Question Dodge Stratus 99 rear belt ELR

mom531 · Jan 23, 2014

My firend who will drive my kids about now and then has a dodge 99 stratus. the rear belts are ELR only. They do not retract or lock other than if she suddenly stops while driving. I don't like the saftey this provides my kids. I have 3 kids, ages 6,3 and 1.

HOw can I make the rear seat belts lock. DO I use a belt shortening clip? I've been reading a bunch on the internet and it seems that this is what I need. I appreciate any help. I also could not find the part number for this of shortening clip from Dodge. I would appreciate help with that too, if this is indeed what I need.

amelia222 · Jan 23, 2014

The belts on that vehicle have what are called locking latchplates. Here is a thread that explains what they are and how they work: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=161343

mom531 · Jan 23, 2014

Thank you. I will go out and try using the latchplate. I don't understand though how that would make the seat belt taut? If I pull more belt out, won't it just come out? I wanted it to be tight like when u use a retracting belt.

WIll this make it to where the belt stays retracted?

Thanks. ALso I am obviously not savvy with this.

Pixelated · Jan 23, 2014

This video, at 6:11 specifically, shows the type of belts you have.

Is the 6 year old in a booster or a harnessed seat?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD1Z3Kbs5xE"]How does your seat belt lock? - YouTube[/ame]

Keeanh · Jan 23, 2014

Hi!! You only need the lap portion of the belt locked. A locking latchplate works like the latchplate on a lap-only belt and keeps the lap portion from loosening. If the belt does still loosen after installing a seat, then try flipping the male buckle upside-down. If it still loosens, the latchplate might be broken and you'll need a locking clip.

I'm guessing the middle belt is a lap-only belt. If so, you can only use that spot for a harnessed seat, not a booster. And you can't put a locking clip on a lap belt, so if it isn't holding you HAVE to do the upside-down trick OR twist the female end down to get the buckle away from the belt path.

If this is all jibberish to you, don't worry

Go play with the seats & seatbelts this weekend and things will start to make sense. Take your camera and post pictures of any difficulties you're having. We'll help you sort it out.

Keeanh · Jan 23, 2014

If you wouldn't mind giving us your children's heights & weights, and the seats you have available, we can probably do some 3-across troubleshooting ahead of time. Do you know if your friend's car has any tether anchors?

mom531 · Jan 28, 2014

Thank you all so much for helping out. I tried the latch plates, but the ones on this car look nothing like the pics posted here. They don't lock. I spent my weekend worrying about this and I am starting a part time job so I had to find a solution fast. Well, I didn't really solve the car seat belt problem, but worked something else out. My family is helping with the younger ones and the older will do after-school. For now, I'm done with the seat belt problem that kept me awake at night. If it rears its ugly head again, U bet I'll be back but with pictures

Once again, thank you all so much!

Question Dodge Stratus 99 rear belt ELR

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