2008 Civic tether - V-tether is rotating clip

[mytwobugs]

I searched and didn't find this question and just wanted to make sure it isn't a problem.

Because it is a V-shaped tether, when I tether my FPSVD in our new 08 Civic the clip rotates so that it is on the side of the tether hook instead of the top. I wanted to make sure this isn't a problem because I really don't see how to prevent it from migrating back to the side.
I attached pictures because I know my description is hard to follow.

Thanks for any help.

3075

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[cdncasper]

I have an 08 Civic also and versa tethers and mine doesn't do that so not sure. I make sure the top tether is pretty tight though before installing my seats so it has to stay properly.

[snowbird25ca]

I can see how it's slipping because the top of the tether anchor is quite narrow. My suggestion would be to hold the tether clip so that it's flat on top - this will mean that the top and bottom half of the tether strap are making a V right at the anchor, and somewhat overlapping.

Then pull on the tether strap itself on the right hand side of the clip - the side closest to the adjuster. Then pull the tail to tighten the slack out of the other side. With it being held with forward pressure, it should stay in position. Right now it just looks like the tether strap is trying to stay in a natural unfolded position, so I think if you make sure that it forms that V when you attach it, it will stay in place better.

(Hopefully this makes sense, it's kind of hard to explain, and without touching it in person I can't say 100% if it will work, but I think it should.)

This is a link to a picture of the tether - it's attached to the anchor on the back of my truck seat, so somewhat different, but if you look right above the tether anchor, you can see what I mean about the tether strap almost being folded right there.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2388333111_9131faf12f.jpg?v=0

[mytwobugs]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried playing with it. The tether anchors are literally right behind the seat and right at the level where the tether straps come off of the carseat so there is very little actual tether strap to work with. I have the tether strap as tight as it will go because the adjuster thing can't get any closer to the clip because of the strap folding to go through the clip. I am using the seatbelt to install so I was able to move the seat a tiny bit more toward the center of the car which moved the adjuster a little farther from the clip so I was able to get the tether a little tighter. I still don't know whether it is going to be a constant problem with it migrating - we will see.

I can't be the only one that this is happening to so I hope the tether would still serve its purpose in a crash. I guess that just one of those things we don't know until it happens.:(

[crunchierthanthou]

I honestly don't think it's much of an issue. It isn't changing the angle of the tether or making enough of a twist to cause a concern. If it was a safety risk, the anchor wouldn't be U shaped. :twocents:

[Jewels]

I have an 08 Civic also and versa tethers and mine doesn't do that so not sure. I make sure the top tether is pretty tight though before installing my seats so it has to stay properly.

You still want to make sure that the RN is installed properly and securely without the tether and before pulling the tether tight. Doing the tether up tight and then installing the carseat can give you a false sense of a good install. You can hook the tether up leaving it loose until the rest of the install is complete and then tighten it but I wouldn't recommend pulling the tether tight before installing.

[Patriot201]

IN the Civic, you are supposed to put the tether OVER the headrest and then onto the anchor. :)

[cdncasper]

IN the Civic, you are supposed to put the tether OVER the headrest and then onto the anchor. :)


In my manual (CDN 08 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual) it says:

Written on page 43

5.Lift the head restraint (see page 93), then route the tether strap through the legs of the head restraint and over the seat-back, making sure the strap is not twisted.
If the tether strap is too long and cannot be tightened firmly, find a route where the strap can be tighened securely.
6.Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchor, then tighten the strap as instructed by the child seat maker.


Also says:

Pages 45-46
All pictures show the tether strap going under the headrest.

Installing a child seat with a tether

A child seat with a tether can be installed in any seating postion in the back seat, using one of the anchorage points shown above.
Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available.
After properly securing the child seat (see page 44), lift the head restraint, then route the tether strap over the seat-back and through the head restraint legs.
If the tether strap is too long and cannot be tightened firmly, find a route where the strap can be tighened securely.
Lift the anchor cover, then attach the tether strap hook to the anchor, making sure the strap is not twisted.
Tighten the strap according to the seat maker's instructions

[cdncasper]

You still want to make sure that the RN is installed properly and securely without the tether and before pulling the tether tight. Doing the tether up tight and then installing the carseat can give you a false sense of a good install. You can hook the tether up leaving it loose until the rest of the install is complete and then tighten it but I wouldn't recommend pulling the tether tight before installing.


In a Civic I have noticed that when installing Radians you need to have the tether as tight as possible otherwise the Radian doesn't get installed properly. Not sure what the OP has but I am guessing Radian or Britax due to the versa tether. I am just saying what I have had to do when installing both my Radians in my Civic and my friends Radians in her Civic (05)

[mytwobugs]

In my manual (CDN 08 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual) it says:

Written on page 43

5.Lift the head restraint (see page 93), then route the tether strap through the legs of the head restraint and over the seat-back, making sure the strap is not twisted.
If the tether strap is too long and cannot be tightened firmly, find a route where the strap can be tighened securely.
6.Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchor, then tighten the strap as instructed by the child seat maker.


Also says:

Pages 45-46
All pictures show the tether strap going under the headrest.

Installing a child seat with a tether

A child seat with a tether can be installed in any seating postion in the back seat, using one of the anchorage points shown above.
Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available.
After properly securing the child seat (see page 44), lift the head restraint, then route the tether strap over the seat-back and through the head restraint legs.
If the tether strap is too long and cannot be tightened firmly, find a route where the strap can be tighened securely.
Lift the anchor cover, then attach the tether strap hook to the anchor, making sure the strap is not twisted.
Tighten the strap according to the seat maker's instructions

The US manual says the same thing.
I actually had to remove the headrest to get a good install. It was pushing the top of the carseat out so the whole back wasn't against the vehicle seat.

I have a FPSVD (MA clone).

[Mom to a few]

My Dh has a Jetta, and the Britax tethers ALWAYS do that in his car. Always.

I have no idea why, and I haven't had problems in any other cars I've put seats in...but I'm not losing sleep over it. :)

And if it matters...I remove the headrests in his car.

[Jewels]

In a Civic I have noticed that when installing Radians you need to have the tether as tight as possible otherwise the Radian doesn't get installed properly. Not sure what the OP has but I am guessing Radian or Britax due to the versa tether. I am just saying what I have had to do when installing both my Radians in my Civic and my friends Radians in her Civic (05)

So have you tested it out after installing it and removing the tether to see what kind of install you have :confused: I've heard of having a false sense of good install and I wouldn't want that to happen to you.

I haven't had this issue with the Radian in the older civics and accords.

[CDNTech]

If the tether strap is too long and cannot be tightened firmly, find a route where the strap can be tighened securely.

This tells me that you would be allowed to go over the head restraint if the tether can not be tightened sufficiently going under the head restraint.


In a Civic I have noticed that when installing Radians you need to have the tether as tight as possible otherwise the Radian doesn't get installed properly.

I've heard of having a false sense of good install and I wouldn't want that to happen to you.


I agree with Julie. Top tethering is an additional benefit (also required by law in Canada). The seat needs to be installed correctly before you attach/tighten the top tether.

You can loosely attach it so that it doesn't get lost behind the child restraint, but it can not be tightened until a secure install has been achieved with the UAS or seatbelt first.

As for the OP's questions... I don't see a problem with the tether anchor sliding to the side of the anchor like that at all. It is still in the correct orientation with the hook on the anchor. :thumbsup:

[mytwobugs]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I just won't worry about it if it slides back down on the side of the anchor.