Harness Cover plate

[Unregistered]

Hello. Please help. I own Graco Size4 Me 65 for my 23 months old RF. 2 months ago she puked badly and I had to wash the seat cover per instructions. When rethreading harness I took a plastic Harness cover plate at the back off and could not properly install it back. When we were checking the car seat in the luggage for the airplane ride last month the harness cover plate got lost. I called Graco and they told me this plate is not something they can replace I asked if it affects safety in any way and they said no since it's only covers the harness straps at the back so they are not sticking out. I am a bit worried still. It looks like my old GRACO car seats did not have this harness cover plate. Please advise if I still can use the my seat safely without covering harness threads at the back. In the instruction manual it does not mention this plate for anything, just have it on the general picture and names of the pieces. However it was a piece of plastic with holes to cover the straps at the back and I was not suppose to take it off since I could not put it back properly. Thank you kindly for any feedback.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Generally that piece is intended to prevent issues tightening the harness. If Graco says it's ok without that would be in line with other companies' positions.

However, the Manufacturers' Alliance for Child Passenger Safety (of which Graco is a member) states that if there is visible damage to a seat after it is checked on a plane (which we don't recommend due to risk to the car seat, child, and other passengers; using the car seat on the plane is always recommended) the seat should be replaced. I would personally probably consider a missing piece "visible damage" and replace the seat for that reason.