Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Securing the child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages

Fig. 78 Markings for the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages on the seat.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

LATCH is used in the United States for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, Universal Child Restraint Anchorages (UCRA) is used to describe the combination of top tether straps and the lower anchorages.

All child restraints manufactured after September 1, 1999, must have LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.

The circular markings on the rear seat backrest help you to locate the lower anchorages for the 2 outboard seating positions ⇒ Fig. 78 .

The LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage attachment points are between the rear seat backrest and rear seat cushion.

LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages secure the child restraint system in the seat without using the vehicle's safety belts. Anchorages provide a secure and easy-to-use attachment and minimize the possibility of improper child restraint installation.

Remember that the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points are only intended for installation and attachment of child restraints specifically certified for use with these lower universal anchorages. Child restraints that are not equipped with the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage attachments can still be installed with vehicle safety belts according to the child restraint manufacturer's instructions. You must never mount 2 child restraint systems to one LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage point at the same time. For instance, you must not install a child restraint with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points on one of the outboard seating positions and then use the inboard anchorage to also install a child restraint in the center of the rear seat that itself is not equipped with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage points.

There are 2 ways to attach an appropriate child restraint to the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages:

Rigid connectors on bars at the back of the child restraint:

Depending on your vehicle's seats, you may want to use guidance fixtures when installing a child restraint that has rigid mountings. Installation with guidance fixtures is easier and protects the upholstery. Guidance fixtures are included with the child seat in some cases. If not, they can be purchased from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The guidance fixtures must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions at the anchorage points between the seat cushion and the seat backrest.

• Make sure the seat backrest of the rear seat bench is in the upright position and securely latched in place.

• Release or deploy the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer) to secure the seat.

• Guide the upper tether strap under the rear head restraint (raise the head restraint if necessary).

• Attach the tether strap anchorage hook into the opening of the tether anchorage.

• Attach the connectors onto the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages.

• Make sure you hear the child restraint click securely into place.

• Tighten the top tether strap (if there is one) to secure the seat ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .

• Pull on both sides of the child restraint once you've installed it to make certain it is secure and properly attached.

Releasing

• Release the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer).

• Release the lower latch from the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Hooks attached to adjustable straps (hook-on connectors)

• Make sure the seat backrest of the rear seat bench is in the upright position and securely latched in place.

• Attach the hook-on connectors with the spring catch release onto the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage so that the connectors lock into place.

• Pull on the connector attachments to make sure that it is properly attached to the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage.

• Pull straps tight following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

• Release or deploy the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer) to secure the seat ⇒ Securing a child restraint with the Top Tether strap .

• Guide the upper tether strap under the rear head restraint (raise the head restraint if necessary).

• Guide the tether strap between the rear seat back and the luggage compartment cover.

• Attach the tether strap anchorage hook into the opening of the tether anchorage and pull the top tether strap tight.

• After you have installed the child seat, pull on both of the adjustable straps on the child seat and pull also on the tether strap to make certain the seat is secure and properly attached.

Releasing

• Loosen the tension on the hook-on connector straps following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

• Release the top tether strap (if one is required by the child restraint manufacturer).

• Depress the spring catch on the hook.

• Hold the spring catch in the depressed position.

• Move the hook in the direction of the vehicle floor so that there is enough space to release the connector from the lower anchorage.

• Release the tether strap.

You must take special precautions when installing a child restraint with the vehicle safety belt or with LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat. Always route the unused center seat safety belt and the unused safety belt for the seating position where the LATCH/UCRA child restraint is being installed around the rear head restraint behind the child restraint to help prevent a child from playing with the unused belt and becoming entangled in it.

Warning

Improper use of the LATCH/UCRA system can increase the risk of serious personal injury and death in an accident.

• Always carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for proper installation of the child restraints and proper use of tether straps as well as the LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorages or safety belts in your vehicle.

• Never mount 2 child restraint systems on one LATCH/UCRA lower universal anchorage point.

• These anchors were developed only for child seats using the LATCH/UCRA system.

• Never attach other child seats, belts, luggage or other things to the LATCH/UCRA anchorages.

• Always make sure that you hear a click when latching the seat in place. If you do not hear a click, the seat is not secure and could fly forward and hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from the vehicle.

Note

• To help prevent permanent indentations from forming in the cushion, remove the guidance fixtures from the anchorage points when there is not child seat secured in the vehicle anchorage points.

• To help prevent damage to the seat upholstery, always remove the guidance fixtures from the anchorage points before folding the backrest on the rear bench seat forward.

Be careful not to activate the switchable locking retractor when routing the safety belts around the head restraints. Only pull the safety belt out far enough to allow you to route the belt around the head restraint.