Child Seat Tether Attachment: Description and Operation

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 these models are equipped with a fixed - position child restraint upper tether anchor (2) for both the center and the two outboard seating positions, and child restraint lower anchors (1) for the two outboard seating positions only.




The three upper tether anchors (1) are integral to the rear seat back panels. One anchor is integral to the back of the right rear panel, and two are integral to the left rear panel. These anchors are each constructed from short lengths of heavy - gauge steel wire that is securely welded into stamped steel cups that are integral to the seat back panels. There is a separate molded plastic trim bezel located around each of the three anchors. These 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.




The lower anchors are integral to the rear seat back panel bracket (1), which is secured with screws to the rear floor panel just forward of the rear seat back panels and beneath the rear edge of the rear seat cushion. These anchors are each constructed from a heavy - gauge steel wire loop that is securely welded to the seat back panel bracket. The child restraint lower tether anchors cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced as a unit with the rear seat back panel bracket.




The rear seat lower anchors (2) are each accessed from the front of their respective seat, at each side where the seat back meets the seat cushion. Round markers (1) with an imprinted child seat icon help identify the anchor locations as they may be otherwise difficult to see with the seat back in the upright position.

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.