installation with seat belt - why can't I do this?

[orangefur]

I am trying to install an Evenflo Triumph FF in the 3rd row of my 2006 Madza 5. There is no LATCH back there so I am using the seat belt. My understanding is that for newer cars, the locking clip is not necessary. However, I don't see how you can possibly install without it! I am following the directions and when I am done, I can easily loosen the seat by tugging on it. I will be tethering it so that will help, but it should install tightly before I do that, right?

What am I missing?

[ame0312]

I am trying to install an Evenflo Triumph FF in the 3rd row of my 2006 Madza 5. There is no LATCH back there so I am using the seat belt. My understanding is that for newer cars, the locking clip is not necessary. However, I don't see how you can possibly install without it! I am following the directions and when I am done, I can easily loosen the seat by tugging on it. I will be tethering it so that will help, but it should install tightly before I do that, right?

What am I missing?

your seat belts lock somehow (all car after 96 have to)... trying pulling the belt the whole way out & then letting it retract... if its locking it will make a clicking sound... & not be able to be pulled back out... tighten the belt up before locking it... that usually makes it easier... hth! & yes, it should be tight before tethering...

[orangefur]

It doesn't make any clicking sound. It only tightens up if you pull on it quickly, like if you make a hard stop. I know that it must lock, I am just missing something! I usually install with LATCH and always end up using the locking clip the few times that I didn't have it - like on my parents' 1997 car.

Here's what I'm doing:
-put the carseat in and thread the belt through the appropriate slot.
-kneel on the seat and pull the shoulder part near the buckle in order to get the lap part as tight as possible.
-thread the shoulder part back into the retractor
-get off the carseat and check it - a little wiggling loosens it.

I also checked the 2nd row of seats where my kids' seats are currently installed with LATCH and those belts do the same thing, just like in the front seat. I mean, when an adult is buckled into the seat, you can lean over and the seat belt catches if you are in an accident or have a hard stop. What do I do to make it different in the back?

[BookMama]

The third row of the Mazda 5 can be pretty tricky, from what I've heard. The problem is that the upper anchor for the seat belts is pretty far forward of the vehicle seat.

I know that at least two techs on this board have great experience with the Mazda 5 and should be able to help you. Maybe if you can change your title to include "Mazda 5" (or start a new thread), one of them will be along soon.

[orangefur]

I got it!

The thing I was missing was that I needed to pull the belt out all the way to activate the locking. Once I did that, I heard the ratcheting and was able to get it installed easily.

I found this site which helped me: http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm

[BookMama]

I got it!

The thing I was missing was that I needed to pull the belt out all the way to activate the locking. Once I did that, I heard the ratcheting and was able to get it installed easily.

I found this site which helped me: http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm

Glad you figured it out!

That's a great site you found - it's run by one of our moderators here. :love:

[VirginiaDavis]

I got it!

The thing I was missing was that I needed to pull the belt out all the way to activate the locking. Once I did that, I heard the ratcheting and was able to get it installed easily.

I found this site which helped me: http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm

Glad you figured it out! Thats what I was going to tell you. In my explorer, I have to pull the belts out ALL the way, then it "clicks" I just tend to hold it until I buckle it, then let it retract, with me sitting in the seat. Seems to work out well that way!

[Kat_Momof3]

that's what I was going to tell her, too.

I knew she had to have not been doing it... and her steps confirmed that.

[orangefur]

OT - Kat - is that the Nautilus your DD is in in the signature photo? Looks comfy! I will need to replace my Evenflo Triumphs next year when they expire with something for my DS who turns 3 in May. I haven't seen one in person yet and am trying to decide between that and springing for 2 Regents (ouch!).

For my 5yo DD we have an Apex65 and a Regent (my car does not have headrests in the back otherwise we'd have two Apex65s). I definitely prefer the Regent but since I'll have to buy two (one for each car since DH and I split drop off and pickup) the cost is a bit prohibitive.

[Kat_Momof3]

she's either my dd or my monkey girl... depending on her mood... lol.

She loves the seat (especially now that we customized it... but I have to go remove the sticky bits from where the appliques (stupid me didn't know there was a difference) didn't stick and then put on the remaining patches I ordered when they come).