So frustrated, need install help

[estelle0702]

I bought a Safety 1st Avenue for my mom's van. After an hour of trying to install it I have given up. My mom drives an 2005 Chevy Astro and with her seat belts I have to use a locking clip. It is impossible to get a tight fit. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get a tight fit I will be forever grateful!

[MomToEliEm]

I wouldn't think you would need a locking clip on a 2005 model vehicle. The seatbelt should lock either by pulling the seatbelt all the way out and then letting it ratchet back in which will lock it in place or by using a locking latchplate.

Check the owners manual to see how the seatbelt locks. Sometimes when using a locking latchplate, you need to flip the buckle to enable the lock. As long as the lap portion of the seatbelt is tight, it should work for installing a carseat.

Does the car have latch in some of the positions? You may have some success installing the seat into one of those approved latch locations.

[ketchupqueen]

Are you trying to install RF or FF? I found that even if I wanted a more upright angle, I had to use a towel or pool noodle in my mom's Sentra to get a tight install RF. It just would not install at the angle I wanted it at. Tipped it back more toward a 45 deg. angle, and got it in with little problem.

[estelle0702]

Sorry, I thought I remembered her saying it was a 2005 but it's a 2001 and no latch. The side seat belts hang from the ceiling and when I pull them out all the way and let them retract there is no clicking. In the middle seats there are lap only belts that do not retract at all. Also, I'm trying to install it RF.

[skaterbabscpst]

This vehicle has locking latchplates. That means the belts lock at the BUCKLE and not the retractors. You do NOT need a locking clip.

Locking latchplates hold the car seat secure by locking the lap potion of the belt. They do this by holding the shoulder portion of the belt webbing parallel with the lap portion. (Or, with a lap-only belt, the "tail" that comes out of the buckle parallel to the lapbelt.) if it slips, you can prevent that by simply flipping the male end of the buckle 180* before buckling.

[estelle0702]

This vehicle has locking latchplates. That means the belts lock at the BUCKLE and not the retractors. You do NOT need a locking clip.

Locking latchplates hold the car seat secure by locking the lap potion of the belt. They do this by holding the shoulder portion of the belt webbing parallel with the lap portion. (Or, with a lap-only belt, the "tail" that comes out of the buckle parallel to the lapbelt.) if it slips, you can prevent that by simply flipping the male end of the buckle 180* before buckling.

Thank you!! I always thought I needed to use a locking clip.

[skaterbabscpst]

No problem! It's a pretty common question, actually. :)

[Defrost]

I have a '97 Chevy Astro that most likely is very similar (if not identical) to your mom's. I've installed a lot of different carseats in it, so if you have any other issues I'd be glad to help. :thumbsup:

[estelle0702]

I have a '97 Chevy Astro that most likely is very similar (if not identical) to your mom's. I've installed a lot of different carseats in it, so if you have any other issues I'd be glad to help. :thumbsup:

Thanks! I was able to get a super tight install!