Child Restraint: Description and Operation

CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR

Fig.9 Child Restraint Anchor Locations:

This model is equipped with a Lower Anchors and Tether for Children, or LATCH child restraint anchorage system. The LATCH system provides for the installation of suitable child restraints in certain seating positions without using the standard equipment seat belt provided for that seating position. The rear seats in this model are equipped with a fixed-position child restraint upper tether anchor for both the center and the two outboard seating positions, and child restraint lower anchors for the two outboard seating positions only.

Fig.10 Child Tether Anchors:

The three upper tether anchors are integral to the rear seat back panels. Two anchors are integral to the back of the right rear seat back panel, and one is integral to the left rear seat back panel. These anchors are each constructed from a short piece of round steel bar stock that is securely welded into a stamped cup integral to the seat back panel. There is a separate molded plastic trim bezel located around each of the three anchors. The child restraint upper tether anchors cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced as a unit with their respective rear seat back panels.

Fig.11 Child Restraint Lower Anchors:

The lower anchors for this model are also integral to their respective rear seat back panel. These anchors are constructed from round steel bar stock that is formed into a U-shape, then securely welded to the lower edge of the seat back panel. They are each accessed from the front of their respective seats, at each side where the seat back meets the seat cushion. These lower anchors cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced as a unit with the seat back panel.

WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.

See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the proper use of all of the factory-installed child restraint anchors.