installing car seats?

[Carol-Anne LaRose]

i just bought a 2010 dodge journey and i can't install a car seat in the middle seat? (the middle row) because the seat belt doesn't lock?

is this a problem with just mine, or do all of them not lock?

i couldn't get it to install tight enough with the LATCH and it was too far over and taking up the other seat..

[Journeyman425]

Do you mean that the retractor does not lock or that the latch plate will not lock in the belt catch?

[bigtsr]

Generally you should have one of these seatbelt clamps,

they usually come with seat sometimes affixed to rear

of childs carseat.

[Journeyman425]

From the manual:

Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode — If Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is available on all passenger-seating positions with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode

Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating position that has a belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in the rear seat.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
   • Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted.
     • Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

[halofan.3]

I noticed the same on our 2011 Journey. Pulling the belt out all the way on the 2nd row middle seat does not engage the locking mechanism, even though the manual states that it should have the ALR. Not sure if it's an issue with our Journey, or if the manual is incorrect.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

You really should use the latch system...much better than seatbelts. If you don't think its tightening enough, then kneel (put all your weight) on the car seat while tightening. That's how I do it and they are rock solid.

[Journeyman425]

You're right, I just tried the center belt in my 2013 and it does not have ALR either, yet the 2013 manual says the same thing - that it is available in all passenger seating positions with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

[harrisjohn6]

I agree you should use the latching system. I had no problem getting mine tight enough. I used those foam pool noodles so it would not dent the seat cushion and it is nice and snug, and only denting the pool noodle.

[phantomfsoc]

I see that this is an old topic but im just curious if anyone ever found out if this was a defect or not. We need to be able to switch cars easily and the Latch system is not as easy as the seatbelt.

The dealership is clueless about what a locking seatbelt is.

[bigtsr]

There is a clip that comes with most child safety seats that clips the belt together

this is what it looks like in my situation.This will stop it from unspooling keeping the belt tight.

Edited July 28, 2016 by bigtsr
add to explanation

[dhh3]

I used the exact same clip for my daughter's car seat!  She 22 now, so these clips have been around for a while.

[bfurth]

Locking seatbelts are on the outboard passenger seats (front passenger, second row left and right passengers, third row passengers.)  It is not available for the driver (as the installation of one would be a safety issue) and it doesn't exist in the second row middle seat.

 

To activate them, pull the seatbelt all the way out.  It will click, and then click repeatedly as you let it back in.  Only when it retracts to a certain point will the locking mechanism release.

 

To install a car seat using the ALR belts, position the seat first, route the seat belt through the seat, and insert the belt into the latch for that seat.  Then, fully extend the belt and release it, allowing the retractor to catch.  Tighten the belt as necessary.

 

For the middle seat, use the latch plate per the instructions of the seat manufacturer.

 

LATCH anchors are substantially easier to work with.  Keep in mind the weight restrictions of the vehicle (LATCH is usually about 65 pounds or so, but the exact amount is in the manual) for using LATCH anchors, and remember that this is the combined weight of the child and the seat.