RECARO Performance Racer User manual

Child Safety Seats
Convertible Child Restraint System for
children 5 to 65 lbs (2.3 to 29.5 kg).
Approved in accordance with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Only suitable for use in vehicles with 2-point
(lap), 3-point (lap & shoulder) seat belts and
LATCH anchorages.
El manual de instructiones Performance
Racer / Performance Rally esta disponible en
español en www.recaro.com. Por favor visite
el internet para bajar una versión en español.
Please read instructions prior to
installation. Store this manual in
the seat base.
Performance Racer / Performance Rally
Instruction Manual

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
Prevent Child Heatstroke in Cars
Even great parents can forget a child in the back seat.
Unfortunately, heatstroke is one of the leading causes
of death among children. Be sure to follow these three
important rules to prevent child heatstroke in your car:
1. Never leave a child alone in a car
• It’s never OK to leave a child alone in a car, even for a few
minutes, and even if the car is on.
• Opening windows will not prevent heatstroke.
• Heatstroke happens even on cloudy days and when outside
temperatures are below 70 degrees.
• Don’t let kids play in an unattended vehicle.
2. Look Before You Lock
• Always check the back seats of your vehicle before you lock it
and walk away.
• Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car
seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual
reminder when your child is in the back seat.
• If someone else is driving your child, or your daily routine has
been altered, always check that your child arrived safely.
3. Take Action if You See a Child Alone in a Car
• Don’t wait more than a few minutes for the driver to return before
calling.
• Don’t worry about getting involved in someone else’s
business—protecting children is everyone’s business. “Good
Samaritan” laws offer legal protection for those who offer
assistance in an emergency.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they
are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible
and spray the child with cool water. Call 911 or your local
emergency number immediately.

1D
Contents
Section 1: Safety Warnings ......................................... p. 4-6
Section 2: Register Your New Child Restraint.................p. 7
Section 3: Getting to Know Your Child Restraint....... p. 8-12
Section 4: Adjusting the Harness System
to Fit Your Child.................................................p. 13
Section 5: Securing the Child in the Child Restraint.... p. 14-15
Section 6: Choosing a Seating Location
in Your Vehicle........................................ p. 16-17
Section 7: Learning About Your Vehicle
Safety Systems ...................................... p. 18-20
Section 8: Installing the Child Restraint
Rear-Facing in Your Vehicle................... p. 21-31
Section 9: Installing the Child Restraint
Forward-Facing in Your Vehicle.............. p. 32-41
Section 10: Certication ..................................................p. 42
Section 11: Use in Aircraft ...............................................p. 42
Section 12: Care and Maintenance.................................p. 43
Section 13: Trim Cover Removal/Installation ............ p. 44-49
Section 14: Trouble Shooting .................................... p. 50-51
Section 15: Replacement Parts & Accessories ...............p. 52
Section 16: Warranty.......................................................p. 53
Section 17: Additional Contact Information .....................p. 54
Section 18: Glossary ................................................. p. 55-56

32
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the RECARO family of high quality child safety
products and thank you for purchasing your new RECARO
Child Restraint System.
RECARO has over 100 years experience in the design and
manufacture of premium automotive products. To assure all
products RECARO manufactures are worthy of the name,
we’ve subjected them to a comprehensive development
program complying with American FMVSS 213 safety
standards.
Although each RECARO child restraint system is equipped
with state-of-the-art safety features such as Side Impact
Protection (SIP), it is not a guarantee that this child restraint
will prevent injury or death. However, if you stress careful
driving and proper use of your child restraint, it can lower the
risk of injury or death.
Therefore, please make sure to carefully review all
information in this instruction manual to properly restrain
your child. Also, before using your new child restraint for the
rst time, please review all components carefully to make
sure nothing has been damaged during shipping. Failure to
follow these instructions and the labels on the seat can result
in serious injury or even death.
The RECARO child seat you have purchased is a high
quality product. Its different settings and its stable and
ergonomic design ensure that the RECARO child seat
is a safe and comfortable place for your child to sit when
traveling in your car. However, before you use it, you need to
adjust it to your child’s size and then install it carefully so that
the seat will perform as required. These instructions will help
you do this, so please read them carefully.
Remember, parents are a child’s best examples. Be sure
to ALWAYS buckle your seat belt and your children will
be much more likely to do the same. Thank you again for
choosing RECARO and enjoy your child restraint. If you
have any questions or need assistance of any kind please
contact us at:
RECARO Child Safety, LLC
1600 Harmon Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel: 1-888-9RECARO
Internet: www.recaro.com
E-mail: [email protected]
El manual de instructiones Performance Racer/Performance
Rally esta disponible en español en www.recaro.com. Por
favor visite el internet para bajar una versión en español.
Sincerely,
The RECARO Child Safety Team

54
WARNING!
Section 1: Safety Warnings
• Failure to follow warnings provided on the child restraint labels
and stickers could cause serious injury or death.
• Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds
(2.3 and 29.5 Kg) and whose height is 49 inches (124.5 cm)
or less. Rear-Facing 5 - 40 pounds (2.3 and 18.1 kg) and
Forward-Facing 20 - 65 pounds (9.1 and 29.5 kg) and at
least 1 year of age. Do NOT use for a child who weighs more
than 65 pounds (29.5 kg).
• Do NOT use the lower anchors of the child restraint
anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child
restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 45
pounds (20.4 kg).
• Do NOT use this child restraint system until you have read
and understood the instructions in this manual and in your
vehicle’s owner’s manual. Do NOT let others install or use this
child restraint system unless they understand how to use it.
• NEVER give this child restraint to someone else without also
giving them this manual.
• Discontinue use of your child restraint six (6) years after
“manufactured in” date located on a sticker on the side of
the seat structure.
• Do NOT make any technical modication to the child restraint
system and use it only as outlined in these instructions unless
specied by RECARO. Otherwise, the safety function of the
seat will be reduced or completely voided.
• Before each use, inspect the child restraint. Make sure
nothing on the child restraint is damaged, loose or broken.
If anything on the child restraint appears damaged, loose or
broken, do NOT use the restraint.
• If the child restraint has been in a crash or vehicle accident,
it must be replaced; do NOT use the child restraint again. A
crash can cause unseen damage and using the child restraint
again can cause serious injury or death.
• This child restraint must NOT be used in the home, boats or
other non-certied applications.
•NEVER leave a child unattended even when sleeping.
• The child restraint should be securely belted to the vehicle,
even when it is not occupied, since in a crash an unsecured
child restraint system may injure other occupants.
• Do NOT place a child restraint in the front seat of a vehicle
with a passenger air bag. According to accident reports,
children under the age of 12 are safest when properly
restrained in the back seat.
• Snugly adjust the belts provided around your child.
• A snug strap should NOT allow any slack. It lies in a relatively
straight line without sagging. It does NOT press on the child’s
esh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.
• Secure this child restraint with the vehicle’s child restraint
LATCH anchorage system if available or with a vehicle belt.
• Secure the top anchorage strap provided with this child
restraint.
• Do NOT lubricate buckles, fasteners or any part of the child
restraint.
• Do NOT add accessories, toys, padding or other items to the
child restraint unless provided by RECARO.
• NEVER allow a child to play with the child restraint; it is NOT
a toy.
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
SAFETY WARNINGS
SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur

76
Section 2: Register Your New
Child Restrain
t
Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall.
Send your name, address, email address if available,
and the restraint’s model number, serial number and
manufacturing date to:
RECARO Child Safety, LLC
1600 Harmon Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
or call: 1-888-9RECARO
or register online at:
http://www.registermyrecaro.com
For recall information, call the U.S. Government’s Vehicle
Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)
or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.
ALL information provided to RECARO on the registration
card or on the online registry will NOT be sold,
distributed, or used for any purposes other than to
contact you in the event of a recall.
• Placing your child in a hot child restraint may result in burns.
• There is no guarantee that the child restraint will prevent
injury or death in a particular crash. However, if you stress
careful driving and proper use of the child restraint, it can
lower the risk of injury or death in most crashes.
• NEVER use a used child seat unless you know its complete
history.
Extreme Weather
When it is HOT, RECARO recommends the following tips to
reduce possible injury or discomfort to your child:
• Park your vehicle in the shade to help keep the restraint
cooler.
• Cover the child restraint with a sheet or blanket when not in
use.
• ALWAYS check surface temperatures of the child restraint
before placing a child in it.
When it is COLD, RECARO recommends the following tips to
reduce possible injury or discomfort to your child:
• Remove the child’s bulky clothing before restraining the child.
This will help belts and other safety features function properly.
• After restraining the child in the seat, cover the child and
the restraint system with a blanket or their jacket to maintain
warmth and comfort of the child.
.
8
)
SAFETY WARNINGS
REGISTER YOUR NEW CHILD RESTRAINT
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur

98
Section 3: Getting to Know Your
Child Restraint
This child restraint is known as a convertible child restraint
because it converts from a Rear-Facing into a Forward-
Facing restraint system as your child grows.
It is important to know the difference between these two use
modes, be able to choose which mode is appropriate for your
child, and be able to choose which sections of this instruction
manual apply to the mode that you desire.
To facilitate choosing the right set of the instructions for the
mode that you desire, look for color codes on the sides of the
pages in this instruction manual.
Rear-Facing instructions are indicated in BLUE, and Forward-
Facing instructions are indicated in PINK. Note that general
information and information applying to both user modes is
GRAY.
NEVER use the child restraint system for a child who is not
within the height, weight, and age ranges recommended in this
instruction manual.
RECARO strongly encourages keeping children rear-facing up
to the maximum Rear-Facing weight or height limits of your
child restraint.
Child Fit Information and Requirements
Rear-Facing:
The child restraint is NOT appropriate for all children. You must
conrm the child meets ALL of the height, weight and other t
requirements. Please measure and weigh the child to verify the
Performance Racer/Performance Rally is the correct seat for them.
NOTE: If the child does NOT meet ALL of the height, weight or
other t requirements for this child restraint, the child CANNOT
use it. If that is the case, please see the other ne child restraint
systems that are offered by RECARO.
A child CAN use the child restraint in the Rear-Facing position
ONLY if: • The child’s weight is between 5 and
40 pounds (2.3 kg and 18.1 kg)
and,
• The harness CAN be positioned
AT or JUST BELOW the child’s
shoulders, when the child is seated
and,
• The child’s seated height* is LESS
than 22.5 inches (57 cm) and,
• When sitting in the child restraint the top of the child’s head
is NOT closer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top edge of the
headrest.
*NOTE: A child’s seated height measures the distance from the
top of their head to the bottom of their tailbone, when they are
sitting.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT

1110
Forward-Facing
A child CAN use this child restraint in the Forward-Facing
position ONLY if: • The child is at least 12 months of
age and,
• The child’s weight is between 20 and
65 pounds (9.1 kg and 29.5 kg)
and,
• The harness CAN be positioned
AT or JUST ABOVE the child’s
shoulders, when the child is
seated and,
• The child’s standing height* is
LESS than 49 inches (125 cm)
and,
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
• When the child is sitting and the headrest is in the highest
position, the top of the child’s ears must be BELOW the top of
the headrest.
• If ANY portion of the child’s head exceeds the top edge of the
child restraint, there must be a vehicle headrest support.
*NOTE: A child’s standing height measures the distance from
the top of their head to the bottom of their feet, when they are
standing.
Safety Stripe SystemTM
Your child restraint is equipped with the easy-to-use RECARO Safety
Stripe SystemTM. You will notice that your harness has a white stripe on
the outside edges. This added safety feature will allow you to ensure
that your harness is not twisted. The white stripe should always remain
at the outside edge of the harness above the lower buckle. If it is not,
please loosen your harness system and remove any twist prior to use.
Child Restraint Features:
It is important to become familiar with the features of your
child restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key
features.
Headrest
Chest Clip
Pockets (2)
Recline
Adjuster
Seat Base
Harness
Adjuster Strap
Trim Cover &
Comfort Padding
Chest Clip
Buckle
Latch
Plates (2)
Integrated 5-Point
Harness
Side Impact Protection
Level Line
Harness Release
Lever
Cup
Holders (2)
HERO
Harness Pad
QuickFlip
Recline Wedge
Under Base
(Select Models)

1312
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
*Stored in slots on
side of seat
Child Restraint Features:
It is important to become familiar with the features of your
child restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key
features.
Top Tether Hook
LATCH
Connectors (2)*
Harness System
Adjustment Knobs (2) Top Tether
Storage Pouch
Harness Connector
Bracket
Forward-Facing
Belt Path and
Belt Lock-off
Rear-Facing
Belt Path
LATCH
Strap
Top Tether Strap
2a
Section 4: Adjusting the Harness
System to Fit Your Child
Place your child in the child restraint prior to installing in the
vehicle and determine if the shoulder strap height needs to be
adjusted.
• When using in Rear-Facing mode, the shoulder straps must
be located AT or JUST BELOW the child’s shoulders.
• When using in Forward-Facing mode, the shoulder straps
must be located AT or JUST ABOVE the child’s shoulders.
1. Loosen the harness system.
Press the harness release
and pull the shoulder straps
forward.
2a. Rotate the harness system
adjustment knobs to raise
the shoulder straps or to
lower the shoulder straps.
2b. Refer to the labels, near the
harness system adjustment
knobs.
NOTE: The headrest will move
up and down. STOP when
resistance is felt.
3. Pull shoulder straps to
ensure the system is secure.
1
Headrest Adjustment
To Lower:
Rotate Knob
Clockwise
To Raise:
Rotate Knob
Counter-Clockwise
2b
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS SYSTEM TO FIT YOUR CHILD

1514
SECURING THE CHILD IN THE CHILD RESTRAINT
Section 5: Securing the
Child in the Child Restraint
1. Loosen the harness system.
Press the harness release
lever and pull the shoulder
straps forward.
2. Open the chest clip by
squeezing the tabs and
separating.
3. Open the buckle by pressing
the red button. Place the
harness straps to the side or
place the chest clips into the
harness pockets to hold.
4. Place the child in the child
restraint with his/her bottom
fully into the seat. Position the
harness straps around the
child and fasten both latch
plates into the buckle.
2
3
4
5. Fasten the chest clip.
6. Pull up on each shoulder
strap to tighten the lower
section of the harness.
7. Tighten the harness by pulling
the harness adjuster strap
straight out. The harness
webbing should be snug
around the child in both the
lap and shoulder sections.
Adjust the chest clip so it is at
the child’s armpit level.
8. The harness is tight enough
when you cannot pinch a loop
of webbing.
9. If you nd the harness is not
tight tting, a newborn insert
may be required.
5
6
7
8
SECURING THE CHILD IN THE CHILD RESTRAINT
Please contact 1-888-9RECARO and RECARO will ship you a
newborn insert and instructions.
1