Restraints - LATCH(R) System Retrofitting
69 08 032002073/4
December 3, 2008.
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 06-08 dated December 18, 2006 for reasons listed below.
Affected vehicle
69 LATCH system, installing/retrofitting
Condition
To comply with federal regulations in effect beginning January 1, 2005, any car sold must have "Lower Anchors and Tethers for children" installed or retrofitted.
Technical Background
LATCH, definition
The acronym LATCH is derived from the phrase "Lower Anchors and Tethers for children." LATCH consists of the combination of top tether anchors and lower anchors (termed "top tether" and "lower universal anchorage" in Canada) used to secure a Child Restraint (CR).
CR is a term that refers to products including but not limited to:
- Convertible safety seats
- Toddler safety seats
- Infant safety seats
- Booster safety seats
This Technical Bulletin will divide the LATCH system into three parts:
- Top Tether anchors
- Lower anchors
- Model status
Top Tether anchors
Forward-facing CRs manufactured after September 1, 1999 are required by US federal regulations to comply with more stringent child head movement performance requirements. These new performance requirements make a top tether necessary on most new CRs.
The purpose of the top tether is to reduce the forward movement of the CR in a crash in order to help reduce the risk of head injury that could be caused by striking the vehicle interior.
A top tether anchor is used to connect the CR tether strap to the vehicle. A tether is a straight or V - shaped strap that attaches the top part of a CR to special anchorage points in the vehicle.
Illustration shows a tether strap attached to an anchor in a sedan model.
Illustration shows tether anchor arrangement for sedan model.
Illustration shows seat back with tether anchor arrangement for Avant and allroad quattro.
Tip: Some A4 Avant models may require a seat back change for tether anchor installation.
Illustration shows tether anchors on seat back for TT coupe.
Lower anchors
All CRs manufactured after September 1, 2002 must have lower anchor attachments for the LATCH system. They must also continue to be capable of installation using the vehicle safety belts.
It is important to note that CR manufacturers began to provide lower anchor attachments for the LATCH system in the year 2000 even before the required date.
Lower anchors secure the CR in the seat without using the vehicle's safety belts. Anchors provide a secure and easy to use attachment and minimize the possibility of improper CR installation.
Lower anchor attachment points are located between the rear seat back and rear seat cushion for the outboard seating positions.
Illustration shows location of lower anchors for the rear seat.
Model Status - US
Top Tether anchors for rear seating positions:
- Standard for all seating positions beginning m.y. 2000
- Can be retrofitted in earlier models (see table)
Lower anchors in rear outboard seating positions:
- Can be retrofitted beginning m.y. 1999 except, A8L (long wheel base) and TT (see table)
Model Status - Canada
Top Tether anchors for rear seating positions:
- Standard for all seating positions beginning m.y. 2000
- At least one anchor provided beginning m.y. 1989
- Additional positions can be retrofitted
Lower anchors in rear outboard seating positions:
- Can be retrofitted beginning m.y. 1999 except, A8L (long wheel base) and TT (see table)
Production Solution
- All 2000 model year and later vehicles and later have factory-installed top tethers except Audi TT Roadster (2- seater convertible).
- LATCH retrofit kits are not available for the TT models or the Audi A8L (long wheelbase). The LATCH kit installation instructions state that if the vehicle has no upper tether, it needs to be installed in addition to the lower anchorages.
- The maximum child weight limit when using LATCH (upper and lower anchors) is 40 lbs. The upper tether must not be used by itself, but only in combination with the seat belt system or lower anchors.
- The inside LATCH anchors must not be used for attaching a child restraint in the middle position.
- In the event of a crash, Audi Service Personnel must visually inspect the LATCH anchorages for signs of damage and deformation. Welded LATCH anchorages cannot be repaired or replaced. The vehicle fuel tank is located immediately behind the area where the lower LATCH anchorages are located. To prevent damage to the fuel tank and fuel leakage that can cause a fire, no welding or drilling in this area is permitted and no bolts or other fasteners may protrude into this area.
- Guidance fixtures (Part No. 8L0 887 233) are available at dealerships.
- LATCH Recall: See "NOTES" column for specific vehicles.
Service
Retrofit previous models.
Top Tether anchors
For most models, use this Top Tether anchor retrofit parts listing. See the Notes section for installation instructions.
WARNING: Always remind the owner to read and follow the owner's manual and LATCH supplement instructions and warnings.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Part 5:
NOTE: Part numbers listed in this Technical Bulletin are for reference only. Always check with your Parts Dept. for the latest parts information.
Lower anchors
A lower anchor retrofit kit part number listing is below. Each kit includes:
1. LATCH Owner's manual supplement for user instructions (to be given to customer)
2. One anchor bar, two bolts, and two guidance fixtures
3. Installation instructions
Tip:
- Whenever a lower anchor retrofit is installed, the tether anchor must also be installed if not already present in the vehicle.
- The guidance fixtures must be installed on the lower anchor bars when the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
- The LATCH owner's manual supplement in the kit must be given to the customer when the vehicle is delivered.
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.