Techs! Locking clip in '07 T&C?

[Genevieve]

I was browsing through another carseat board and came across something that piqued my interest.

A woman was having a hard time installing a seat in her van and she mentioned she was using a locking clip. A tech responded, and told her to NEVER (yes, she did make it all caps) use a locking clip. It was confirmed that her particular van had switchable belts, so it wasn't neccessary, but isn't the use of a locking clip somewhat a preferrential thing? Provided it is used and put on correctly.

I drive an '07 T&C that has belts that "lock" at the latchplate. I quoted lock because really, it doesn't lock the seatbelt. Sure, it holds it tighter, but not even close to tight enough to hold a car seat secure. It doesn't take much force to pull the lap portion back through the latchplate, and it won't keep a carseat tight. I have a RF ComfortSport installed on a captains chair. I tried the flipping the latchplate 180 degrees to keep the belt from sneaking through, however, it didn't keep the belt from moving. It was still able to slip through a bit and I was worried that over time in would slowly become looser. I chose to just use a locking clip. From what this other tech said, it sounded like locking clips should NEVER be used, but it was the only way I could get the seat to stay secure. I'm confident that it's on correctly (one inch from the latchplate) so I guess I'm not seeing what the problem is.

Techs, are you told to not use locking clips anymore unless it's in a car with no locking seatbelts? I really, really do not like these locking latchplates and feel that is a generous term for them. If they are required to help with carseat installation, these in particular are useless.

[CDNTech]

A locking clip can be used, but it's a last resort kind of thing... it should be placed *less than* one inch from the buckle, but not touching the buckle.

The lap/buckle/shoulder portions all need to be parallel in order for the lightweight locking latchplate to function correctly. Flipping the latchplate or twisting down the buckle stalk will generally solve the issue and no locking clip is needed. Using one of these tricks generally eliminates the issue and no locking clip is needed.

[Genevieve]

Should I try re-installing the seat again? I cannot twist the stalk as it is rigid. Can I twist the belt a full 360? I think that would help more with the slipping, but I wasn't sure if that was okay. Or, am I good with how it is?

[CDNTech]

You would only need to twist the belt 180 degrees... there will be a single twist in your seatbelt. This forces the lap/buckle/shoulder portions to be parallel to each other which, in turn, forces the latchplate to stay locked.

If the locking clip is used correctly, I'm fine with it... however, it's just one extra step that's not really needed.

[joolsplus3]

Jen covered your issue really well, I just want to toss this link out for you, it's pretty handy when it comes to locking clips http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm

[lovinwaves]

Could the lady have possibly had a Britax Carseat? Isn't using a locking clip with a Britax a no no?

[CDNTech]

Could the lady have possibly had a Britax Carseat? Isn't using a locking clip with a Britax a no no?

Good catch and yep, no locking clips with Britax seats (they have built-in lock-offs).

[lovinwaves]

Good catch and yep, no locking clips with Britax seats (they have built-in lock-offs).

What if your lock-off is broken? Will Britax still say no to a locking clip?

[CDNTech]

What if your lock-off is broken? Will Britax still say no to a locking clip?

Still not allowed to use a locking clip... they will send a replacement and in the meantime you are to use a different seating position that allows the use of the other functioning built-in lock-off, or use a locking seatbelt... if those options are not available then you can't use the seat until the lock-off is replaced. :o

[joolsplus3]

What if your lock-off is broken? Will Britax still say no to a locking clip?
They'd say use a different seating position, use the locking seatbelt, or don't use the seat until you can get your lockoff replaced. They simply do NOT allow locking clips on their seats that have lockoffs. (One of those black and white rules... if it's not in the manual, they won't ever say it's ok, I think).

[lovinwaves]

Thanks, you two :)

And sorry, Genevieve, to slightly derail your thread.

[Genevieve]

That's okay! Good to know about the Britax seats with a lock off. While the one that I'm using a lockoff for isn't Britax, I do own a MA.

Here's the problem with my belts, even when the belts are parallel, I am still able to pull with enough force to slowly let out slack. Even when they are parallel, it doesn't keep the belt from moving at all, it can still slip. I wish I could take a video to show you I'm not crazy, but I don't know how!

For now, I'm just more comfortable with the locking clip. Perhaps I need to learn how to use my locking latchplates better as I am so used to the switchable retractors. I'm hoping to get signed up for a CPST class soon and maybe I'll get more ideas/tips from there. Like I said, I'm confident in my install and the use of the clip, so for now I'll keep it.

Thanks for you thoughts and advice, Ladies!

[Nisha]

I personally have not had good luck with the locking latchplates in dodge/chrysler vehicles, and have always had to use locking clips.

If you take a CPST class you'll definately get some great tips and ideas on using/not using locking clips!

[keri1292]

Is the install tight when giving it a tug with your non-dominant hand? Remember, the locking latchplate is just a pre-crash positioner. In a collision the belt itself is going to lock up. The purpose of the locking latchplate is to hold it tight until that moment.

I've never had a problem in my Ford Windstar of Chrysler Town & Country with a seat becoming loose. If I start yanking on the seat, well, then it comes loose. But, that's not how to check for a tight install. ;)

[Genevieve]

I personally have not had good luck with the locking latchplates in dodge/chrysler vehicles, and have always had to use locking clips.


That actually makes me feel a little better! I was beginning to think my vehicle was defective or something.

Keri - the issue is that the belt won't even stay tight enough for me to check the seat for a good installation. As soon as it's buckled (even if I flip the latchplate), as soon as I let go the force of the carseat pushes back up and creates belt in the slack. I think I'm going to call these Snugging Latchplates, because they do keep the belt snug on a person, just not enough on a carseat.

[April]

Sorry for the hijack, but I just read that page someone linked to the locking clip info, and it says:

*Note: Chrysler and Dodge lightweight locking latchplates won't hold a car seat tight and you should flip the latchplate over once so that it is upside down before buckling or use a locking clip with those latchplates. Flipping the latchplate upside down will keep the seat belt from sliding through the latchplate and force the lightweight locking mechanism to hold tight.

We own two Dodge vehicles, that all of our car seats are installed in, and have not flipped the latchplate on any of them, and our installs are rock solid. I mean rock the truck solid. How can this be true if the information above is true? Should I go out and re-install, flipping the latchplates after all this time? I've also had my installs checked by two techs, including one from this board, and no one has said or implied that I MUST flip the latchplate. Only if it slips, which it doesn't. :confused:

[joolsplus3]

Don't worry about it, if they work to hold your seats tight without flipping, that's great and everything's fine :) (I bet that paragraph could be edited to say 'might' not hold...)

:)

[April]

Thanks Jools. I think I'm just a natural at installing seats, lol:eek: