2004 Dodge Neon Owner's Manual - Page 42

42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE • The restraint must be appropriate for your child's weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits. • Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it. The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching latch plates which are designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if necessary. • In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out. • If the belt still can't be tightened, or if pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can't make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position. • Buckle the child into the seat according to the child restraint manufacturer's directions. • When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs and cause serious personal injury. LATCH -L ower Anchors and Tether for CHildren Your vehicle's rear seat is equipped with the child restraint anchorage system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for Children. The LATCH system provides for the installation of the child restraint without using the vehicle seat belt. All three rear seating positions have exclusive lower anchorages. These are round bars, located at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seat back, and just visible when you lean into