Installing a Child Restraint Using the Lap/Shoulder Belt

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

Automatic Locking Mode

Since all passenger seat belts move freely under normal conditions and lock only in extreme or emergency conditions (emergency locking mode), it is necessary to manually pull the seat belt fully out to switch the retractor to the "Automatic Locking" mode for securing the child restraint.

The "Automatic Locking" mode will help prevent normal movement of the child in the vehicle from causing the seat belt to loosen and compromise child restraint safety. To secure the child restraint system, use the following procedure.

To install a child restraint system on the rear seat, do the following:

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

Make sure the seat belt webbing is not twisted.

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

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

3. Pull the shoulder portion of the seat belt fully out. When the shoulder portion of the seat belt is fully extended, it will move the retractor to the "Automatic Locking" mode (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 "Automatic Locking" 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 while feeding the shoulder belt back into the retractor.

6. Press and pull on the child restraint system to confirm that the seat belt is holding it securely. If it is not, unbuckle the seat belt and repeat steps 2 through 6.

7. Check twice that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking mode by trying to pull out more seat belt webbing. If you cannot, the retractor is in the Automatic Locking mode.

If your CRS manufacturer instructs or recommends using a tether anchor with the lap/shoulder belt, refer to the previous pages for additional information.

✽ NOTICE

When the seat belt can be fully retracted, the retractor automatically switches from Automatic Locking mode to Emergency Locking mode for normal adult use.

WARNING! Automatic Locking Mode

Set the retractor to Automatic Locking mode when installing any child restraint system. If the retractor is not in Automatic Locking mode, the child restraint may move when the vehicle turns sharply or stops.

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.