Child Seat Tether Attachment: Description and Operation

CHILD SAFETY SEAT TETHER ANCHOR

Child safety seat tether anchor is located at the back of the passenger seat and is part of an assembly with the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the tether anchor and LATCH assembly and the seat track/frame for damage. Install a new tether anchor and LATCH assembly or seat track/frame if necessary.

ATTACHING SAFETY SEATS WITH TETHER STRAPS

Some manufacturers make child safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of the child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN (LATCH)

The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system is a standardized and uniform attachment system for installing child safety seats in passenger vehicles. LATCH equipped child safety seats have two lower attachments that connect to the vehicle portion of the LATCH system.

The vehicle portion of the system consists of two attachment points (6 mm wires) bolted to the base of the passenger seat and is part of an assembly with the child safety seat tether anchor. The attachment points protrude from the bight line between the seat cushion and seat backrest.

If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the vehicle portion of the system for damage. If any of the attachment points (6 mm wires) are damaged, a new tether anchor and LATCH assembly or seat track/frame must be installed.