Installation with shoulder belts that don't click-click

mrslunar · Nov 22, 2008

This is something that has always confused me...........

I just installed my older son's Apex 65 in the third row of my Dodge Grand Caravan. It's on the passenger side.

The seat belt doesn't "click click click" when it's pulled out all the way and allowed to retract. Our seat belts seem to be that kind which relies on the quick tension that comes from a quick stop to "lock" them in.

The seat installs beautifully and is VERY snug and doesn't budge............do I use the locking clip because of the kind of seatbelt I have? And if so, where to I place it?

And, honestly.........I've never really understood the point of them. I was reading my manuals and it looks like they simply hold the belts together? I don't get it.

featherhead · Nov 22, 2008

You have locking latchplates. Instead of locking at the retractor, the belts lock at the latchplate. This holds the lapbelt tight, but the shoulder belt will be loose. It's perfectly ok, and you don't need to use a locking clip. I love locking latchplates for installing seats... there's no extra step to lock the belt.

Andie · Nov 22, 2008

Here is a good page about latchplates , and how to determine if you need a locking clip.

All cars after 1996 have seatbelts that lock in some way.

Defrost · Nov 22, 2008

If that link is too complicated, here's a shorter explanation:

There are 3 ways to lock a seat belt for carseats.

1 - At the retractor (that's the kind that goes "click click" when you pull it all the way out) Can be found on both lap/shoulder belts and lap-only belts.

2 - At the latchplate (that's the "male end," and only the lap-portion of the seat belt locks if it's a lap-shoulder belt.) Can also be found on both lap/shoulder belts and lap-only belts.

3 - With a locking clip. The ONLY time you need a locking clip is if the seat belt is a lap/shoulder belt with a sliding latchplate, that doesn't lock at the retractor.

Note: All vehicles since 1997 and newer are required by law to have seat belts lock in some way; some vehicles earlier than 1997 will still have locking seat belts.

Installation with shoulder belts that don't click-click

mrslunar

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featherhead

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Andie

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Defrost

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