Nissan Pathfinder 1996 Tethers?

[godisfrusciante]

I was recently given an Orbit system. I made an attempt to assemble the car seat adapter in my pathfinder today, but there are no place to strap in for the latch system. I called my local Nissan dealership and the man had me come over. He instructed me that they couldn't put anchors (is that the right word, or tethers?) in the car. He said to just use the seat belt and tighten it like he did for his kids 15 years ago. But then I was searching and on a forum on this website i found that someone posted that a 1995 Nissan pathfinder could get the part for about $15 each, part number 88894-89900. Unfortunately the dealership is closed for the evening, but my mind is still spinning worrying about this. Ive googled , but maybe I'm just tired and missing something. Is it possible to latch my new car seat into my pathfinder? Or can I get the system instillation done? I don't feel safe not following Orbits guidelines. Should I email Orbit? Im just a worrier, Im not due til late November.
Thank you anyone who wants to help me out

Lisa

oh PS: the father of the baby has a 1997 GMC Jimmy, when I called him panicked today, he checked and said he didn't have anything that would connect to the latch either. So I'm hoping any replies might help out his car too.

 

[wendytthomas]

Hi. Welcome and congrats.

You don't need lower anchors to install the Orbit system. You can use the seatbelt, just like the guy did 15 years ago. As he says.

The part number you found is for the forward facing tether anchor. That'll be good to have in 3-4 years when your child is forward facing.

Same thing for the GMC Jimmy. Contact a GM dealership and have them reference bulletin 99-09-40-004a. That'll get him a tether anchor free of charge. However, they're not needed until your child is forward facing in three to four years.

Wendy

 

[godisfrusciante]

Omg Thank you. I felt like such a bad future parent walking away from the dealership today without making those latches work and not having a lower anchor. I wrote to Orbit as well. I just want to see what they say so Ive sought all avenues for this. Thank you again. Ill probably sleep better tonight now.

Lisa

 

[monstah]

Hi. Welcome and congrats.

You don't need lower anchors to install the Orbit system. You can use the seatbelt, just like the guy did 15 years ago. As he says.

The part number you found is for the forward facing tether anchor. That'll be good to have in 3-4 years when your child is forward facing.

Same thing for the GMC Jimmy. Contact a GM dealership and have them reference bulletin 99-09-40-004a. That'll get him a tether anchor free of charge. However, they're not needed until your child is forward facing in three to four years.

Wendy

:yeahthat:

Seat belt or LATCH, they are equally safe. You will install the car seat with the seatbelt. It would be a good idea to search NHTSA.gov to find a technician to help you out. :thumbsup:
The baby should stay rear facing until at least 2 years old, hopefully longer, and then a top tether anchor will help you when you turn the car seat forward facing.

And congrats!

 

[godisfrusciante]

Orbit wrote me back (their facebook page is great for instant replies, just as this page is here):

Orbit Baby
Hi Lisa, Wendy is indeed correct (Thanks Wendy!). Orbit Baby Car Seats and Car Seat Bases can be installed just as securely with a LATCH belt and LATCH anchors as with your vehicle’s seatbelts and buckles.