Multimac 1320 User manual
The four-seater child seat
The Multi-child car safety seat
Fitting
Instructions
and Manual
2
3
Fitting instructions and manual
CONTENTS
1. Introduction Page 4
2. General Rules Page 5
3. Fitting the Multimac Page 6
4. Removing the Multimac Page 8
5. Tether Straps Page 9
6. Fitting the Headrests Page 10
7. Securing Children in Multimac Page 11
8. Minimac Baby Cradle Page 12
9. Cleaning and Maintenance Page 15
10. Inspection After Any Crash Page 16
11. Car (Model) Fitting List Page 17-18
4
5
The MULTIMAC range of seats and accessories is designed
to enable most cars to carry 4 (3 for small cars) children
from newborn to 36 kgs (12 years) in complete safety.
The basic seat is attached to the car using permanently
fixed tether straps (see Sections 3.1 & 5) with additional
support being provided by the adjustable legs (see
Section 3.3).
Children over 13 kgs *can sit forward-facing in the seat,
and the shoulder-supports of the 5-point safety harness
can be instantly changed to suit the child height by using
the patented ADJUSTAMAC links (see Section 7).
Two detachable headrests are available to suit younger
and older children:
The “YLVA” gives side support to young children’s
heads, enabling them to sleep comfortably,
The “TOMMY” is a regular-type head restraint for
taller children.
MINIMAC for newborn babies,
up to 13kgs
The MINIMAC is a bespoke rear-facing seat, with carry handles,
which simply slots and “locks” into position when one of the main
seat cushions is removed.
COLOURS
The MULTIMAC and MINIMAC are available in a range of standard
colourways to enable a complementary fitment to your car.
If you have a specific requirement to match your existing
upholstery, our ‘bespoke’ department can provide leather,
alcantara or any other fabric to match your car interior exactly.
The following pages describe how the MULTIMAC should be fitted,
adjusted and maintained, but before reading these, please take note of
the following general rules, particularly with regards to Car Insurance.
*In the UK, children from 9kg can legally sit forward facing, but we recommend
they use the MINIMAC until they are at least 13kg.
The YLVA The Tommy
2.1 CAR INSURANCE
Car manufacturers have to state the seating capacity of each model they
produce, and obviously fitting a MULTIMAC can increase this.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) have been notified of the
MULTIMAC, and they have recognised and welcomed it as a contribution
to increased child safety, and stated that because of this it should not
result in any increase in premium.
However, you must notify your particular insurance company that you
are using a MULTIMAC, both because your car may be carrying more
passengers than its specified number, and because it is a high value
item if you ever need to make a claim.
2.2 CORRECT FITMENT AND USE
The MULTIMAC has been specially designed and tested with many
safety features, including its energy absorbing construction, and it
is imperative that it is always installed correctly as described in the
following pages, and no modifications or attachments are fitted without
consulting MULTIMAC.
This applies to the upholstery and covers, which have particular energy
absorbing characteristics, as well as being fire retardant and non-toxic,
and they should neither be removed while the seat is in use, nor replaced
with any non-original item.
2.3 CHILD SAFETY
You have bought a MULTIMAC to give your child the best safety and
comfort you can.
To maintain this safety, please note the following general rules:
•Do not leave your children unattended in the car
•Pack all luggage securely, and do not leave it loose on the parcel shelf
or in the rear. It would be very sad if your child was very safely secured
in a MULTIMAC, but struck by flying objects during an emergency stop.
•If the car has been left parked in strong sunlight, check that the
temperature of the seat fabric and buckle are not too hot before putting
your child in the MULTIMAC.
1. INTRODUCTION 2. GENERAL RULES FOR MULTIMAC
4 seater
3 seater
The Minimac
In car
6
7
With a little practice, the MULTIMAC can be fitted or removed from your car in one or
two minutes as shown in the photographs:
3.1 Initially, the two tether straps provided
with the MULTIMAC have to be fitted to
the bolts securing the “lap strap” of the
central rear seatbelt (Fig 3a).
Fittings will be different for each car
and you may want this work to be done
by your local garage. Full details are
shown in SECTION 5.
Once fitted, the tether straps simply lie
across the rear seat when not in use (Fig 3b). Before fitting the MULTIMAC, the
adult buckles should be tucked away
behind the seat so the MULTIMAC does
not rest on them (see section 5.1)
3.2 The cushions from the two middle
seats of the 4-seater Multimac (2 outer
on 3-seater) are removed by lifting the
front edge and threading the crotch-
strap through the aperture in the seat,
once the main buckle has been undone
(Fig 3c).
This will reveal the two “ratchet adjusters” (Fig 3d).
3.3 To make the MULTIMAC more easily manoeuvrable, the two
legs should be pulled out of their sockets (they are retained
by elastic cords) and rested in the cavity created by moving
the seat cushions, while the MULTIMAC is lifted into position,
resting on the back seat of the car (Fig 3e).
NOTE – Caution – The MULTIMAC is quite heavy (35kgs) and
normal care must be taken when lifting: ideally this is a 2-person job.
As an optional extra, 2 clip-in “lifting handles” are available which lock into the
outer seat positions (once the cushions are removed) using the
MINIMAC fixings (Fig 3f).
3.4 The handles of the ratchet adjusters should be released by
pulling the locking bar (Fig 3g), and then pushed right back as
far as they will go.
The tether straps should be threaded through the slots in the
rear of the Multimac and then through the slots in the spindles
of the ratchet adjusters and pulled through to remove all slack.
3. FITTING THE MULTIMAC
INTO YOUR CAR
NOTE – Ensure that the tether straps
are not twisted: the label should be on
the top.
The handle of each ratchet adjuster
should be rotated forwards (you will
have to pull the locking bar again), and
continue to be operated back and forth,
pulling the MULTIMAC towards the
back of the car seat (Fig 3h).
When it reaches the back of the car
seat, but before the tether straps
become tight (so you can still slide the
MULTIMAC laterally), check that the
MULTIMAC is positioned centrally and
that you can close both car doors.
3.5 You now re-fit the legs in their sockets
and adjust the height of the feet by
rotating the threaded rod by hand
(Fig 3j).
You only have to do this once, on the
first fitting to your car and you should
take some trouble to ensure that both
legs are adjusted equally, and that, with
the MULTIMAC in this position, the feet
just rest on the carpet.
The legs should be pushed back as far as possible, and if any
rugs or over-mats are fitted you should ensure that no hem or
ridge is preventing the rubber coated foot of the MULTIMAC from
sitting flat on the floor.
3.6 The ratchet adjusters are now fully tightened (Fig 3i): this will
pull the MULTIMAC back into the car seat and also compress
the legs.
You need not exert undue force as the ratchet adjusters have a
magnifying effect, but ensure that the MULTIMAC feels “rock-
solid” against the car seat back.
3.7 The ratchet adjuster handles are then rotated forward to their
“closed” position and the seat cushions
replaced (Fig 3k).
NOTE – There is a knack to refitting
the seat cushions:
•Holdthefrontofthecushion,and
lead the rear edge into position
first (Fig 3l).
Fig 3a Fig 3b
Fig 3c Fig 3d
Fig 3e
Fig 3h Fig 3i
Fig 3j
Fig 3l
Fig 3k
Fig 3g
Fig 3f
8
9
•Besureto
slacken off
the seat
harnesses (Fig
3m) and pull
them forward
before rotating
the back
of the seat
cushion down into position – there
are recesses in the sides of the seat
cushion to give clearance for the seat
harness and if you do not pull the
harnesses forward they can become
trapped between the rear sides of the
cushion and the adjoining bolster.
•Threadthecrotchstrapthroughthe
slot in the cushion (Fig 3n).
•Pushthefrontofthecushiondownto
rest on the front rail of the MULTIMAC.
•Checkthattheharnessmovesfreely(Fig3o).
Removing the seat is a reversal of the above:
•Removethe2centralMULTIMACcushions
•Releasetheratchetadjustersbypullingthelockingbarandrotatingthehandlesfully
back to release the tension in the tether straps.
•Pulltheseatslightlyforwardstogiveitenoughslacktoallowyoutoremovethelegs.
•Eitherpulltheseatforwardstoreleasethetetherstrapsorpullthetetherstraps
backwards out of the ratchet adjusters.
•Restthelegsonthehorizontalsurfaceoftheseatasbefore.
•Slidetheseatoutofthecarandstoreitsafely,preferablyhorizontallyonashelfor
table, or on its end, making sure it leans against a wall and cannot fall over.
CAUTION
The MULTIMAC upholstery is soft and the back and base of the seat are covered in
smooth ABS plastic to protect your car-seat.
Please ensure that the MULTIMAC is not damaged by poor handling or poor storage:
it should not rest directly on a hard surface or floor but on a suitable mat.
4. REMOVAL OF MULTIMAC
The MULTIMAC is secured into the vehicle
by 2 tether straps. The Eyebolt is removed
from the metal Maillon by unscrewing its
long retaining nut (Fig 5a), and is fitted in
place of the existing bolt securing the adult
seat belts to the car floor (Fig 5b).
The Eyebolts supplied with your fitting kit
will be the correct length and should be
fitted as shown in Fig 5c with the 2 cone-
washers facing each other.
The Eyebolts are pre-coated with a thread
locking compound, and should be torqued
to between 35 – 45 Nm using a 27mm
socket spanner. The tension in the cone-
washers should allow the eyebolts to be
positionedwiththeholeaxishorizontalas
shown in Fig 5d.
If it does not align correctly, unscrew
the Eyebolt and replace one of the
cone-washers with the thinner one,
supplied separately.
The Maillon is then threaded through the Eyebolts ensuring that the label on the
Multimac is uppermost and the long Maillon nut retightened to a torque of 15 Nm
(Fig 5e).
SPECIAL FITMENTS
5.1 If your car is fitted with ‘solid’ buckles
(Fig 5f) which cannot ‘flip’ out of the
way when the MULTIMAC is put on the
car seat, we will provide new buckles
on webbing (Fig 5g) which should be
fitted to replace the originals (Fig 5h).
5.2 If the adult seat belts in your car are not fitted to the floor (for
example, they may be attached to removable seats), it may be
possible to arrange a special fitment of the Eyebolts and you
can call one of the specialist seat-belt fitting companies shown
in the Appendix, or alternatively call MULTIMAC.
5. TETHER STRAPS
Fig 3m Fig 3n
Fig 3o
Fig 5b Fig 5c
Fig 5d Fig 5e
Fig 5a
Fig 5f Fig 5g
Fig 5h
10
11
The 2 available headrests fit in exactly
the same way as regular headrests in a
passenger car: the 2 chromed “legs” slot
into the mating apertures in the top rail of
the MULTIMAC.
Thebezelontherighthandaperturehas
an exposed locking button: this must be
pressed in before the headrest is inserted,
removed or adjusted.
Thelefthandbezelhasa“hidden”locking
button which must be pressed in with your finger nail or a metal edge (eg key) to allow
the headrest to be initially inserted.
NOTE – It may be necessary to remove the main car headrests to give clearance for
these headrests.
Similarly, it may not be possible to fit or remove the MULTIMAC headrests in the
outer positions while the MULTIMAC is properly fitted in the car, if there is
insufficient headroom.
In this case, the tether straps should be slackened so that the MULTIMAC can be pulled
forward a little to give enough clearance for the headrests in the fully retracted position,
enabling them to be fitted/removed. The MULTIMAC should be fully tightened again
afterwards (as in Section 3).
Headrest “TOMMY”
This headrest has been designed to give adequate head support
for taller children and should be adjusted so that its centre height
is in line with the child’s eyes.
Headrest “YLVA”
This headrest is height adjustable to give side support to
the head of a baby from 13kgs up to approximately 22kgs.
It should be adjusted so that its bottom edges are just above
the child’s shoulders.
6. FITTING THE HEADRESTS
NOTE – Children up to 13kgs are safest when sitting
in a rear-facing child seat.
If your child is less than 13kgs consider using a MINIMAC
(Section 8).
CHILDREN OVER 13kgs
The MULTIMAC is fitted with 5-point harnesses and energy
absorbing anti-slip chest pads to ensure your child is as safe
as possible.
To maintain this high degree of safety it is important that the
harness is adjusted correctly to fit your child and this is done
very easily with the unique ADJUSTAMAC
system (Fig 7a):
• SityourchildintheMULTIMACand
note their shoulder height against the
backrest.
• RemovetheADJUSTAMAClinksby
rotating them through 90˚ and pulling
them out of the slot in the seat back.
Re-insert them in the slot corresponding
to, or just below,
your child’s shoulder height (Fig 7b).
The ADJUSTAMAC link is pushed in
andthenrotatedtothehorizontalto
lock in position (Fig 7c).
• Theseatharnessisttedwitha“single
point adjuster” and this is lifted up to
release tension in the belts.
• Extendtheharnessbyliftingthesingle-pointadjusterlever
(Fig 7d) and simultaneously pulling the seat belts forward where
they emerge below the built-in chest pads.
• Putyourchildintheseat:assemblethe2upperpartsofthe
buckle together as shown (Fig 7e) and insert them into the lower
portion of the buckle on the crotch strap. Press them in until
they “click”.
7. SECURING YOUR CHILDREN
IN MULTIMAC
Fig 7b Fig 7c
Fig 7d
YLVA
Fig 7a
Tommy
Fig 7e
Minimac
12
13
• Pullthewebbingthroughthesingle
point adjuster until all 5 elements of the
harness are tight against your child, with
no slack (Fig 7f).
• Releasethesingle-pointadjusterstrap
and pull sharply on the harness to ensure
there is no hidden slack.
• Toundotheharnesslifttheleveronthe
single-point adjuster whilst your child
simultaneously leans forward in the
harness to create some slack.
• Presstheredbuttononthebuckletoreleasethe2upperbuckleparts:yourchildcan
then “unthread” their arms, and get out.
CAUTION – Always be careful with the harnesses and try not to crease them or twist
them, particularly where they pass through the metal parts of the buckle.
Should they become twisted, straighten them as soon as possible before they “set” in
the twisted position.
The MINIMAC is designed to safely carry a baby from newborn to
13kgs in a rear-facing position and it mechanically “locks” into
position in one of the MULTIMAC seats.
NOTE – MULTIMAC Sizes – Each of the individual seats of the
Multimacisavailableintwosizes:
“Club Class” – 330mm wide - is wide enough to accommodate
the MINIMAC
“Comfort Class” – 300mm wide is not wide enough for the MINIMAC
The MULTIMAC is made of a variety of widths to fit a wide range of vehicles.
The MINIMAC will only fit the ‘club’ seat, and these positions are indicated by a green
•or red •label in the seat base as shown in (Fig 8a).
The standard MINIMAC will fit the green •positions and will be suitable for most
families with 1,2 or 3 babies.
For families with quads (or triplets and a 3-seater MULTIMAC) the MININMAC – R is
available to fit in •red label positions. It is identical to the standard MINIMAC, except
its lock mechanism is opposite-hand.
8. MINIMAC BABY CRADLE
Fig 7f
Fig 8cFig 8b
Fig 8d
“1260” – 2 “Club Seats”, 2 “Comfort Seats”“1320” – 4 “Club Seats”
“1000” – 3 “Club Seats”“1200” – 4 “Comfort Seats”
The Minimac
8.1 FITTING
THE MINIMAC
To fit the MINIMAC into the MULTIMAC,
the seat cushion is removed as previously
described under section 3.2 and we
recommend that the ADJUSTAMACS are
put in their highest positions so that the
chest pads are kept out of the way (Fig 8b).
The crotch strap should be positioned to the right, as shown in Fig 8c to avoid
obstructing the lock and if the MINIMAC is being used on a full-
time basis we recommend that the crotch strap be taped in this
position to prevent having to manually position it every time.
The MINIMAC should be lowered into position, keeping it “square”
to the MULTIMAC and the front tongue inserted into the slot in the
back of the MULTIMAC (Fig 8d).
The back of the MINIMAC should then be lowered and the lock will
engage on the striker pin with a 2-stage action exactly the same
as when closing a car door.
CHECK – Try to lift the MINIMAC off the striker pin, to ensure it has engaged properly
– there should be no slack: if there is some slack but the MINIMAC will not lift out
completely it is secured on the “second” position and should be released and reinserted
to engage on “full lock”.
The Multimac models available are:
Fig 8a
14
15
8.2 REMOVING THE MINIMAC
The release mechanism for the MINIMAC is
a lever under the right hand edge as shown
in Fig 8e. To remove the MINIMAC, the carry
handles should be used to “lift” the MINIMAC
while the lever is moved to the right.
Once the lock has disengaged, the MINIMAC
should be eased backwards to withdraw
the tongue from the slot and it can then be
lifted cleanly out of the car (Fig 8f).
8.3 SEATING THE BABY IN THE MINIMAC
The MINIMAC is fitted with a 3-point
harness which is tensioned by pulling
the “single-point-adjuster” strap at the
front of the seat (Fig 8g). This is not easily
accessible when the MINIMAC is fitted
in the MULTIMAC so the baby should
preferably be installed properly in the
MINIMAC before it is put in the car.
To slacken the harness, the single-point-
adjuster release button is pressed,
(Fig 8h) while the 2 upper harness straps
are pulled forward.
To release the baby, you press the red
button on the buckle (Fig 8j) which releases
the 2 upper straps: these can be moved out
of position and the baby lifted out.
Adjustment of harness – 3 pairs of slots in
the back of the MINIMAC allow the 2 top
straps to be moved as the baby grows. This
is done as follows (Fig 8i).
•Thezipinthebackcoverisundoneto
allow access to the single-point adjuster
strap and its metal yolk (Fig 8k).
•The2topharnessstrapsare“unhooked”
from the yolk and withdrawn through
their existing slots.
•The2topharnessstrapsarerethreadedthroughthehigherslots,andthenreattached
to the yolk, taking care that they are not twisted (Fig 8l).
•Thezipinthecoverisdoneup.
•Thecrotchstrapissimilarlyadjustablebetween2positions.
9.1 HARNESSES
If the harness becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with warm soapy water. DO NOT USE
ANY CHEMICAL CLEANERS AS THEY COULD WEAKEN THE HARNESS.
If any harness appears frayed or damaged, contact MULTIMAC for a replacement.
9.2 MAIN FABRIC
MULTIMAC
The MULTIMAC is upholstered in “regular” car fabrics, and can be cleaned either
with warm soapy water, or any proprietry upholstery cleaner, taking care to read the
instructions and ensure that they do not contain any chemical which could be irritant
to a baby’s skin.
MINIMAC
As the MINIMAC is used for the smallest babies, it is likely to need cleaning more
frequently than the MULTIMAC…………
Initially, warm soapy water should be used, and eventually the cover can be removed
completely and put in a washing machine on a warm wash.
It will not shrink, and the only limitation to machine washing is that it eventually
removes the fire retardant from the material, so should not be done frequently.
The Aluminium construction of the MINIMAC will ensure that it has a long life, and
may be used for successive babies, so we recommend that after a couple of years of
washing, the cover be replaced with a new one; available from MULTIMAC.
9.3 TETHER STRAPS
The Tether straps hold the MULTIMAC and your children safely in the car.
They are considerably stronger than necessary, but only if kept in good condition.
Check frequently that they can move freely, and are not becoming frayed or worn.
Check that the closing nut on the Maillon remains tight.
Check that the Eyeboltsarestilltight,andtheholethroughthemisstillhorizontal
9. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Fig 8hFig 8g
Fig 8lFig 8k
Fig 8fFig 8e
Fig 8jFig 8i
16
17
Like many modern vehicles, the Multimac has been designed specifically to deform and
absorb energy in a crash, thus reducing the stress and loadings on the child.
In a very extreme crash, therefore, the main aluminium structure will bend slightly and
the energy-absorbing legs will bend upwards.
If you have such a severe crash and the Multimac deforms in this way to protect your
child, it should then be destroyed and replaced.
If you have notified your insurance company that you have a MULTIMAC fitted (section
2.1) this will be automatically covered.
10. CRASH DAMAGE
www.multimac.co.uk Tel: 0121 44 22 007 Fax: 0121 44 22 057
The four-seater child seat
The Multimac fitted in a Fiesta
showing detachable ‘YLVA’ side
support head rests.
The Multimac fitted in a Volvo
showing a combination of ‘TOMMY’
and ‘YLVA’ headrests and Minimac
baby cradle.
Like many modern vehicles, the Multimac has been designed specifically to deform and
absorb energy in a crash, thus reducing the stress and loadings on the child.
In a very extreme crash, therefore, the main aluminium structure will bend slightly and
the energy-absorbing legs will bend upwards.
If you have such a severe crash and the Multimac deforms in this way to protect your
child, it should then be destroyed and replaced.
If you have notified your insurance company that you have a MULTIMAC fitted (section
2.1) this will be automatically covered.
10. CRASH DAMAGE
The MULTIMAC is approved as a “semi-universal” CRS [child restraint system] which
means it does not fit all cars, and we have to give a specific list of which model
MULTIMAC will fit each car. Generally, it will not fit into the 2-door or 3-door versions of
each model: only the 4 or 5-door.
Normally, the eyebolts simply replace the existing central seat belt mounting bolts, and
the Tether-straps are attached to them. However, in some cars the original “rigid” adult
buckles have to be replaced with webbing-buckles as described in section 5.1, and these
will be supplied with the MULTIMAC .
The initial list of cars follows here: it will be updated regularly on the website
www.multimac.co.uk
11. FITTING LIST
Manufacturer Model Multimac
Model
Eyebolt Webbing Buckles
if required
1320
1260
1200
1000
Audi A8
A6 Saloon
A6 Avant
03-
95-04
95-04
l l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x45mm
7/16"x35mm
7/16"x35mm
—
—
—
Bentley Continenta
Flying Spur
05- l l l l 7/16"x45mm —
BMW 3 Series E46
4-Door
Touring
98-05
l
l
l
l
l
l
M12x30
M12x30
—
—
Ford Fiesta
Fiesta
Fusion
Focus 5dr
Focus Estate
Focus 5dr
Focus Estate
Mondeo
Estate
Mondeo
Estate
08-
02-08
02-
98-04
98-04
04-
04-
00-07
00-07
07-
07-
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
Standard 250mm
—
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Lexus GS 300
LS 450
05
07
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x30
7/16"x30
3xD89 250mm
3xD89 250mm
18
Manufacturer Model Multimac
Model
Eyebolt Webbing Buckles
1320
1260
1200
1000
Mercedes E Class W124
E Class W210
86-95
96-03
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x35mm
7/16"x35mm
—
—
Peugeot 207 5dr
307 5dr
308 5dr
407 40
407 SW
06-
01-07
08-
04-
04-
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Toyota Prius
Avensis Saloon
Avensis Estate
Auris
04-
03-
03-
07-
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x30
7/16"x30
7/16"x30
7/16"x30
—
—
—
—
Vauxhall Astra 5dr
Astra Estate
04-
04-
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x35mm
7/16"x35mm
3xD89 250mm
3xD89 250mm
Volkswagen Polo 5dr
Golf 5dr
Golf 5dr
Passat Saloon
Passat Estate
02-
97-04
05-
05-
05-
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
7/16"x35
7/16"x40
7/16"x50
7/16"x40
7/16"x40
—
—
—
—
—
Volvo S40
V50
V70
V70
S80
S80
04-
04-
00-07
08-
98-06
07-
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
M12x35
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
Standard 250mm
This manual suits for next models
3
Table of contents
