I need 5th gen owners to check something about baby seats...
10-28-2006, 02:05 PM
#1
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I need 5th gen owners to check something about baby seats...
Due to a recent addition to the family, we need to use a baby seat in the 5th gen. It took 2 hours (with the help of the experts at the hospital) to get the seat in tight enough to be allowed to take the baby home.
We have a 2000 with the cloth seats. I searched and saw that SOME 5th gens seem to have the LATCH system, which is a built in anchoring point that is attached at or near the attachment points for the rear seatbelts. My SpecV has tham, but the Spec is not nearly as safe as the Maxima in a crash, plus the spec is my car and my wife will be doing most of the transporting of the baby. On top of that, the spec has tight rear seats that woud require front passengers ride with the seat all of the way up.
At any rate, the goal of this is to determine whether or not there are newer years of the 5th gen that have LATCH bars and loops installed. I would also like to see whther these could be retrofitted to the 2000 maxima. I looked at the LATCH system on my spec, and it looks like I could do it, but it would be a lot os work. I was hoping that the newer 5th gens might be better suited to a retrofit.
Lastly, if any 5th gen users have the LATCH system in conjunction with a Graco travel system car seat, I would like to know what experiences they might have had with the Graco system in their 5th gen. Heck, even if you DON'T have the LATCH, let me know how the Graco worked in your car.
When she gets bigger (20 lb.), I plan to get a Britax car seat, but for now she needs to use what we have.
We have a 2000 with the cloth seats. I searched and saw that SOME 5th gens seem to have the LATCH system, which is a built in anchoring point that is attached at or near the attachment points for the rear seatbelts. My SpecV has tham, but the Spec is not nearly as safe as the Maxima in a crash, plus the spec is my car and my wife will be doing most of the transporting of the baby. On top of that, the spec has tight rear seats that woud require front passengers ride with the seat all of the way up.
At any rate, the goal of this is to determine whether or not there are newer years of the 5th gen that have LATCH bars and loops installed. I would also like to see whther these could be retrofitted to the 2000 maxima. I looked at the LATCH system on my spec, and it looks like I could do it, but it would be a lot os work. I was hoping that the newer 5th gens might be better suited to a retrofit.
Lastly, if any 5th gen users have the LATCH system in conjunction with a Graco travel system car seat, I would like to know what experiences they might have had with the Graco system in their 5th gen. Heck, even if you DON'T have the LATCH, let me know how the Graco worked in your car.
When she gets bigger (20 lb.), I plan to get a Britax car seat, but for now she needs to use what we have.
10-28-2006, 02:28 PM
#3
The latch system wasn't standardized/manatory until model year 2002. I'm guessing the latches shouldn't be difficult to put in, however I've never really looked into it either. I have 2 car seats in mine w/ the standard seatbelts, and seems to be holding fairly well. I had a Graco seat base/baby seat combo, but that wasn't the most secured thing, cause I have leather, and it was a little slippery. Plus it needed repositioning every few days/week, cause the seatbelt would pull it up.
10-28-2006, 02:29 PM
#4
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I have the latches in my 01 and they work fine.
I think our baby seats were Graco as well.
Just follow the instructions that came with the seat.
I use the stock shoulder belt with the seat. It comes with the metal plate deal so the belt doesn't slack up. The seat is firmly in there. Those anchores are a pain in the *** sometimes. Takes like 5 mins to get the seat out or in.
I think our baby seats were Graco as well.
Just follow the instructions that came with the seat.
I use the stock shoulder belt with the seat. It comes with the metal plate deal so the belt doesn't slack up. The seat is firmly in there. Those anchores are a pain in the *** sometimes. Takes like 5 mins to get the seat out or in.
10-28-2006, 02:30 PM
#5
Hey Pat... I have Graco Safeseat and I've used it with and without the LATCH hooks in my 2002.
Even with just the seat belt, you should be able to get the base really snug back there (I have leather too).
The LATCH system is more secure than the seatbelt no matter how tight you get the seatbelt but also more of a pain to move the base back n forth between cars, so since our baby is in my wife's car more, I only use the seatbelt when he rides in my car.
Even with just the seat belt, you should be able to get the base really snug back there (I have leather too).
The LATCH system is more secure than the seatbelt no matter how tight you get the seatbelt but also more of a pain to move the base back n forth between cars, so since our baby is in my wife's car more, I only use the seatbelt when he rides in my car.
10-28-2006, 03:22 PM
#8
Originally Posted by phenryiv1
Due to a recent addition to the family, we need to use a baby seat in the 5th gen. It took 2 hours (with the help of the experts at the hospital) to get the seat in tight enough to be allowed to take the baby home.
I've had rear facing and forward facing baby seats in my '91 NX2000, my '96 G20, my wifes '95 Pathfinder, my wifes Saturn Relay, my wifes current Mazda Protege 5 and currently in my '02 Maxima as well as booster seats and have never used the provided anchors. This all over a 6 year time period. The seats have always been extremely snug with just the seatbelt strap.
You should be fine w/o the anchors if your vehicle is not equip with them.
10-28-2006, 06:07 PM
#9
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Okay, let me try to respond to al the posts at once.
I have teh rear deck LATCH but not the underseat one. My 03 spec has the underseat part, and it looks like it could be retrofitted into the Maxima.
I did not know to pull the belt all of the way out and then to let it retract. When I say it took 2 hours, it was an hour of just me, then 45 min-1 hour wih the help of the hosital staff. We tried it several ways. we tried the shoulder belt through the base, them the shoulder belt threough the upper seat. It was too loose for their stndards and I almost had to go get the Spec. I finally manhandled it and they let us leave.
Joel- I was going to call you about this. can you pm me your number?
I have teh rear deck LATCH but not the underseat one. My 03 spec has the underseat part, and it looks like it could be retrofitted into the Maxima.
I did not know to pull the belt all of the way out and then to let it retract. When I say it took 2 hours, it was an hour of just me, then 45 min-1 hour wih the help of the hosital staff. We tried it several ways. we tried the shoulder belt through the base, them the shoulder belt threough the upper seat. It was too loose for their stndards and I almost had to go get the Spec. I finally manhandled it and they let us leave.
Joel- I was going to call you about this. can you pm me your number?
10-28-2006, 06:08 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by MaxBoost925
I have a latch system in my 2000. I don't use a baby seat though... i'm hoping not for a long time too 
My car is actually an early 2000 model, made in 1999.
My car is actually an early 2000 model, made in 1999.
10-28-2006, 06:27 PM
#12
I saw those on my 5th gen (the underseat ones), but my little one is 5 years old now.... I remember having to buy the bolt that lets the car seat anchor to the rear deck on my 4h gen (mine did not even have these). It was like $25 bucks for the part. Hopefully it will be an easy mod to do.
10-28-2006, 06:37 PM
#13
Originally Posted by phenryiv1
I did not know to pull the belt all of the way out and then to let it retract.
If you use the brackets, then the seat will be pretty much immobilized.
Good luck with this.
10-28-2006, 06:56 PM
#14
The NHTSA site mentions in passing how to attach the ***hers or anchors but doesn't really go into detail - so i'm guessing that it's an accepted practice and provides just the same amount of security as the OEM-installed system if done properly. (p.s. why is t_e_t censored?)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/inju...tml/LATCH.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/inju...tml/LATCH.html
***her anchors in older vehicles
The information presented in this section obtained from ***hering Child Restraints, developed by Safe Ride News Publications, Inc.
If your vehicle does not have a ready-to-use ***her anchor, read your vehicle's owner manual, which may include information on where to install ***her anchors in your vehicle. Contact the vehicle dealer or manufacturer customer service line for ***her anchor hardware and installation information. Use vehicle-specific parts whenever possible.
In some vehicle models, ***her anchor hardware is easy for consumers to install themselves. In other vehicles, however, special equipment or complex procedures are necessary, so the dealership or a mechanic should do the installation.
Photo of an installation step; click for enlargement Photo of an installation step; click for enlargement
* 1985 and older vehicles frequently require the drilling of a ***her anchor point hole. If ***her anchor hardware is not available from the vehicle manufacturer for older vehicles, use ***her anchor hardware offered by child restraint manufacturers.
* 1986-1988 vehicles may have pre-drilled holes fitted with a plug or filler.
* 1989 and more recent model vehicles usually have threaded weld nuts, pre-drilled holes, or dimpled drill locations designated for ***her anchor use.
Steps for installing a ***her anchor
* Identify and find the preferred anchor point.
* Obtain the ***her anchor kit.
* If necessary, drill a ***her anchor hole in the appropriate location.
* Install the anchor hardware according to manufacturer's instructions.
The information presented in this section obtained from ***hering Child Restraints, developed by Safe Ride News Publications, Inc.
If your vehicle does not have a ready-to-use ***her anchor, read your vehicle's owner manual, which may include information on where to install ***her anchors in your vehicle. Contact the vehicle dealer or manufacturer customer service line for ***her anchor hardware and installation information. Use vehicle-specific parts whenever possible.
In some vehicle models, ***her anchor hardware is easy for consumers to install themselves. In other vehicles, however, special equipment or complex procedures are necessary, so the dealership or a mechanic should do the installation.
Photo of an installation step; click for enlargement Photo of an installation step; click for enlargement
* 1985 and older vehicles frequently require the drilling of a ***her anchor point hole. If ***her anchor hardware is not available from the vehicle manufacturer for older vehicles, use ***her anchor hardware offered by child restraint manufacturers.
* 1986-1988 vehicles may have pre-drilled holes fitted with a plug or filler.
* 1989 and more recent model vehicles usually have threaded weld nuts, pre-drilled holes, or dimpled drill locations designated for ***her anchor use.
Steps for installing a ***her anchor
* Identify and find the preferred anchor point.
* Obtain the ***her anchor kit.
* If necessary, drill a ***her anchor hole in the appropriate location.
* Install the anchor hardware according to manufacturer's instructions.
10-28-2006, 09:26 PM
#16
Originally Posted by phenryiv1
Due to a recent addition to the family, we need to use a baby seat in the 5th gen. It took 2 hours (with the help of the experts at the hospital) to get the seat in tight enough to be allowed to take the baby home.
On my 5.5 they're pretty easy to find.
10-29-2006, 11:08 AM
#17
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When we first brought my son home 5 years ago, we had a Saturn. I found that we had to put the seat base on one side or the other for a secure fit. It was too wobbly in the center due to the hump in the center. I had to sit on the base, adjust the belt about 1 inch too short and pull like hell to latch it. Once i got off the seat base, the seat foam would push it back upwards and it was solid as a rock. no movement at all. Lower latches could not have improved this. I've found in my maxima, we've hads to use a folded up towel under the child seat to stabalize it.
10-29-2006, 04:50 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by soundmike
By the way, i vaguely remember a similar thread about this several years back. Earlier 5th gens had a slightly different set-up on the seats that basically ended up hiding the latches deeper in the hole. There's already a good chance you have these latches, they're just not easily seen. Fish around down there, you just may find it.
On my 5.5 they're pretty easy to find.
On my 5.5 they're pretty easy to find.
Here are pics of what they look like in the Spec. If you have them in a 2000 or 2001, please let me know. Just for clarification, the LATCH part I am looking for is not the attachment point in/on the rear deck.
Inner (closest to the middle) bracket:
Outer (closest to the door) bracket:
View from the trunk:
Here is the pic of the insignia or symbol that is on the seat themselves. The emblem is right at the base of the seat.
10-29-2006, 04:54 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by soundmike
The NHTSA site mentions in passing how to attach the ***hers or anchors but doesn't really go into detail - so i'm guessing that it's an accepted practice and provides just the same amount of security as the OEM-installed system if done properly. (p.s. why is t_e_t censored?)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/inju...tml/LATCH.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/inju...tml/LATCH.html
10-31-2006, 09:57 AM
#20
Pat,
The diagram below is from the 2002 FSM showing that you could get the brackets and add em:
I don't have my car with me today, but I'll get you more details later.
I'll call you in a bit.
The diagram below is from the 2002 FSM showing that you could get the brackets and add em:
I don't have my car with me today, but I'll get you more details later.
I'll call you in a bit.
10-31-2006, 11:34 AM
#22
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Originally Posted by Puppetmaster
Pat,
The diagram below is from the 2002 FSM showing that you could get the brackets and add em:
I don't have my car with me today, but I'll get you more details later.
I'll call you in a bit.
The diagram below is from the 2002 FSM showing that you could get the brackets and add em:
I don't have my car with me today, but I'll get you more details later.
I'll call you in a bit.
Nice talking to you today.
11-01-2006, 11:38 AM
#23
Has anyone added these anchors to a car that didn't originally have them? I have a 2000 and it doesn't have the anchors but my new Sienna has them and they are great. I'd like to put them in my 2000 if possible.
The car seat in the 2000 is definately not as tight as I would like it but I can't possibly get it any tighter. I used the anchor system in the Sienna and it feels like the car seat is bolted to the car. It is amazingly tight. Anchors are the way to go if possible.
The car seat in the 2000 is definately not as tight as I would like it but I can't possibly get it any tighter. I used the anchor system in the Sienna and it feels like the car seat is bolted to the car. It is amazingly tight. Anchors are the way to go if possible.
11-01-2006, 03:34 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by Cdoc
Has anyone added these anchors to a car that didn't originally have them? I have a 2000 and it doesn't have the anchors but my new Sienna has them and they are great. I'd like to put them in my 2000 if possible.
The car seat in the 2000 is definately not as tight as I would like it but I can't possibly get it any tighter. I used the anchor system in the Sienna and it feels like the car seat is bolted to the car. It is amazingly tight. Anchors are the way to go if possible.
The car seat in the 2000 is definately not as tight as I would like it but I can't possibly get it any tighter. I used the anchor system in the Sienna and it feels like the car seat is bolted to the car. It is amazingly tight. Anchors are the way to go if possible.
Seriously, I am trying to add them now. I just need the parts from the dealership.
11-01-2006, 05:41 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by DAVEB
Did you order them already? I'm showing about $7 each!
David, you are a lifesaver!
11-02-2006, 12:05 PM
#29
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Hi everyone, have a 2k and it does have thos e latches on the rear deck (where the speaker is), when my son was born I , I oculdn't really sue this since he was rear facing. All you have to do is pull the seat belt through the base and pull as hard as you can until it's tight and make sure the remainder retracts in and it shouldn't move. I have leather and it worked just fine. My son is now just short of 8 years old and is still in a booster seat that is forward facing; now I can use the rear latches and I do I also since I have leather have put the no skid things that your supposed to use for your kitchen drawers or in your tool box drawers under the seat to prevent it from sliding side to side since he's using the regualr seat belt now. So when he's not in it it's only attached by the rear latch and it doesn't slide. Oh and if you have a little one leave the base in the car all the time, simply unhook the carrier to take them out of the car. Good Luck!
11-02-2006, 01:06 PM
#30
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Just got off the phone with Dave B. He said that he wanted to order some in and look at them himself to make sure they are what we need (Im talking the actual mounting hardware under the seats as shown in the previous illustrations not the points on top of the rear deck).The best part is that if all holds true, he said each one is about $8. If you ask me thats a small price to pay for a safer setup for my kids! As soon as he has them in, I'm getting a set!
11-02-2006, 01:15 PM
#31
I have 3 month old and I drive a 02 GLE my wife drives a 02 RX300 both have the latch system. We got the Chicco travelsystem from BabiesRUs because it comes with one base that has the latch system dual-belts so we just bought a 2nd base so that we could leave them in each car and just snap the carseat in either car. The latch system is very secure and we love the ease of its use. Check it out.
12-05-2006, 10:06 AM
#34
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Well, I sold the Maxima last week, and have one of these unused brackets. I have the one for the Driver's side. I WOULD have the Passenger side one, but apparently the box got ripped in the mail and the part fell out.
I will sell it for cost plus shipping. Never installed or out of the package.
I will sell it for cost plus shipping. Never installed or out of the package.
08-24-2011, 04:52 AM
#35
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Sorry to bring up such an old thread but I also have a 2000 Nissan Maxima without the lower portion of then latch system (I only have the upper tethers). I would love to buy the lower anchors that are being talked about in this thread but can't seem to find them online. Does anyone have a part number? I'm assuming in would need the part from a 2002-2003 Maxima but that I could use that part on my 2000. Any help is appreciated! Thanks
08-24-2011, 05:36 AM
#36
I know this doesnt specifically answer your question, but I have a 01 I30 and recently installed a baby seat using the lower LATCH connectors. However, I had it checked by the police and the officer told me using the seatbelt instead of the LATCH system is just as safe.
08-24-2011, 10:25 AM
#37
AJ- there are a few maxes being parted out in the for sale section. You should be able to find one from someone who is parting an 02 up max.
08-24-2011, 06:35 PM
#38
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Thank you both, 2001I30 and froggmann...I appreciate it. I've asked in a couple of part out threads now and hopefully I can get something there. I also think that I've found them on the courtesyparts.com website (part 88642 and 88642m?) but they are out of stock so I'd love to get them from another org'er if possible. But thanks again for your help!
08-24-2011, 10:13 PM
#39
Thank you both, 2001I30 and froggmann...I appreciate it. I've asked in a couple of part out threads now and hopefully I can get something there. I also think that I've found them on the courtesyparts.com website (part 88642 and 88642m?) but they are out of stock so I'd love to get them from another org'er if possible. But thanks again for your help!
Striker rear seat, right hand - 88342-3Y000
(this is 88642M in the parts drawing)
Striker rear seat, left hand - 88392-3Y000
(this is 88692 in the parts drawing)
http://www.nissanpartszone.com/Page_...3&PageID=33623
08-25-2011, 04:24 AM
#40
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Thanks dennismik...I've got someone who is going to check on Friday for me to see if he still has these on his car that he is parting out in the FS forum. If he does not then I will buy them here.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!