EFTA Chest Clip makes me uneasy

raelynn · Jun 13, 2008

Three separate times, I've gone to get DS out of the EFTA and the chest clip is slightly unbuckled

(not enough to come open completely, but definitely unbuckled). I am certain I am buckling it when I put him in it. The chest clip also seems loose when it's buckled, like if I wiggle the halfs when it's buckled, it wiggles more than I would expect it to.

Is this possibly a defect? What can I do about it?

mominabigtruck · Jun 13, 2008

I have trouble sometimes getting mine unbuckled so its possibly a defect.

L-and-A · Jun 13, 2008

i have both problems i have gone to get my son out 2 times now to find it half unhooked then other times i cant get it to unbuckle very easily

Murphy's Law · Jun 13, 2008

I think it's difficult to unbuckle mine unless I'm at the perfect angle, which is difficult with it RF. Dd is 3 and a half and can unbuckle it with ease. By the time I get to the back of the car to take them out of their seats, her clip is already undone because she undoes it as soon as the car stops. Seems easy for her, but hard for me

Maybe you want to call the company.

snowbird25ca · Jun 13, 2008

It's worth calling them. I don't know if it's actually a defect, but I'm sure they'll send you a new one. I know if the pieces aren't lined up perfectly when the clip is done up than the one side doesn't always 100% catch. I end up undoing it and redoing it and then it's fine.

Mine was stiff to undo when it was new, but it's gotten easier to do over time.

The chest clip is just a precrash positioner and will either slide down or break open in a collision, so it's nothing to panic over if the chest clip is a titch open when you go to get him out. With a properly tightened harness it isn't going to pose a safety risk. :thumbsup:

Victorious4 · Jun 13, 2008

It can't hurt to call customer service ... except maybe for the time spent waiting on hold

I would also try to see a CPST if possible & then perhaps report to NHTSA.

I wouldn't worry too much, though, considering the chest clip is merely a pre-crash positioner: they do break during the crash, but are intended to ensure that the harness stays properly positioned. They don't exist on most seats in other countries. They are required here as per FMVSS, but don't worry yourself sick while you find a solution

snowbird25ca · Jun 14, 2008

papooses said:
I would also try to see a CPST if possible & then perhaps report to NHTSA.

She is a CRST (CDN equivalent,) and we don't have NHTSA here.

raelynn · Jun 14, 2008

Thanks for the replies! If Evenflo sends me another chest clip, is there a way to swap them out? I suppose I need to play with the seat more, but I kind of assumed that the straps are attached on both ends - one end to the shoulder slider, and the other end to the tightening knob - there would have to be a way to undo it from one end to swap them out?

snowbird25ca · Jun 14, 2008

raelynn said:
Thanks for the replies! If Evenflo sends me another chest clip, is there a way to swap them out? I suppose I need to play with the seat more, but I kind of assumed that the straps are attached on both ends - one end to the shoulder slider, and the other end to the tightening knob - there would have to be a way to undo it from one end to swap them out?

LOL, good point. I guess the only option they'd have would be to replace the entire seat?

I'd have to see it for sure, but I really don't think it sounds like something of major concern.

EFTA Chest Clip makes me uneasy

raelynn

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mominabigtruck

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L-and-A

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Murphy's Law

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snowbird25ca

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Victorious4

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snowbird25ca

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raelynn

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snowbird25ca

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