Latch for car seats
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 158
Likes: 19
From: NY
Latch for car seats
So I went to install car seats in my 2013 LS using the latch connections and I found the latches buried so deep in the rear seats making it really difficult to install. I just gave up after awhile. I will take a look at the car seat manual and install the child seats with the seatbelts. I have used the latch system on 3 other cars with no problem - it was very easy. I am thinking the high quality of the rear seat cushion - meaning very firm and resistant to easy compression was why it was so difficult to use the latches and why they felt so deep into the seat.
Anyone have a similar experience with the child latch system on this car? Difficult to use.
Anyone have a similar experience with the child latch system on this car? Difficult to use.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: MN
I had the same difficulties when installing my car seats. It's almost like they do not give you enough room on the bottom of the anchor point for the latch mechanism. It took some extra time, sweat and cuss words to get them installed. I will not be removing them unless absolutely necessary. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento, CA
Yes, they are positioned deeper than I'd like and it really is a struggle to clip the latch anchors in, especially when trying to install in the middle position. I have gotten better at removing and reinstalling them though. No real tricks, I think the cushions just soften and give over time. I only remove the booster seat to vacuum beneath it every few months.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 555
From: fl
I appreciate someone posting this as I have had the same challenges on my 2010. It really is incredibly difficult. I just use the seat belt but I keep thinking I want to try the latch again. Not something I want to do in August Florida heat, but I need to give it another try. Let me know if you find any tips & tricks.
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 342
Likes: 53
From: Chicago
They are deeper than my BMW M5 for sure. We have two different car seats. One with hook latch and one with push on latch. The hook latch one is a PITA to use! The push on latch is much better.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...fety/index.htm
Maybe getting some sort of extenders would help.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...fety/index.htm
Maybe getting some sort of extenders would help.
Last edited by Kuhan; Aug 1, 2018 at 11:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 158
Likes: 19
From: NY
Great comment Kuhan! The car seats I tried to install had the hook on connection. It did cross my mind that the push on would be better when I tried and failed with the hook on. We have the push on connections on the seats in our minivan so I have installed both types of car seats. If you haven’t purchased car seats for your LS yet go with a model that has push on connections.
After reading the article I am comfortable saying there is most likely a mistake in the 2013 LS manual in regards to car seats. I thought it was odd when I saw the picture in the manual as it went against my other cars manuals but now that I read it in the article I am happy to share. The picture in my LS manual shows the top tether going over the rear head rest. The article indicates to never put it over the top of the head rest- this is exactly what I had previously read from multiple sources. If it is indeed a mistake Lexus lawyers will certainly have supplements to the manuals sent out to all registered owners. I have a 99 Volvo for which I was mailed updated car seat install instructions so I have seen these mailings before. I would actually prefer to remove the rear headrest where my car seats are but it does not appear as simple as pulling them out. The manual actually indicates the dealer needs to do it.
After reading the article I am comfortable saying there is most likely a mistake in the 2013 LS manual in regards to car seats. I thought it was odd when I saw the picture in the manual as it went against my other cars manuals but now that I read it in the article I am happy to share. The picture in my LS manual shows the top tether going over the rear head rest. The article indicates to never put it over the top of the head rest- this is exactly what I had previously read from multiple sources. If it is indeed a mistake Lexus lawyers will certainly have supplements to the manuals sent out to all registered owners. I have a 99 Volvo for which I was mailed updated car seat install instructions so I have seen these mailings before. I would actually prefer to remove the rear headrest where my car seats are but it does not appear as simple as pulling them out. The manual actually indicates the dealer needs to do it.
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