need tether anchors installed in 98 sienna van

[Colleen]

Hi, I just got a 98 sienna van and need anchors put in. With my old 97 Sable I was able to get anchors put in at the Ford dealership for free. I took 5 visits (4 were pointless :mad:) because no one there knew what to do. Does Toyota install them for free? DH is an Auto Tech and wants to just order the parts and do it himself after what happened at Ford. Would I just order them though a Toyota dealership? Anyone know the part #'s? Any help would be great. I have an 59lb 11 yo in a regent that is tethered right now using my MA "rear facing tether strap hook thing" :whistle: to an "anchor" bolting the vehicle seat to the floor (not tethered to the actual vehicle seat) I know this is not an acceptable form a forward facing tethering, but its all I got till I get the anchors installed (hopefully this week!) TIA :)

[Jeanum]

It's Toyota part number 73709-12010, called a "bracket sub-assembly, tether anchor," and retailing for approx. $12 from the Toyota dealership's service/parts dept. The kit includes an 8mm bolt, anchor bracket, and spacer. The owner's manual has details about the anchor point locations in the car. The LATCH manual indicates you can retrofit a tether anchor for the second row driver's side, and both third row outboard positions. :thumbsup:

As for free service, nope, sorry, Toyota doesn't have a service bulletin stating it can be done for free like some manufacturers (mostly U.S. brands like GM/Chrysler/Ford). However, I just noticed a tech posted this in the News/Media forum about a new way to save on the cost of retrofitting Toyota and Lexus models: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37697 It could save you some $, although it sounds like you'd have to wait for a certificate/coupon to take to the Toyota dealership.

Ahem, I'm also glad you realize it's not recommended to top tether using the RF D-ring connector strap. :whistle: Have you considered top tethering to an unused vehicle seatbelt? Some details about how to tether to a seatbelt are in this thread (the OP conveniently is another Sienna owner :)): http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37686

[crunchierthanthou]

Can you put the Regent in the second row and tether it to an unused third row seatbelt? That is an approved temporary solution.

The part number is 73709-12010 and is called a bracket sub-assemble, tether anchor. The LATCH manual says it costs $12. You order it through a dealer. There are 3 weld nuts- one behind 2nd row driver's side, and behind both 3rd row outboard seats. It's something you can probably do yourself. It seems that most dealers want to charge outrageous labor to install them.

There is also a program through Saftey Belt Safe USA-

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=37697

[Colleen]

Thanx for the info :thumbsup:. I have my other DD's MA installed 2nd row captains chair behind the passenger. That also needs to be tethered, but I can only install the anchors behind the drivers side second row and both of the 3rd row outboards? In my sable I had them put 3 across for the center and both outboards. :confused: I didn't think about tethering to unused seat belts because most of time thier all being used. I'm the carpool Mum with spare turbo boosters in the 3rd row :)

[Jeanum]

Right, apparently those are the locations where Toyota has anchor points and there isn't one behind the second row passenger side seat or third row center spot. I don't understand Toyota's logic other than vehicles with three rows aren't required to have an anchor point for every rear seating position, unfortunately. :( Your Sienna owner's manual should also indicate the anchor locations if you want to confirm the info. from the LATCH manual.

[Colleen]

Thanx. So, are those anchor potions absolute? For instance if Toyota was putting them in thats the only place they would put them, or if we get the parts and DH and I install them could we essentially put one for the passenger side 2nd row? Thanks again for the help.:)

[Jeanum]

Drilling holes where the vehicle manufacturer hasn't already provided an anchor point would be dicey. :twocents: The only other suggestion would be to try contacting EZ-On (http://www.ezonpro.com/index.shtml)to see if they could suggest a way to retrofit more anchors beyond Toyota's designated locations.