unbuckle the seat belt, remove it from the child restraint system, and let the belt retract fully onto the retractor.

Except vehicles sold in Europe

For vehicles in which the inertia reel of the seat belt for the seat on which the child is seated does not have a locking function. If the child restraint is installed using the lap-shoulder seat belt, be sure to use the belt-positioning clip to secure the belt straps.

Using the Seat Belt Positioning Clip Except for Vehicles Sold in Europe

For vehicles in which the inertia reel of the seat belt for the seat on which the child is seated does not have a locking function. If the child restraint is secured to the seat using the lap-shoulder seat belt, always use the belt-positioning clip attached to the belt straps. The clip prevents the child restraint from shifting or tipping over.

The belt-positioning clip is normally supplied with the child restraint. If you need to purchase a clip separately, contact the child restraint manufacturer or a retailer that sells child restraints.

If it is necessary to install a forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat fully rearward, and make sure the child restraint is securely installed and that the child is properly restrained in it.

To install the belt-positioning clip correctly, perform the following steps:

1. Install the child restraint on a seat equipped with a lap-shoulder seat belt. Route the lap-shoulder seat belt straps through the child restraint anchorages, following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

2. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle. Pull the shoulder belt to remove all slack from the lap portion of the belt.

3. Grasp the belt webbing near the latch plate. Press the webbing portions firmly together so that the belt cannot move through the latch plate opening. Unbuckle the safety belt.

4. Install the positioning clip on the belt straps as shown in the illustration. Slide the clip as close as possible to the buckle.

5. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle. Check that the child restraint is securely installed by pulling it in different directions. If the child restraint moves, repeat the above procedure.