Question on Graco SlimFit3 LX installation

[Nectar27]

I am trying to install the Graco SlimFit3 LX rear facing in the rear middle seat of my Lincoln MKX 2011.

I noticed that the seatbelt lockoff is available only in the forward facing mode.

As my car has LATCH anchors only in the rear side seats, can I borrow them and place the seat in the middle?

I would prefer my elder kids to be in the sides, and the youngest to be in the middle.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Hi! Graco doesn't allow its seats with push-on style LATCH connectors (as opposed to hooks) to be used with lower anchors in non-standard spacing. In addition, doing so in your vehicle would overlap the seatbelts for the outboard seating positions, which would be problematic.

The good news is, you don't need a seatbelt lockoff! Your seatbelts lock, so you just need to get a secure seatbelt install to use your SlimFit3 rear facing in the center. Do you need some tips for that?

 

[Nectar27]

Hi! Graco doesn't allow its seats with push-on style LATCH connectors (as opposed to hooks) to be used with lower anchors in non-standard spacing. In addition, doing so in your vehicle would overlap the seatbelts for the outboard seating positions, which would be problematic.

The good news is, you don't need a seatbelt lockoff! Your seatbelts lock, so you just need to get a secure seatbelt install to use your SlimFit3 rear facing in the center. Do you need some tips for that?

Thank you for your reply.

I installed the seat as shown in this video, pushing down on the seat and tightening the seatbelt.

However, it seems I cannot really get the seat belt to lock, and it becomes loose after a one time use.

Do you have any tips on how to get the seat belt to lock?

 

[ketchupqueen]

Sure! You may find this page helpful: https://carseatsite.com/lockingclips/

Most modern vehicles have switchable retractor belts, so you need to pull them out slowly to the full length and then make sure no more can be pulled out after letting it back in (don't pull too hard or fast or you may think it's locked but it's not- going slowly and double checking avoids this.) It's usually desirable to do this with one hand while holding the belt tight with the other after tightening, to avoid tipping.

Occasionally, a seatbelt locks at the latch plate instead and needs to lie parallel to stay locked; the link above has tips on that.

If you continue to have trouble, I suggest meeting with a local CPST, who should be able to help!

 

[Nectar27]

Most modern vehicles have switchable retractor belts, so you need to pull them out slowly to the full length and then make sure no more can be pulled out after letting it back in

Yes, right after I had posted my query, I came across a video explaining the switchable retractor, and luckily my car has it.
I was able to install the car seat properly tightened after following the video.

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Great! Glad it worked.