Child Restraint Installation Using the Lap/Shoulder Belt

If the LATCH system is not used, all child restraints must be secured to the rear seat using the lap portion of the lap/shoulder seat belt.

WARNING

ALWAYS install a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat of the vehicle.

Installing a rear-facing child restraint on the front seat may result in serious injury or death in the event of a collision, as the airbag may strike the child restraint.

Automatic Locking Mode

Since all passenger seat belts move freely under normal conditions and lock only in extreme or emergency conditions (emergency locking mode), manually pull the seat belt out completely to set the retractor to the Automatic Locking Mode to secure the child restraint.

The Automatic Locking Mode helps prevent normal movement of the child restraint in the vehicle, since the seat belt may loosen and damage the child restraint system. To secure the child restraint system, use the following procedure.

To install the child restraint system on the rear seat, follow these steps:

1. Place the child restraint system on the rear seat and route the lap/shoulder belt around or through the child restraint in accordance with the restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure the seat belt strap is not twisted.

NOTICE

When using the rear center seat belt, also refer to "Seat Belt – 3-Point System for Passengers" in this chapter.

2. Fasten the lap/shoulder belt latch into the buckle. Listen for a distinct "click".

Information

Position the release button so that it is easily accessible in an emergency.

3. Pull out the shoulder portion of the seat belt completely. Once the shoulder portion of the seat belt is fully extended, the retractor will move to the Automatic Locking position (child restraint).

4. Slowly allow the shoulder portion of the seat belt to retract and listen for an audible "click" or "ratcheting" sound. This indicates that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. If no distinct sound is heard, repeat steps 3 and 4.

5. Remove as much slack from the belt as possible by pressing down on the child restraint system while guiding the shoulder belt back into the retractor.

6. Push and pull the child restraint to make sure the seat belt holds it securely in place. If it does not, unbuckle the seat belt and repeat steps 2 through 6.

7. Check twice that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode by trying to pull out the seat belt from the retractor. If you cannot, the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.

If the child restraint manufacturer specifies or recommends using a tether anchorage with the lap/shoulder belt, refer to the previous pages for additional information.

NOTICE

When the seat belt is retracted fully, the retractor will automatically change from the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode for normal adult use.

WARNING

If the retractor is not in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode, the child restraint may move when your vehicle turns sharply or stops. A child may be seriously injured or killed if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle, including fully extending the seat belt by hand to switch the retractor to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.

To remove the child restraint, press the release button on the buckle, then pull the lap/shoulder belt out of the restraint and allow the seat belt to retract fully.