Latch System Question

Unregistered · Jul 1, 2003

I own a 1995 Nissian Altima. The owners manual mentions that there is provision for adding a top tether for a car seat.

My quesitons:

#1 Is there a way to have my car retrofitted with the latch system? Or should I just use the center (lap) belt, and install the top tether?

#2 Whenever I installed the car seat in the center belt, rear-facing, the seat-belt latch is positioned right where my daughter will sit. I can adjust it so that it is outside the seat, but it loosens the seat. The car-seat manual says that "one to two inches of side-to-side movement is normal." I can move the seat about an inch side-to-side, but when I put my 6ft., 250lb frame into it, I can move it more. Is this still normal?

We purchased a Cosco Tourina (sp?) seat from Wal-Mart.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Concerned Dad in the Bluegrass State

Robert · Jul 1, 2003

1) I almost certain that your vehicle cannot be retrofitted with LATCH. Using the tether and the lap belt is just as safe as using the LATCH system. There are numerous times when LATCH does not work so we go back to the seat belt system. If you need to install the tether mount here is the part number 88894-89900 There should be 8mm weld nuts in the rear filler panel.

2) One inch or less of movement side to side is what we are looking for. When you put our weight in the seat are you also tightening the seat belt at the same time.

You may also consider having a techncian take a look at your situtation. To locate a techncian see the "Free Carseat Inspection" link at the top of the page.

murphydog77 · Jul 1, 2003

One thing you can try to reposition the buckle is to twist the buckle stalk. Nissans have a long buckle stalk, I've noticed, and you can twist up to 6 full times to shorten it.

I agree with Robert. I prefer less than 1" of movement when you tug on the seat at the belt path.

Unregistered · Jul 1, 2003

Thanks for the replies. I didn't think about twisting the buckle stalk. That's a good idea. Also, thanks for the part # that will help out a lot!

Latch System Question

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