Britax Elite User manual

Elite
USER GUIDE
A full harnessed seat suitable from
approximately 9 months to 6 years (9kg to 25kg)
Can be fitted in front* and back seats of most cars using the
adult lap and diagonal seat-belt.
UNIVERSAL
9 - 25kg Y
E11
03.44.119
THE MOST TESTED CAR SEAT ON THE ROAD
*WARNING:*WARNING:
*WARNING:*WARNING:
*WARNING: DO NOTDO NOT
DO NOTDO NOT
DO NOT use on passenger seats fitteduse on passenger seats fitted
use on passenger seats fitteduse on passenger seats fitted
use on passenger seats fitted with a
front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.
Elite

- 1 -
Thank you for choosing Britax
It is important that you read this User Guide BEFORE trying to install your
child car seat (surveys have revealed that 7 out of 10 car seats are not
installed correctly or being used properly – Source: RAC). This User Guide
will take you through using and caring for your child car seat.
Contents
Vital information – Read now page 02
Frequently asked questions page 02
Crucial parts of your child car seat page 03
Upright and reclined positions page 04
Using the Elite
Preparing to install the Elite in the car page 05
How to change the height of the shoulder straps pages 06-7
Harness buckle adjustment pages 08-9
Installing the Elite in the car
Fitting the Elite using a lap and diagonal seat-belt pages 010-11
Removing the Elite from the car page 11
Correct buckle position page 12
Fitting your child in the Elite page 13
Looking after the Elite
Removing the cover page 14
Cleaning the cover page 15
Refitting the cover page 15
Removing and cleaning the harness buckle pages 15-17
Important Information page018
Final Checklist page019
If in doubt page019

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Vital Information - READ NOW
WARNING - DO NOT use the Elite on a passenger seat fitted with a front
airbag, unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.
DO NOT use the Elite on side facing vehicle seats.
DO NOT use the Elite in the home. It has not been designed for home use and should only be
used in your car.
DO NOT use anything, such as a cushion or coat, to raise the Elite off the passenger seat. In an
accident the Elite and your car seat-belts would not be able to protect your child as well as they
should.
DO NOT attempt to dismantle, modify or add to any part of the Elite or change the way your
car seat-belts are made or used.
DO cover the Elite if your car is left in direct sunlight. Metal and plastic fittings can become hot
to touch in sunny weather and the cover may become faded.
DO keep this User Guide in the pocket on the back of the Elite (under the cover).
No child seat is escape proof
Harness systems cannot be designed to be completely “child proof” and yet comply with the
legal requirements of European Standard ECE R44. The harness must be fastened and adjusted
correctly at all times and children encouraged to remain within the harness system.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Elite fit all cars?
All makes, models and years of car differ from one another and it is not guaranteed that
this restraint will fit your car. For advice as to the suitability of this restraint for your car
please call our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034.. Alternatively visit Fit-Finder™
on our web site at www.britax.co.uk
Can I put my child in the Elite before they reach 9kg in weight?
No, the weight range corresponds with the European Standard applying to child car seats
and the Elite has been tested and approved from 9kg. In addition to weighing 9kg your child
should also be able to sit unaided with confidence.
Can I install the Elite using a lap-belt?
No, the Elite MUST only be used with a lap and diagonal seat-belt.
When do I adjust the headrest and harness to the correct height for my child?
When you first purchase the Elite, then periodically as your child grows (see "How to adjust
the height of the harness straps" on page 6).
Can I buy a spare cover in the same fabric I currently have?
Spare covers are available in SELECTED fabrics only. To find out which fabrics you can
choose from please contact our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034.
What do I do if the harness buckle does not click when I fasten it?
Follow the instructions "Removing and cleaning the harness buckle" on page 15.
Second-hand car seats
The British Standards Institution and Britax advise that child car seats should not be bought or
sold second-hand. Many seats sold through local advertising and car-boot sales have been found
to be dangerous. Please dispose of your child car seat safely.

- 3 -
IMPORTANT - The Elite MUST only be used with a lap and diagonal seat-belt
(approved to UN/ECE Regulation no. 16 or equivalent standards).
This is a lap-belt
Diagonal
Lap
This is a lap and diagonal seat-belt
Crucial parts of your child car seat
Types of seat-belt
You need to know these before
installing the Elite in your car.
1 Head support
2 Seat-belt routing slot
3 Buckle (with comfort pad
behind)
4 Adjuster button
5 Adjuster strap
6 Two position base
7 Cover side slots
8 Harness
9 Chest pads
10 Shoulder slots
11 Cover
12 Yoke
13 Shoulder straps
14 Elastic tie
15 Cover zip (shown undone)
16 User guide storage pocket
OK NO
1
2
3
4
5 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
6
5
10
2
13
14
2
15
16

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For your child’s comfort the Elite has a choice of two positions. Upright, where the
base is left underneath the seat and reclined, where the base is swung back.
REMEMBER
For a secure installation, your Elite MUST be touching the back of your
passenger seat. If this is not possible then try an alternative seating position.
You must choose the position of your Elite before installing it in your car as
the base cannot be moved once a seat-belt is holding your car seat in place.
After changing the position of the base always make sure that the seat-belt is
properly tightened and secure.
Upright and reclined positions
Shown in
upright position
Shown in
reclined position

- 5 -
Using the Elite
IMPORTANT – Use the Elite with the integral harness for a child weighing
from 9kg to 25kg.
IMPORTANT –The Elite must only be installed using a lap and diagonal seat-
belt (approved to UN/ECE Regulation number 16 or equivalent standards).
Preparing to install the Elite in the car
IMPORTANT - You must adjust the shoulder straps of the harness to the
correct position for your child BEFORE installing the Elite as they cannot be
adjusted once installed in the car.
Place the Elite on the floor supporting
the back against a wall. With one hand
push the adjuster button down, and
with your other hand below the chest
pads, pull both shoulder straps forward
together as far as possible to loosen
the harness.
1
Unfasten the harness by pressing the
red harness buckle button. Lay the
shoulder straps over the sides of the
seat as shown to avoid the harness
twisting.
2
Place your child in the Elite and fit the
harness loosely around them. Re-
fasten the harness buckle by fitting the
two tongues together and pushing
them firmly into the buckle until you
hear a ‘click’
IMPORTANT - If you do not
hear a ‘click’, please refer to
page 15, ‘Removing and
cleaning the harness buckle’.
3
click!

- 6 -
Always check the height of the shoulder straps before you install your child seat in a
car.
Place your child in the seat and buckle up the harness. The shoulder straps MUST
be threaded through the slots in the cover and shell nearest the top of your child’s
shoulders. If in any doubt always use the slot above the shoulder rather than below it.
NO - Too highNO - Too high
NO - Too highNO - Too high
NO - Too high NO -NO -
NO -NO -
NO - Too low YES - CorrectYES - Correct
YES - CorrectYES - Correct
YES - Correct
4
Undo the studs on the back of the
head support and remove it from your
Elite. Loosen the harness by pushing
down the adjuster button as you pull
the shoulder straps forward as much as
possible.
1
Unzip the cover at the back. Unhook
one shoulder strap and pull it through
to the front of your car seat.
2
How to change the height of the shoulder straps

- 7 -
Pull the shoulder strap out off the
chest pad. Then push the chest pad
through to the back of your car seat.
3
Select the required shoulder slot and
push the chest pad through to the
front of your car seat.
4
Re-thread the shoulder strap through
the chest pad and back through your
chosen shoulder slot in the cover and
seat. Make sure it is not twisted.
5
Hook the shoulder strap back on to
the yoke. Make sure the adjuster strap
is not twisted.
6
Pull the strap forward to remove any
slack. Make sure the harness is
threaded through the buckle tongues
as shown. Repeat from step 2 with the
other strap. Then zip the cover back
up and fasten the head support in
place.
7

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Harness buckle adjustment
You must adjust the crotch strap to the correct length for your child BEFORE
installing the Elite as it cannot be adjusted in the vehicle.
Too high
Undo the harness, remove your
child and go to step 1 on
opposite page
Correct
Undo the harness, remove your child and
go to page 10, 'Installing the Elite in
the car'
IMPORTANT
a. Always position the buckle and lap section of your harness low
down on your child's body so that the pelvis is firmly engaged.
b.Always return the crotch strap to its shorter length when using the
seat with a smaller child.
c. The crotch strap should only be extended when the shoulder straps
are at their full length.
d. DO NOTDO NOT
DO NOTDO NOT
DO NOT attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster.attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster.
attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster.attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster.
attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster.
Adjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjusterAdjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjuster
Adjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjusterAdjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjuster
Adjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjuster
as shown in step 3 on opposite page.as shown in step 3 on opposite page.
as shown in step 3 on opposite page.as shown in step 3 on opposite page.
as shown in step 3 on opposite page.

- 9 -
3
Place the Elite on the floor. With one hand
press in and hold the harness release
button. With your other hand BELOW
the chest pads, pull the shoulder straps
forward as far as possible to loosen the
harness.
1
Turn the Elite on its side. The adjuster at
the end of the crotch strap is found
under the front of the seat.
2
2.
1.
1.
2.
Lengthening
the crotch strap
Shortening
the crotch strap
To change the length of the crotch strap thread it through the adjuster in the direction
of the arrows shown.
IMPORTANT - Always make sure the retaining clip is attached to the adjuster
at the end of the crotch strap. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
Retaining
Clip
Retaining
Clip

- 10 -
Installing the Elite in the car
Fitting the Elite using a lap and diagonal seat-belt
Place the Elite forward facing on the
passenger seat. Then tighten the
harness by pulling the adjuster strap.
1
Pull the seat-belt fully out and hold
the lap and the diagonal sections
together. Keep them together as you
pass the seat-belt from the front of the
seat through the first seat-belt routing
slot, indicated by the red arrow on
your Elite ...
2
REMEMBER - Always make sure that the cover is properly zipped up before
fitting your child seat into your car.
... and then pass the seat-belt back
through the second seat-belt routing
slot to the front of the seat.
3
Pull all the slack from the seat-belt to
the front of the Elite and fasten the
seat-belt. Make sure the seat-belt is
not twisted.
4

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Finally, push the Elite onto the vehicle
seat using your body weight.
5
...and then pull the diagonal section of
the seat-belt tight here.
6
The Elite should now be secure. To
check, pull forward firmly on the
harness. There should be little or no
forward movement.
IMPORTANT - After installing
the Elite you need to check the
position of the seat-belt buckle.
(see Correct Buckle Position on
page 12).
If you are in any doubt contact
our Customer Service
Department on 01264 386034.
7Removing the Elite from the car
Unfasten the seat-belt and unthread it
from your Elite.
IMPORTANT -Do not leave
your child seat loose. Always
fasten the seat-belt across the
Elite when it is not being used
by your child to prevent the
seat being thrown forward in
the event of an accident.

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NO
OK
1
IMPORTANT - Once you have installed the Elite it is important that you check
the position of the seat-belt buckle, as this can prevent the achievement of a
secure installation.
Correct buckle position
OK
1If the seat-belt buckle
looks like this and the
Elite is firmly installed*
then the seat-belt buckle
position is O.K.
* Pull forward firmly on
the harness. There
should be little or no
forward movement.
OK
12
13
If the seat-belt buckle
looks like this and the
Elite is firmly installed*
then the seat-belt buckle
position is O.K.
* Pull forward firmly on
the harness. There
should be little or no
forward movement.
If the seat-belt buckle
looks like this try another
seating position in the car.
IMPORTANT -If
you are in any
doubt please
contact our
Customer Service
Helpline on 01264
386034.

- 13 -
Fitting your child in the Elite
Loosen the harness by pushing the
adjuster button down as you pull the
shoulder straps forward as much as
possible.
1
Unfasten the buckle by pressing the
red button (a) and place your child in
the seat. Fit the harness around your
child and fasten the buckle up (b).
2
Check that the harness is not twisted
and pull the shoulder straps up to
tighten the lap section of the harness.
3
Then tighten the harness by pulling
the adjuster strap forward, making
sure the harness is a comfortable but
FIRM fit around your child.
Finally ensure that the chest pads are
pulled down on to the child’s chest
IMPORTANT - Ensure that the
lap section of the harness is low
down on the child’s body and
in contact with the pelvis.
4
To release your child from the Elite, simply undo the harness.
Releasing your child from the Elite
Click!Click!
Click!Click!
Click!
(b)(b)
(b)(b)
(b)
(a)(a)
(a)(a)
(a)

- 14 -
Looking after the Elite
Removing the cover
First undo the studs on the back of the
head support and remove it from your
Elite. Place the Elite on the floor. With
one hand on the front of the seat,
push the adjuster button down as you
pull the shoulder straps forward as
much as possible to loosen the harness
1
Unfasten the cover zip at the back of
your car seat and unhook the shoulder
straps from the yoke. Pull them
through to the front of the seat.
Unfasten the buckle and remove the
comfort pad.
2
Pull the harness straps through the
chest pads.
3
Undo top and bottom elastic ties.
Gently pull the cover off from the top
of the seat, easing the buckle, elastic
ties, chest pads and harness straps
through their slots.
4

- 15 -
IMPORTANT - Food and drink
may find their way inside the
buckle of the Elite harness. This
can stop it from working as well
as it should and so the buckle
may need cleaning from time to
time.
Follow these instructions if you do not
hear a click when fastening the buckle.
Removing and cleaning the harness buckle
Place the Junior Traveller on the floor.
With one hand press in and hold the har-
ness release button. With your other hand
BELOW the chest pads, pull the shoulder
straps forward as far as possible to loosen
the harness.
1
Cleaning the harness, chest pads
and seat
Sponge clean ONLY using hand soap
and warm water.
DO NOT take apart, or attempt to
take apart, any part of the harness or
seat when cleaning. It is unnecessary
and dangerous to do so.
DO NOT use solvents, detergents or
washing-up liquid as these may
weaken the harness and the seat.
DO NOT lubricate or oil any part of
the seat.
Replacement Cover
The Elite, its cover, comfort pad and
chest pads have been carefully
designed, manufactured and tested to
high safety standards.
IMPORTANT –The cover is a
safety feature. NEVER use the Elite
without it. Don’t put your child’s
safety at risk by using other makes
of replacement cover, they could
stop the Elite from protecting your
child as well as it should.
A replacement cover is available from
your Britax stockist.
Please read the labels on the cover for
washing instructions. The cover is
machine washable.
DO NOT tumble dry the cover – short
spin and drip dry only.
Cleaning the Cover Refitting the Cover
Refit the cover by simply reversing the
instructions in the section ‘Removing
the cover’ on page 14.
Make sure that there are no twists in
the harness.

- 16 -
Turn the Elite on its side. The adjuster
at the end of the crotch strap is found
under the front of the seat.
2
Attached to the adjuster is a retaining
clip which is itself threaded on to the
harness adjuster strap. Undo the clip by
twisting it in the direction of the arrow
shown above.
3
Unfasten the harness buckle. Then with
one hand pulling on the buckle and the
other under the seat, twist and slip the
adjuster sideways up through the slot.
4
Removing and cleaning the harness buckle (continued)
Clean the harness buckle with mild hand
soap and water. Then rinse thoroughly
with warm water.
Latch and unlatch the tongues into the
harness buckle several times until a strong
click is heard. If you still cannot hear a
strong click run it under warm water again.
When the buckle does fasten with an
audible click leave it to dry.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
IMPORTANT - Never lubricate or
oil any part of the buckle.
5
Retaining
Clip
Retaining
Clip

- 17 -
When the buckle does fasten with an
audible click leave it to dry.
IMPORTANT - DO NOT
lubricate or oil any part of the
harness buckle.
To re-fit the harness buckle to your
Elite hold the end bracket sideways
and insert it into the seat slot. Make
sure the red buckle button faces away
from the seat.
6
Re-attach the retaining clip by inserting
it in to the adjuster, twisting it in to
position as shown above.
7
Retaining
Clip
Replace the adjuster under the seat,
behind the adjuster strap. Return the
Elite to an upright position
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
IMPORTANT - You must adjust
the crotch strap to the correct
length for your child BEFORE
installing the Elite as it cannot be
adjusted in the vehicle. See page
8, ‘Harness buckle adjustment’.
8

- 18 -
DO make sure that the Elite does not
become trapped by a folding passenger seat
or in the door of your car.
DO make sure that you adjust the harness
to fit the clothes your child is wearing before
each journey – a fitting for winter clothes
will be too slack for a child wearing summer
clothes.
DO make sure that the crotch strap is
adjusted to the correct length for your child
(see page 8).
DO put the lightest passenger behind the
Elite if you do not have rear seat-belts in the
car. In the event of an accident they will
cause less damage than a heavier person.
DO store the Elite in a safe place when it is
not being used. Avoid placing heavy objects
on top of it and do not store near direct
heat sources, e.g. radiators.
DO always keep the Elite secure, even if it is
not being used by your child.
Important Information - Read before your first journey
After an accident, the Elite and your car seat-belts should be replaced. Although they may look
undamaged, if you were to have another accident the Elite and your car seat-belts may not be
able to protect your child as well as they should.
After an accident
Guarantee
All Britax products are carefully designed, manufactured and tested. However, should this
product prove faulty within 12 months of purchase due to a materials or manufacturing fault
please return it to the original place of purchase. We will then, at our discretion, either repair it
free of charge or replace it with the same or a similar product.
For guarantee purposes proof of purchase will be required. We recommend that you retain your
receipt and attach it to the User Guide. They should be kept in a safe place.
Britax does not accept liability for damage arising from abuse, misuse or negligence. This
guarantee is not transferable and therefore does not apply to second-hand products.
Your statutory rights are not affected by this guarantee.
DO NOT leave loose objects, such as
luggage or books, in the back of your car.
They must be secured, because if you have
to stop your car suddenly loose objects will
keep moving and can then cause serious
injuries. Large and heavy loose objects are a
particular risk.
DO NOT leave folding passenger seats
unlatched. If you have to stop your car
suddenly a loose seat back could injure your
child.
DO NOT leave children alone in your car,
even for a short time.
DO NOT allow children to play with or
adjust the Elite.
Britax, whilst taking into account
child car seat contact with vehicle
seats throughout the development of
new products, cannot accept
responsibility for damage occurring to
vehicle seats or seat-belts.

- 19 -
Final Checklist
However safe a child seat is, however well built it is, your child’s safety depends on
you. Read through this final checklist every time you use the Elite in your vehicle.
1. Have you adjusted the height of the shoulder straps to the
correct position for your child?
See page 5, Preparing to install the Elite in the car.
2. Have you installed the Elite properly?
See page 10, Installing the Elite in the car.
3. Have you checked the seat-belt buckle position?
See page 12, Correct buckle position.
4. Have you correctly adjusted the harness to suit your child and
the clothes he or she is wearing?
See pages 6- 9, 13
5. Is the Elite touching the back of the passenger seat?
See page 4, Upright and reclined positions,
If in doubt contact our Customer Service Helpline. It would help if you have the
following information to hand before making any enquiry:
Make and model of vehicle ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Year of vehicle ___________________________________________________________
The position of the child seat in your vehicle __________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Age and weight of your child _______________________________________________
If in doubt
Customer Service Department
Britax Excelsior Limited
1 Churchill Way West
Andover, Hampshire SP10 3UW
United Kingdom
Customer Service Helpline
Telephone: [phone]
email: [email protected]
http://www.britax.co.uk/