98 VW Jetta- Help!

[Polola0628]

Hello everyone! I'm new here.
DH drives a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS.
We have a Cosco Scenera (Which we are trading in for something else because the chest restraint started popping open!! :eek:)

There is absolutley NO way to secure the seat with the tether. If we put just the seat belt on, the car seat is in NO way secure.

Any help would be wonderful!

there is no LATCH system in the car and it's pretty small.

[Pixels]

You will need to lock the belt in some way. The easiest way is if you have a switching retractor. Slowly pull the webbing all the way out, then let it go part way back in, then try to pull it out again. If it won't get longer, only shorter, you have a switching retractor. Put the carseat in position, buckle it through the correct belt path, pull the webbing all the way out and let it go back in. Compress the carseat into the vehicle seat, pull the belt tight, and feed the webbing into the retractor. Check for movement at the belt path. It should move less than one inch in any direction (front to back and side to side). Other portions of the seat may move more, but we only check at the belt path.

After you get it secure with the seatbelt, add the top tether, pulling all the slack out.

If switching the retractor doesn't work on your vehicle, post back and we'll figure out what kind of seat belt system you have. But I strongly suspect you have switching retractors.

[Defrost]

Hello and welcome! Glad you found us! :)

You'll first need to determine what kind of seat belt you're using and how it locks. It will lock in some way, because all vehicle seat belts had to lock after '97. There is definitely a way to install the carseat - you'll just the seat belt instead of the LATCH, and both are equally safe provided they are used correctly.

Is it a lap-only seat belt or a lap/shoulder seat belt?

Are you installing forward-facing or rear-facing?

Center or outboard seating position?

Also, the chest clip popping open is more of an annoyance than a safety factor. It is actually designed to pop open in a crash, because it's purpose is only to keep the straps properly positioned. If yours isn't working, you can easily get it replaced by calling Cosco - no need to replace the seat! :thumbsup:

One last thing - the top tether is only a supplemental restraint. It's a bonus and obviously highly recommended, but your main method for restraining a carseat is either the seat belt or the lower LATCH anchors. You've got seat belts, so you've got the important part covered. It's also possible you do have top tether anchors, or can have them installed - have you checked the vehicle manual?

[Minniemouse]

We have a '95 Jetta and have had a variety of seats installed in it in various positions.

I'm not sure about the '98, but the '95 does NOT have switchable retractors for the lap/shoulder belts in the outboard positions and only a lap belt in the center.

With our first child, we kept her in the center position and the lap belt was the easiest installation of them all! We were able to get tether anchors installed at the VW dealership (the LATCH manual has the info, my manual is home so I can't share it w/ you but our dealership's parts guy was floored when dh walked in w/ the part numbers!:D) in all three positions.

Dd sat in a Fisher Price infant seat (the SIV) first, then either the Fisher Price Safe Embrace (rfing & ffing) or the Britax Advantage (rfing & ffing) for her convertibles, a Graco Platinum CarGo for about six months and then a Britax Husky after that.

To be honest we didn't realize the car didn't have switchable retractors until ds arrived and we had to put them both outboard.

In the outboard positions we've always had to use the built in lock offs or use a locking clip for the harnessed seats.

Outboard we've installed the Britax Advantage (rfing w/ built in lock offs), and the Graco Nautilus (locking clip) on the passenger side and the Graco Turbobooster and Nautilus (as a booster) on the driver's side.

We currently have two Nautilus seats in the car, one installed w/ the locking clip and one used as a booster seat.

The rear facing seats (center and passenger outboard) fit okay in the back seat. The center position gave the front seat passengers more room (it allowed the seats to be back a bit further). When the rfing seat was in the outboard passenger position, the front passenger (ie me!) did have a GREATLY reduced amount of leg room...but it was workable. I'm 5'6" and could deal with it okay.

Does any of that help?

[henrietta]

We have '98 Passat.

They are probably the same in regards to seatbelts and top tether anchors.

The seatbelts lock at the retractor by pulling the belt all the way out and letting it slowly retract, as described by Pixels. The center belt locks the same way, even though it is a lap only belt.

You can order top tether anchors thru your VW dealer for $50 per ta, and you can pay them to install them or install them yourself. They aren't that difficult to put in on your own.

The Scenera should fit well in the Jetta. We've been able to do nice center installs w/Evenflo Tribute, Cosco AOE, Britax Decathlon, and Fisher Price SVD. The Evenflo Triumph and EFTA both fit really well outboard; we just have to be careful to install so that we can use the knobs to adjust the harness. The Triumph is a bit too wide to install easily in the center, esp b/c of the slight center hump.

Basically, almost anything will install in it well in the right position.

hths

henrietta

[theannex2]

I have a 98 Jetta, and the above posters are correct about the type of belts. The only position with the top tether for FF is the center, which is lapbelt only.

[henrietta]

The only position with the top tether for FF is the center, which is lapbelt only.

Really? We were told that we could install the ta we bought in any of the three seating positions. And I found the spots for them in dh's car, so I know they are there (at least in our Passat ;)).

henrietta

[lovinwaves]

There is absolutley NO way to secure the seat with the tether. If we put just the seat belt on, the car seat is in NO way secure.



Welcome to the Forum :)

How old is your child, and what is their weight?

[theannex2]

Really? We were told that we could install the ta we bought in any of the three seating positions. And I found the spots for them in dh's car, so I know they are there (at least in our Passat ;)).

henrietta

Sorry, I wasn't clear. My 98 Jetta only came with a center tether point installed. I got outboard ones retrofitted (cost me a pretty penny, but that's another rant.)

[Minniemouse]

Okay I talked to dh (the 95 Jetta is his car) and checked the LATCH manual.

According to dh:
We have three tether anchors on the back deck of his Jetta. The center one was factory installed, and the two outboard tethers were installed just before ds was born (so sometime in 2005).

Initially VW had NO idea what dh was talking about when we requested them, but I had an older LATCH manual and he went back w/ the part numbers. He says that they were going to charge him initially but ended up not doing so...we don't remember why.

According to the LATCH manual:
The A3 Jetta (model yrs 93-99) are able to have 3 TA points in the rear filler panel... one in the center and two outboard.

Dizzy.. I can post all the specific part numbers you need if you want to go and get the other two installed by VW.

FWIW... we also had a 92 Jetta (diesel) that we had one center tether installed by VW. According to the LATCH manual we could have had more installed (for a total of three as in the 95) but we only needed the one at the time and they agreed to install one for free but would have charged us for more.

[Pixels]

The 98 Jetta can be retrofitted with up to three top tether anchors. Sometimes, when you go to the dealer and ask for a top tether retrofit, they have no idea what you're talking about. If you give them the Tech Bulletin number 69-01-01 they will be able to look it up.

[Polola0628]

Thanks everyone. Right now our car is out of comission... our Scenera is rear facing as of now because we are having trouble with the chest snap part of the harness, but we aren't driving the car at the moment.

We are planning to buy a britax regent (FF). RF is a problem in the car because of space, but when necessary we make it happen. FF is easier, it is a bit difficult to do in the center seat because of the awkward bump on the backrest, but is feasable.

Anywho. Our vehicle isn't retrofitted with the tether anchor on any seat.

I was wondering if the tether can be anchored another way (with the scenera). The strap is VERY long, starts at the top of the car seat's back and latches on to the bottom of the back of the car seat.

Our car's rear seat folds down (for trunk access) thus leaving a space between the top and bottom sections, where I WAS taking the long tether strap, looping in around the back of the seat, through the space that separates the top and bottom, and hooking it to the car seats bottom, where it comes attatched to. It won't really get as tight as I'd like it to- my next step is crawling into the trunk to get it. Either way, we are getting the Regent because it is our favorite from Britax, and will suit our 15 month old well.

So any more ideas with the tether? Anyone know how much it could cost to retrofit a VW Jetta with the tether anchor in Illinois (since i'm sure the regent uses the small short tether and not the crazy long one the Scenera we have does)

TIA!

[Defrost]

Hello again!

We are planning to buy a britax regent (FF). RF is a problem in the car because of space, but when necessary we make it happen. FF is easier, it is a bit difficult to do in the center seat because of the awkward bump on the backrest, but is feasable.

At 15 months, RF is still highly recommended and encouraged. It provides a considerable amount of protection, even for children over a year of age. A FF-only seat would not be considered an ideal carseat for a child under 2. If you check the FAQs and articles here on this site, you'll find a lot of information and statistics on this.

You said earlier you're familiar with the Regent, but are you sure it will be a good fit for your 15 mo? Children that age tend to be swallowed in it and not very comfortable, especially on long trips. I've heard it can often be impossible to get the harnessed tightened enough on very small children. How much does your 15mo weigh?

Anywho. Our vehicle isn't retrofitted with the tether anchor on any seat.

It should have come with factory-installed tether anchor for the center position. Is it possible a previous owner removed it?

If you scroll up, someone posted that the parts for the tether anchors for your vehicle should cost about $50, and you can either pay to have them installed OR just install them yourself (which should be a fairly easy and straightforward job in your vehicle.)

I was wondering if the tether can be anchored another way (with the scenera). The strap is VERY long, starts at the top of the car seat's back and latches on to the bottom of the back of the car seat.

No, I'm sorry. You've obviously worked hard to find a very creative solution to your problem, but it will not hold in a crash. The only way to safely top-tether a forward-facing carseat is to an approved tether anchor.

[Minniemouse]

Anywho. Our vehicle isn't retrofitted with the tether anchor on any seat.

As I stated above, our '95 Jetta had ONE tether anchor factory installed in the center position. We only had to install the to outer anchors. If our '95 had one, your '98 should definitely have one.

It wasn't difficult to get the anchors installed at all and as Debbie already said, it shouldn't be difficult to install them yourself if you need to.

RF is a problem in the car because of space, but when necessary we make it happen. FF is easier, it is a bit difficult to do in the center seat because of the awkward bump on the backrest, but is feasable.

When we had the Britax Advantage rear facing in the outboard passenger seat I was able to sit in the front passenger seat w/o any issue. I didn't have a ton of room, but it was doable. We had even MORE room (for both front passenger and driver) placing the seat in the center.

Another option is to pull the front passenger seat fully forward, install the Scenera rear facing and you or your dh could sit behind the driver instead.... just an idea.

Either way, we are getting the Regent because it is our favorite from Britax, and will suit our 15 month old well.

We had a Husky (the precursor to the Regent) installed in the center position w/ no problem in our '95 Jetta. I'm not sure about the specifics of using a Regent w/ a lap only belt under Britax's new rules though.

FWIW, we were NOT successful installing the Husky in either of the outboard positions. The lap/shoulder belts don't have switchable retractors (ie they don't "lock") and the way the belt paths worked, I wasn't comfortable with where the locking clip ended up so that wasn't an option.

To be honest...I agree w/ Debbie that rear facing at 15mo is a much better option and I have to tell you that my 3yo started sitting in his Regent at 2yrs, 2mo (when he hit 35lbs and couldn't rear face anymore) and he was SO lost and tiny in that seat! He fit...barely...but it was bordering on too big for him. I can't imagine what he would have looked like a year earlier!

[Polola0628]

Thank you everyone :) I know that our Jetta does not have the top tether anchor... are you saying that yours has the one on the top or the bottom?


DD is 34 inches tall and 26lbs (not sure why my siggy isn't showing). When we have a seat RF it seems to flop all over, we've tried on a few seats. The scenera was our best bet, but the lack of foam and cushioning is not for us. If we were to be in a crash, the seat would seriously flip sideways, and in another post I was told that the locking clip at the chest is just to position the harness during the crash, and will normally pop off.. she'd likely be thrown from the seat with it flopping all around. It would be much safer in FF if I can get the tether thing worked out correctly. The seatbelts DO lock.

My sister has a Regent and her DD at age 18 months was able to fit into it well (She actually got two, one for her then 4 year old and one for the 18 month old). The 18 month old was 25lbs and 35 inches, so slightly smaller than my daughter.

[Defrost]

Thank you everyone :) I know that our Jetta does not have the top tether anchor... are you saying that yours has the one on the top or the bottom?

Yes, she means the top tether anchors. They didn't start adding the lower anchors until '01 on the VWs.

Do you have the vehicle manual for your car?

DD is 34 inches tall and 26lbs (not sure why my siggy isn't showing). When we have a seat RF it seems to flop all over, we've tried on a few seats. The scenera was our best bet, but the lack of foam and cushioning is not for us. If we were to be in a crash, the seat would seriously flip sideways, and in another post I was told that the locking clip at the chest is just to position the harness during the crash, and will normally pop off.. she'd likely be thrown from the seat with it flopping all around. It would be much safer in FF if I can get the tether thing worked out correctly. The seatbelts DO lock.

It sounds like you're having some trouble installing RF and also have some misconceptions about how carseats work. (That's okay, most people do! :D )

A properly installed RF carseat will be tight at the beltpath, but the top of the shell won't be. It can often be easily flipped towards the back of the vehicle seat. This is normal, and alarming as it may seem, doesn't seem to cause any severe injuries in a crash (babies have been riding in carseats that do this - it's called "rebounding" - for decades now, and there is a lot of statistical evidence.)

In any case, the seat should not flip sideways when you check it for movement after installing. You should see a certified tech for help in getting it installed safely.

Also, even with the chest clip not staying locked, the buckle at the bottom would still hold her straps tight and keep her in the carseat.

You obviously are doing your best to keep her as safe as possible, which is why you're here. :) We want you to have the most accurate information available in order to help you achieve that goal. Keeping her RF until at least 2 years of age, and preferably as long as she is within the RF limits of her carseat, is the SAFEST choice you can make for her.

A certified tech should be able to help you reach that goal - he/she could help you get your carseat installed properly RF in your vehicle, and show you how a correctly adjusted harness will work (with or without the chest clip.)

Have you contacted Cosco about a replacement chest clip?

[theannex2]

The scenera was our best bet, but the lack of foam and cushioning is not for us.

Since I have the same year/model Jetta, I just wanted to let you know what seats have installed well RF in my car.... In the center, we've had a Britax Roundabout and a Britax Marathon. Both good tight installs, and could still get the front seats back far enough for tall drivers and passenger to be comfy.

Now that I have 2 kids, we don't use that spot anymore. We use the outboard passenger, which means a cramped front passenger, but doable. Currently I have the Safety1st Uptown RF in that spot. It's not quite as immovable as the Britax since it can't be tethered RF, but with a tripod of pool noodles, I'm satisfied with the angle and install. It's also braced against the front seat, which is ok for this car. The Uptown is only available at Big Lots, for about $60, since it's been replaced by the Avenue. It's nicely padded though with energy absorbing foam, so I feel ok having my youngest outboard in it. It's also got a nice tall shell, and rear-faces to 35 lbs, so your little one should easily make it to 2 to rear-facing in it despite her large size.

HTH,

[Unregistered]

Hi,
I was just doing a search on carseats and 98 Jettas and came across this thread. We are having the 'problem' that Defrost mentions above, in that our Britax Marathon carseat is moving ALOT when placed in the center rear-facing.(Not side to side but back and forth, so it almost hits the back seat if you push it) My husband will not allow me to drive our daughter (14 months, 20 lbs, 30" long) in my Jetta because he says that much movement of the seat "can't be safe". We're afraid she will do a face-plant into the backseat if we get hit. And since there is nothing on the console or floor of the back seat which we can stabilize the seat to using the attached belt, we can only use the carseat in his '04 Pontiac Grand Prix (which gets much worse gas mileage!) because the carseat is much more stable and secure in there. (his car has the hooks in the seat which I guess help the seat to be pulled down much tighter than just with the center seatbelt in my car)

I see that Defrost says the 'rebounding' is normal and also perfectly safe, but just to reassure us, is there any way to secure the seat to the two front seats (possibly by running some type of belt through the back of the Britax and then to the two headrest posts on each side?? I mean, even if it's not the factory suggested way to secure it, wouldnt it be alright to add a little more security to the seat so it wouldnt slam into the backseat if we were hit head-on? Or now that I'm thinking of it, maybe using a slightly stretchy cord (something like a bungy but without the hooks) would be better because then there would be some 'give' and in the event of a collision the baby wouldnt be jerked so hard within her seat.

Anyway, just looking for some possible options on getting a little more stabilization in regards to the top of the shell of the carseat in my Jetta.

Thanks for your help!
Margo