Graco SafeSeat handle issue

bombedier

Senior Community Member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #1

Hey girls - looking for advice. I have a Graco SafeSeat manufactured 10/27/2005. Two days ago when moving the handle to another position, I heard a ping sound. When I went to next move the handle to another position the red flip switches on the handle have lost their spring (you know how the spring into position to lock the handle?)

I just called Graco and there is no replacement part and all they could offer me was a rebate check to use on a Graco product. Now, I don't really want to buy a new seat as my son is 9 months and about to move into a conv. full time, but I did promise this seat to a friend for her newborn. I would have like to had a working (properly) handle.

If I manually flip the red switch, the handle does lock, so it's just the spring in the mechanism that is gone. Anyone ever tackled repairing this? Is this a known issue on these seats?

 

snowbird25ca

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Mar 19, 2009

• #2

I've never heard of it before, but that doesn't mean it's never happened before.

I personally wouldn't be comfortable using the handle on the seat with the spring missing and would most definitely not leave the handle up in the vehicle on the off chance that the mechanism locking it into place were to give in a collision.

I'd probably take the rebate and try and find an inexpensive SS or SR32 if you want to allow a friend to use the seat. I wouldn't be comfortable using the handle when carrying it and an infant seat without a handle isn't much of a benefit.

 

bombedier

Senior Community Member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #3

I can hear and feel it lock when I manually flip so I am comfortable that the locking mechanism is OK - I don't use the handle up when in transit ever.

I am tempted to take the cover off the handle at the rotating point to see what's up, but really nervous too....hmmmm.

 

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

• Mar 19, 2009

• #4

I'd really take that rebate check and get a new seat. Then you can feel comfortable handing a safe, non-defective product on to your friend for her baby.

 

o_mom

New member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #5

joolsplus3 said:

I'd really take that rebate check and get a new seat. Then you can feel comfortable handing a safe, non-defective product on to your friend for her baby.

Click to expand...

:yeahthat:

Do you really want to get a call from your friend that her newborn flipped upsidedown or fell to the ground when the handle broke?

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #6

Yep. You can even switch out covers/have an extra cover/set of harness straps and/or sell the cover. It's like a bonus.

 

mamom

New member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #7

I had this happen on my snugride when my now 2.5 yr old DS was an infant (using DD old seat). They told me that it was defective and that I should not use it at all. I took the rebate check and bought a new one for DS #1 that will be used for DS #2. It sucked, I hadn't wanted to buy a new one but $40 off is better than nothing. Same thing also happened to my friend. We bought identical combos at the same store. Each broke within weeks.

 

snowbird25ca

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Mar 19, 2009

• #8

I've been thinking a bit more about this, and even if you decide to keep using it for yourself, it's important to recognize that this seat does NOT meet the used seats checklist and should be considered damaged. If you want to pass a seat along to your friend, it needs to be replaced. I don't see any way around it.

The other way of looking at it, is if somebody offered you the use of a seat with a broken handle, would you take it? I'm guessing one of the requirements you'd personally have for a used seat would be all parts present, no damage, manual present etc. This seat doesn't meet those requirements...

 

Jewels

Senior Community Member

• Mar 19, 2009

• #9

joolsplus3 said:

I'd really take that rebate check and get a new seat. Then you can feel comfortable handing a safe, non-defective product on to your friend for her baby.

Click to expand...

I agree.

My SR did this to me and Graco said they found my seat did in fact have issues. My handle eventually locked in one place and wouldn't move at all.
I would take the cheque and if you don't want another seat just tell your friend your seat broke and that you can't let her use it.

 

bombedier

Senior Community Member

• Mar 20, 2009

• #10

OK - good points - I was just hoping it was a quick fix/fixable easy thing to resolve. OK - so where online is the cheapest SafeSeat? I feel obligated to buy her one - money is tight for them hence them taking mine. I guess this will be my shower gift to her.

 

Mom2three

New member

• Mar 20, 2009

• #11

http://www.albeebaby.com/graco-infant-safeseat-step-1-8a15prt-portica.html

http://www.albeebaby.com/graco-infant-safeseat-step-1-8a15nct-nectar.html

 

bombedier

Senior Community Member

• Mar 20, 2009

• #12

Thanks - I just ordered the Portica pattern.