RECARO Performance SPORT User manual

®
Forward-Facing Combination Harness to
Booster Child Restraint System for children
20-120 lbs (9.1 to 54.4 kg).
Approved in accordance with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Only suitable for use in vehicles with 2-point
(lap only), 3-point (lap/shoulder) seat belts
and LATCH anchorages when used in Harness
Mode.
Only suitable for use in vehicles with 3-point
(lap/shoulder) seat belts when used in Booster
Mode.
El manual de instructiones Performance
SPORT esta disponible en español en
www.recaro-cs.com. Por favor visite el internet
para bajar una versión en español.
Please read instructions prior to
installation. Store this manual in the
pocket on the trim cover.
Performance SPORT Instruction Manual
Child Safety Seats

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 in outside
temperatures 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.
Cool the child rapidly. 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. 8-13
Section 4: Securing Your Child in Harness Mode ........p. 14-15
Section 5: Adjusting the Harness System to
Fit Your Child in the Harness Mode.............p. 16-17
Section 6: Adjusting the Buckle to
Fit Your Child in the Harness Mode.............p. 18-19
Section 7: Choosing a Seating Location
in Your Vehicle.............................................p. 20-21
Section 8: Learning About Your Vehicle
Safety Systems ...........................................p. 22-24
Section 9: Installing the Child Restraint
in Your Vehicle in Harness Mode ................p. 25-33
Section 10: Converting Between Usage Modes.............p. 34-40
Section 11: Positioning Your Child
in Booster Mode ..........................................p. 41-43
Section 12: Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Belt Routing and
Positioning Around Your Child.....................p. 44-46
Section 13: Certication ...................................................... p. 47
Section 14: Use in Aircraft................................................... p. 47
Section 15: Care and Maintenance..................................... p. 48
Section 16: Trim Cover Removal / Installation ...............p. 49-53
Section 17: Troubleshooting................................................ p. 54
Section 18: Replacement Parts and Accessories ............... p. 55
Section 19: Warranty........................................................... p. 56
Section 20: Additional Contact Information ......................... p. 57
Section 21: Glossary ......................................................p. 58-59

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-cs.com
E-mail: [email protected]
El manual de instructiones Performance SPORT esta disponible
en español en www.recaro-cs.com. Por favor visite el internet para
bajar una versión en español.
Sincerely,
The RECARO Child Safety Team

4 5
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
• Failure to follow warnings on the child restraint labels could
cause serious injury or death.
• Use the child restraint ONLY with children who weigh
between 20 and 120 pounds (9.1 and 54.4 kg) and whose
standing height is between 27 and 59 inches (69 and 150
cm). For use with the integrated Harness Mode, children who
weigh between 20 and 65 pounds (9.1 and 29.5 kg) and who
are over 1 year old. For high back belt-positioning Booster
Mode, children who weigh between 30 and 120 pounds (13.6
and 54.4 kg) and who are over 1 year old.
• 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 40
pounds (18.1 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.
• The owner’s manual should be stored in the manual pocket
sewn on the trim cover. NEVER give this child restraint to
someone else without also giving them this manual.
• Discontinue use of your child restraint six (6) years after the
“manufactured in” date located on a sticker on the back of
the seat.
• Do NOT make any technical modications to the child
restraint system and use it only as outlined in these
instructions. 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 restraint appears damaged, loose or broken,
do NOT use the restraint.
• If the child restraint was occupied during a crash or vehicle
accident, it must be replaced. Do NOT use the child restraint
again. A crash can cause unseen damage and using it again
can cause serious injury or death.
• If the child restraint was in the vehicle unoccupied as a high
back belt-positioning booster seat during a crash and no
airbags were deployed, it does NOT need to be replaced.
• Do NOT use the child restraint with any stroller.
• NEVER place the child restraint in a shopping cart.
• This child restraint must NOT be used in the home, on boats
or any other non-certied applications.
• NEVER leave a child unattended even when sleeping.
• The child restraint should be securely belted to the vehicle at
all times. 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 airbag. According to accident reports,
children under the age of 12 are safest when properly
restrained in the back seat.
• When using the integrated Harness Mode on this seat,
snugly adjust the belts provided with this child restraint
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.
• When using the integrated Harness Mode on this seat,
secure this child seat with the vehicle’s child restraint
(LATCH) anchorage system, if available, or with the vehicle’s
seat belt system.
• When using the high back belt-positioning Booster Mode,
secure this child seat with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder (3-point)
seat belt system only.
Section 1: Safety Warnings
SAFETY WARNINGS
SAFETY WARNINGS

6 7
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
Section 2: Register Your New
Child Restraint
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.
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.
• Secure the top anchorage strap provided with this child
restraint.
• Do NOT lubricate any part of this child restraint.
• Do NOT add accessories, toys, padding or other items to this
child restraint unless approved by RECARO.
• NEVER allow a child to play with this child restraint, it is NOT
a toy.
• Placing your child in a hot child restraint may result in burns.
• There is no guarantee that this child restraint will prevent
injury or death in a particular crash. However, if you stress
careful driving and proper use of your child restraint, it can
lower the risk of injury or death in most crashes.
• NEVER use a used child restraint unless you know its
complete history.
Extreme Weather
SAFETY WARNINGS
REGISTER YOUR NEW CHILD RESTRAINT

9
8
Child Fit Information and Requirements
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 SPORT is the correct seat for them.
NOTE: If the child does NOT meet ANY one 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.
Harness Mode:
A child CAN use the Performance SPORT in the Harness Mode
ONLY if:
• Child is at least 1 year of age
and,
• The child’s weight is between
20 and 65 pounds (9.1 kg
and 29.5 kg) and,
• The child’s standing height is
less than 49 inches (125 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.
Section 3: Getting to Know Your
Child Restraint
This child restraint is known as a combination harness to
booster seat because it converts from a Harness Mode into a
Booster Mode 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.
Harness Mode instructions are indicated in PINK, and
Booster Mode instructions are indicated in GREEN. Note
that general information and information applying to both user
modes is not color-coded.
NEVER use the child restraint system for a child who is
NOT within the height, weight and age recommended in this
instruction manual.
RECARO strongly encourages keeping children in Harness
Mode up to the maximum Harness Mode weight or height
limits of your child restraint.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT

10 11
Booster Mode:
A child CAN use the Performance SPORT in the Booster Mode
position ONLY if:
• The child is at least 1 year of age
and,
• The child’s weight is between 30
and 120 pounds (13.6 and 54.4
kg) and,
• The child’s standing height* is
between 37 and 59 inches (94
and 150 cm) and,
• When 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.
A child is ALWAYS safest in a child restraint system that has a
5-point harness system built-in. RECARO cannot recommend
what age your child has to be in order to ride in this seat as a
belt-positioning booster, please refer to your state’s law, as each
state is different.
Even though your child’s standing height may meet the
requirements, your child’s head should NEVER be below the
headrest in the lowest position or their ear should NEVER be
above the top of the headrest in the highest position.
It is important to become familiar with the features of your child
restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key features.
Headrest
3-Point Shoulder
Belt Guide (2)
(BOOSTER MODE)
3-Point Lap Belt
Guide (2)
(BOOSTER MODE)
Chest Clip
Armrest (2)
Cushion Insert
Harness
Release
Lever Cover
Integrated
5-Point Harness
Backrest
Buckle
Latch Plate (2)
Storage
Pocket (2)
Trim Cover
Belt Routing (2)
(HARNESS MODE)
LATCH
Strap
Side Impact Protection
Performance SPORT Features
HERO
Harness
System
Harness
Adjuster Strap
Harness
Release
Lever
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT

12 13
Harness Mode Booster Mode
It is important to become familiar with the features of your child
restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key features.
Top Tether
LATCH
Connectors (2)
LATCH
Storage
Pocket (2)
Recline Wedge
(Not Shown)
Headrest and
Harness
Adjustment
Handle
Carry Handle
Performance SPORT Features
1. To make this adjustment,
locate the plastic wedge
under the seat base.
2. Unsnap the plastic wedge
from the rear snap position
to the front snap position to
raise the child restraint into
the recline position.
NOTE: NEVER make adjustments while the vehicle is in motion.
Performance SPORT Recline Wedge
The recline wedge MUST be used for children weighing
between 20 and 30 pounds (9.1 and 13.6 kg).
Do NOT use for children weighing more than 30 pounds
(13.6 kg).
2
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.
1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD RESTRAINT

1514
Section 4: Securing Your Child in
Harness Mode
1. Loosen the harness system.
Pull up on the harness
release lever located under
the harness release lever
cover 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 harness
straps to the side or around
the side wings to keep them
out of the way.
4. Place the child in the child
restraint with their bottom
fully into the seat. Position
the harness straps around
the child and fasten both
latch plates into the buckle.
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 adjuster strap straight out
through the harness release
lever cover. The harness
webbing should be snug
around the child in both the
lap and shoulder sections.
8. Slide the chest clip so it is at
the child’s armpit level.
9. The harness is tight enough
when you cannot pinch a
loop of webbing between
two ngers at the child’s
collarbone.
SECURING YOUR CHILD IN HARNESS MODE
SECURING YOUR CHILD IN HARNESS MODE
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9

1716
The child restraint is designed to t a wide range of children
and depending on the size of your child, you may need to
adjust the harness strap length.
1. If the harness straps are too loose for your
child, you will need to rethread the harness
connector bracket. There are 3 available
harness connector bracket positions on the
harness.
• Loop 1: This is for larger/taller children,
this is how the child restraint is shipped.
• Loop 2: This if for average size children.
• Loop 3: This is for small children.
2. Loosen the harness straps while pulling
up on the harness release lever and
pulling the harness straps out. Thread the
harness loop out of the harness connector
bracket.
3. Rethread the harness through the desired
harness loop. Be certain to use the same
loop position on both the left and right
strap.
NOTE: Check that the straps are secure by tightening the
harness completely and pulling on the harness straps.
1
2
3
3. Pull the handle away from
the seat back and move the
headrest up or down. The
harnesses will move up and
down with the headrest.
Section 5: Adjusting the Harness System
to Fit Your Child in Harness Mode
Place your child in the child restraint prior to installing it in your
vehicle and determine if the shoulder strap height needs to be
adjusted.
The shoulder straps MUST ALWAYS be located at or above
the child’s shoulders.
There are four (4) height positions available for adjustment.
Your child’s ears must be centered vertically between the top
and bottom of the headrest.
It is important if any portion of the child’s head exceeds the top
of the child restraint, there must be a vehicle headrest support.
1. Loosen the harness system.
Pull up on the harness
release lever located under
the harness release lever
cover and pull the shoulder
straps forward.
2. Locate the adjustment handle
on the back of the child
restraint.
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS IN HARNESS MODE
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS IN HARNESS MODE
1
2
3

1918
4. Turn the bracket sideways
and thread it up through the
seat base. Pull all the way
through the seat trim cover.
5. Find the correct slot in the
seat base and trim cover to
appropriately t your child.
6. Turn the bracket sideways
and thread it back down
through the appropriate slot in
the seat base.
7. Pull the bracket through the
seat and slide it into place
under the seat clips on the
seat base.
NOTE: You MUST ensure that
the bracket is securely locked
into place.
Section 6: Adjusting the Buckle to
Fit Your Child in Harness Mode
1. Loosen and unbuckle the
harness and move the
shoulder straps to the side.
2. Locate the harness connector
bracket on the bottom of the
seat base. You may have to
move the webbing strap out
of the way.
3. Pop the bracket out of the
plastic tabs.
As your child grows, you may need to adjust the position of
the buckle to accommodate your child’s size. There are three
(3) locations that the buckle can be positioned. Use the buckle
slot that is closest to your child, but NOT under their body.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ADJUSTING THE BUCKLE IN HARNESS MODE
ADJUSTING THE BUCKLE IN HARNESS MODE

20 21
Do NOT place rear-facing child
seat on front seat with air bag.
The high pressure deployment
of the airbag can cause serious
injury or death to a child.
If your vehicle is equipped with front passenger airbags, con-
sult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for installation instructions
for child restraints.
If your vehicle does not have rear seats, consult your vehicle’s
owner’s manual to help identify safety features in your vehicle
or contact the vehicle manufacturer.
RECARO and the U.S. Department of Transportation warn that
children age 12 and under MUST ride in the rear seat away
from front airbags.
Restraint systems should be securely belted to the vehicle,
even when they are not occupied, since in a crash an
unsecured child restraint system may injure other occupants
or store it somewhere outside the passenger cabin so that it
cannot injure anyone while the vehicle is in motion. RECARO
recommends storing the child restraint in a cool and dry
location.
• NEVER install on a rear-facing vehicle seat.
• NEVER install in the rear seat of small
extended cab pickups if the base is NOT
fully supported.
• NEVER install on a side-facing vehicle seat.
Forward-Facing vehicle seats must ALWAYS be used with
this child restraint. If your vehicle does not have rear seats,
consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to help identify safety
features in your vehicle or contact the vehicle manufacturer.
Do NOT install this child restraint into any of the following types
of seating positions:
If the vehicle backrest angle is adjustable, adjust vehicle’s
backrest into the upright position. Be sure this area is at and
clear of objects that might get in the way of installing the child
restraint.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
Section 7: Choosing a Seating
Location in Your Vehicle
CHOOSING A SEATING LOCATION IN YOUR VEHICLE
CHOOSING A SEATING LOCATION IN YOUR VEHICLE

22 23
Section 8: Learning About Your
Vehicle Safety Systems
Air Bags
It is important to become familiar with the features of your
vehicle so that your child rides as safely as possible. Read
the owner’s manual to learn about the safety features and
adjustments available for safe travel. Below is a diagram that
helps you to identify key features. Not ALL vehicles will have
all features described here.
Top Tether Anchorage
Lower Latch Anchorage
Seat Belts
IMPORTANT!
Check to be sure which type of seat belt system you have in
the chart on the next page. Some vehicles have more than
one type of belt system depending on the seating position. The
center rear position may have a lap only belt while the side
seating locations may have a lap/shoulder system. If you are
not sure which system you have, check your vehicle’s owner’s
manual or contact your vehicle dealer or manufacturer.
Because the design and operation of vehicle belts vary, make
sure to observe the following guidelines:
• Do NOT use motorized passive
restraint shoulder belt mounted
systems.
• Do NOT use passive restraints
lap or shoulder belt mounted on
a door.
• Do NOT use vehicle lap/
shoulder belt systems that have
independent retractors for the lap
and shoulder portion of the vehicle
seat belt system.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
Some vehicles may have inatable seat belts. As this is new
technology, please refer to www.recaro-cs.com for updates.
LEARNING ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS
LEARNING ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS

2524
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
Types of Seat Belt Systems
Seat Belt
System Description Installation Instructions
LATCH LATCH straps are provided with
the base.
Page 25-28
Switchable
Retractor w/
Sliding Latch
Plate
One of the most common
systems. To activate, pull the
shoulder belt out fully. As you
feed the shoulder belt back, a
clicking sound will indicate the
belt is locked. Note that the
latch plate slides freely.
Page 31-32
Emergency
Locking
Retractor with
Locking Latch
Plate
The latch plate locks when
buckled. The belt can be pulled
to tighten but the lap portion
cannot be loosened without
unbuckling. The shoulder
belt retractor locks only in an
emergency.
Page 31-32
Emergency
Locking
Retractor with
Switchable
Latch Plate
The latch plate will have a
button or “switch” to move from
the adult pre-crash position to
the child pre-crash position. The
shoulder belt retractor locks
only in an emergency.
Page 31-32
Lap Belt Only Most common in the rear
middle seating position, only
the lap portion of the seat belt
is present.
Page 29-30
Emergency
Locking
Retractor with
Sliding Latch
Plate (MUST
use lock off)
The latch plate has no locking
features and no moving parts.
The shoulder belt retractor locks
only in an emergency.
Page 33
Section 9: Installing the Child
Restraint in Your Vehicle in the
Harness Mode
LATCH Installation - Harness Mode
Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine if lower
anchors and top tether anchors are available and for which
seating positions.
If your vehicle has lower anchors, then the LATCH connector
system on your child restraint can be used. If lower anchors are
not available, then the vehicle seat belt must be used.
Your vehicle may also have top tether anchors located behind
the vehicle seats. The top tether can be used with the vehicle
seat belt or LATCH connector system. Do NOT use a cargo tie
down for the top tether attachment.
RECARO recommends always using the top tether when
an anchor is available, regardless of the type of installation.
If you do not have a top tether anchor in your vehicle, we
recommend using a three point lap/shoulder belt for installation.
Lower anchors and top tether anchors are designed to a
maximum limit that can vary by vehicle. Due to this variation, the
Performance SPORT requires use of the vehicle seat belt for any
child weighing more than 40 lbs (18.1 kg).
NOTE: The recline wedge MUST be used for children weighing
between 20 and 30 pounds (9.1 and 13.6 kg). See pg. 13.
LEARNING ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS
HARNESS MODE - LATCH INSTALLATION

2726
1. Place the child restraint on a
vehicle seat facing forward.
2. Locate the LATCH
connectors in the storage
pockets on each side of the
child restraint.
3. Lengthen the LATCH strap by
pressing the LATCH adjuster
release button and pull to its
full length. Do NOT attach
the lower anchors yet.
Make sure that the LATCH
strap is located behind the
headrest trim cover and that
the strap is NOT twisted.
4. Before attaching the LATCH
connectors, locate the top
tether anchor behind the
seating position. Refer
to your vehicle’s owner’s
manual if it is difcult to nd.
Connect the tether hook to
the anchor but do not tighten.
NOTE: Do NOT use a cargo
tie down for tether attachment.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s
manual if you are not sure of the
tether anchor location.
5. Make sure the arrows molded
on the LATCH connectors are
facing up.
Make sure the LATCH strap
is routed securely across the
red plastic belt guides and
not twisted.
Connect each LATCH
connector to the anchors in
the vehicle.
6. While pressing down in the
center of the child restraint,
pull the loop of the LATCH
strap and tighten the strap.
Repeat as needed until the
child restraint cannot be
moved more than 1 inch (2.5
cm) in any direction at the
belt path.
7. Snugly tighten the top tether
by pulling the free end of the
tether strap while pressing
the top of the child restraint
back into the vehicle seat.
1
HARNESS MODE - LATCH INSTALLATION
HARNESS MODE - LATCH INSTALLATION
2
3
4
5a
5b
6
7
5c

2928
8. Check the tightness of the
LATCH straps and retighten
if needed. This strap may
become loose when the top
tether strap is tightened.
Recheck that both the
LATCH strap and the top
tether strap are tight and
properly secured.
9. To remove the LATCH connectors from the vehicle,
rst loosen the adjuster by pressing the adjuster button
and lengthening the strap. Press the red buttons on the
LATCH connectors and remove from the vehicle’s lower
anchors.
10. To remove the top tether, press the release button on the
tether adjuster and pull the restraint forward to loosen. It
may be necessary to press the top of the child restraint
into the vehicle seat back to loosen the tether adjuster.
Unhook the top tether hook from the vehicle anchor.
Do not install by
this method for
a child weighing
over 40 lbs.
HARNESS MODE - LAP BELT ONLY INSTALLATION
HARNESS MODE - LATCH INSTALLATION
1. Place the child restraint the
vehicle seat facing forward.
2. Before routing the vehicle
seat belt, locate the top tether
anchor behind the seating
position. Refer to your
vehicle’s owner’s manual if it
is difcult to nd. Connect the
tether hook to the anchor but
do not tighten.
NOTE: Do NOT use a cargo
tie down for tether attachment.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s
manual if you are not sure of the
tether anchor location.
Lap Belt Only Installation - Harness Mode
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
Do NOT use this method of installation with an Emergency
Locking Retractor.
RECARO recommends always using the top tether
when an anchor is available, regardless of the type of
installation. If you do not have a top tether anchor in your
vehicle, we recommend using a three point lap/shoulder belt for
installation.
NOTE: The recline wedge MUST be used for children
weighing between 20 and 30 pounds (9.1 and 13.6 kg).
See pg. 13.
8
1
2

3130
3. Make sure that the webbing
is NOT twisted then route the
lap belt behind the headrest
trim cover. Make sure that the
seat belt webbing is routed
securely across red plastic
belt guides.
4. Buckle the seat belt.
5. While pressing down in the
center of the child restraint,
pull the end of the seat belt
strap to tighten or feed back
into the automatic retractor.
Repeat as needed until the
child seat cannot be moved
more than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
in any direction at the belt
path.
6. Snugly tighten the top tether
by pulling the free end of the
tether strap while pressing
the top of the child restraint
back into the vehicle seat.
7. Check the tightness of the lap
belt and retighten if needed.
The lap belt may become
loose when the top tether
strap is tightened.
Recheck that both the lap belt
and the top tether strap are
tight and properly secured.
1. Place the child restraint on the
vehicle seat facing forward.
2. Before routing the vehicle
seat belt, locate the top tether
anchor behind the seating
position. Refer to your vehicle’s
owner’s manual if it is difcult
to nd. Connect the tether
hook to the anchor but do not
tighten.
NOTE: Do NOT use a cargo tie
down for tether attachment. Check
your vehicle’s owner’s manual
if you are not sure of the tether
anchor location.
3. Fully extend the seat belt
webbing and route the shoulder
belt portion across the top
corner of the child restraint and
under the trim cover. Look for
the red tag labeled “3-POINT
SHOULDER BELT ROUTING”.
Locking Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation -
Harness Mode
RECARO recommends always using the top tether when an
anchor is available, regardless of the type of installation.
NOTE: The recline wedge MUST be used for children
weighing between 20 and 30 pounds (9.1 and 13.6 kg). See
pg. 13.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
HARNESS MODE - LAP BELT ONLY INSTALLATION
HARNESS MODE - LOCKING LAP/SHOULDER BELT INSTALLATION
4
5
6
1
2
3
3

3332
4. Route the lap belt portion across the
red plastic belt guides. Make sure
both portions of the seat belt are
routed across the red plastic belt
guide on the vehicle’s buckle side of
the child restraint.
5. Make sure the belts are not twisted
then buckle the seat belt.
6. If necessary, switch the retractor
or the latch plate to locked mode
according to your vehicle’s owner’s
manual.
7. While pressing down in the center of
the child restraint, pull the seat belt to
remove any slack.
Repeat as needed until the child
restraint cannot be moved more than
1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at
the belt path.
8. Snugly tighten the top tether by
pulling the free end of the tether strap
while pressing the top of the child
restraint back into the vehicle seat.
9. Check the tightness of the lap/
shoulder belts and retighten if
needed. The straps may become
loose when the top tether strap is
tightened.
Recheck that both the lap/shoulder
belts and the top tether strap are tight
and properly secured.
Non-Locking ELR Lap/Shoulder Belt
Installation - Harness Mode
If you have this seat belt conguration you will require a
locking clip. Please contact 1-888-9RECARO and RECARO
will ship you a locking clip and instructions.
Some older vehicles (typically pre-1996 model year) have
lap/shoulder belt systems which remain loose and cannot be
locked for use with a child restraint unless a separate locking
clip is used. These systems use emergency locking retractors
(ELR) which lock only during a sudden stop or crash. Check
your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which type of seat
belt system is in each seating location. There may be a label
located on the door side of the seat belt with instructions for
use with a child restraint.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY
can occur
HARNESS MODE - LOCKING LAP/SHOULDER BELT INSTALLATION
HARNESS MODE - NON-LOCKING ELR LAP/SHOULDER BELT
4a
4b
5
7
8

34 35
Section 10: Converting Between
Usage Modes
If you would like to use the Booster Mode, you MUST
completely congure your child restraint into Booster Mode
before installing it in a vehicle.
1. Loosen the harness straps
by pulling up on the harness
release lever while pulling the
harness. Unbuckle the chest
clip and the harness buckle
so the harness is free.
2. Remove the buckle pad by
sliding it off of the buckle.
3. Remove the cushion insert by
pushing the buckle through
the center slot.
NOTE: The cushion insert is
designed to provide optimum
comfort for your child and is
optional in both Harness Mode
and Booster Mode.
4. On the back of the restraint,
unhook the straps from the
metal harness connector
bracket to remove the
harness.
5. Snap the harness connector
bracket into its storage
position on the rear side
of the child restraint. The
harness connector bracket is
NOT used in Booster Mode.
NOTE: The harness adjuster
strap is not removable.
6. On the front of the seat,
remove the harness straps
by pulling them from below
the HERO pads.
7. Flip the headrest trim cover
upward so you have access
to the under-structure of the
child restraint.
From Harness Mode to Booster Mode
CONVERTING BETWEEN USAGE MODES
CONVERTING BETWEEN USAGE MODES
3
2
7
6
5
4
1b1a