child safety seats ProRIDE Instruction Manual Convertible Child Restraint System for children 5 to 70 lbs (2.3 to 31.7 kg). Approved in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Tested in accordance to ISO/TC 22/SC 12/WG 1 N538 side impact protection requirements. Only suitable for use in vehicles with 2-point (lap), 3-point (lap & shoulder) seat belts and latch anchorages. El manual de instructiones ProRIDE esta disponible en español en www.recarokids. com.
Contents Section 1: Safety Warnings..........................................p. 4–5 Section 2: General Information.........................................p. 6 Section 3: Register Your New ProRIDE...........................p. 7 Section 4: Getting to Know Your ProRIDE.................p. 8–12 Section 5: Securing the Child in the ProRIDE..........p. 13–15 Section 6: Adjusting the Harness System to Fit Your Child.............................................p.
Dear Parents, Welcome to the RECARO family of high quality automotive 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 worthy of the name, we’ve subjected them to a comprehensive development program complying with American FMVSS 213 safety standards.
Its different settings and its stable and ergonomic design ensures 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.
Safety Warnings Safety Warnings or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur • Do NOT place a child restraint in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag. The back seat is the safest place for children under 12 years of age. • According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. • Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 70 pounds (2.3 and 31.7 Kg) and whose height is 50 inches (127 cm) or less.
•D o NOT make any technical modification 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 child restraint appears damaged, loose or broken, do NOT use the restraint.
Section 2: General Information Infant Insert Following Section 5: Securing the Child in the ProRIDE, pg. 12, you may find that the harness does not fit snug against your child. If this is the case, the RECARO infant insert may be required. Please call 1-800-8-RECARO and RECARO will ship you an infant insert and instructions. Locking Clip Following Section 9: Installing the ProRIDE Rear-Facing in Your Vehicle, pg.
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 and manufacturing date to: . ) RECARO North America 4120 Luella Lane Auburn Hills, MI 48326 or call: 1-800-8-RECARO (1-800-873-2276) 8 or register online at: http://www.recaro-registry.com For recall information, call the U.S.
Section 4: Getting to Know Your ProRIDE This ProRIDE is known as a convertible child restraint because it converts from a Rear-Facing into a ForwardFacing restraint system as your child grows. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ProRIDE 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 your desire.
The ProRIDE is NOT appropriate for all children. You must confirm the child meets ALL of the height, weight, age and other fit requirements for the ProRIDE. Please measure and weigh the child to verify the ProRIDE is the correct seat for them. NOTE: If the child does NOT meet ANY of the height, weight or other fit requirements for the ProRIDE, the child CANNOT use the ProRIDE. If that is the case, please see the other fine child restaint systems that are offered by RECARO.
or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur A child CAN use the ProRIDE in the Forward-Facing position ONLY if: Forward-Facing position • The child’s weight is between 20 and 70 pounds (9.1kg and 31.7 kg) GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ProRIDE • The harness CAN be positioned AT or ABOVE the child’s shoulders, when the child is seated in the ProRIDE. • The child’s standing height* is LESS than 50 inches (127cm).
It is important to become familiar with the features of your child restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key features.
ProRIDE Features: It is important to become familiar with the features of your child restraint system. These diagrams help you identify key features.
1 2 1. Loosen the harness system. Press the adjuster lever located under the adjuster flap and pull the shoulder straps forward. 2. Open the chest clip by squeezing tabs and separating. 3 3. Open buckle by pressing red button. Place harness straps to the side or place chest clip into harness pocket to hold. 4 4. Seat the child in the ProRIDE with his/her bottom fully into the seat. Position the harness straps around the child and fasten both latch plates into the buckle.
5 5. Fasten chest clip. 6. Pull up on each shoulder strap to tighten the lower section of the harness. securing the child in the ProRIDE 6 7 7. Tighten harness by pulling adjuster strap straight out through the adjuster flap. The harness webbing should be snug around the child in both the lap and shoulder sections. Slide 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. 8 9.
Forward-Facing: Check the harness height on the child’s shoulders. • The harness is positioned AT or ABOVE the child’s shoulders, when the child is seated in the ProRIDE. • Adjust the harness for the child BEFORE driving. • The child’s standing height* is LESS than 50 inches (127cm). • When sitting in the ProRIDE and the head restraint is in the highest position, the top of the child’s ears must be BELOW the top of the head restraint.
ADJUSTING THE HARNESS SYSTEM TO FIT YOUR CHILD Section 6: Adjusting the Harness System to Fit Your Child Place your child in the ProRIDE prior to installing in the vehicle and determine if the shoulder strap height needs to be adjusted. • When using the ProRIDE Rear-Facing, the shoulder straps must be located AT or BELOW the child’s shoulders. • When using the ProRIDE Forward-Facing, the shoulder straps must be located AT or ABOVE the child’s shoulders. 1. Loosen the harness system.
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: • NEVER install the ProRIDE on a rear-facing vehicle seat. • NEVER install the ProRIDE in the rear seat of small extended cab pickup.
CHOOSING A SEATING LOCATION IN YOUR VEHICLE or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur • 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, consult your vehicle owner’s manual for installation instructions for child restraints.
It is important to become familiar with the features of your vehicle so that your child rides as safely as possible. Read the vehicle 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.
LEARNING ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur Because the design and operation of vehicle belts vary, make sure to observe the following guidelines: • Do NOT use motorized passive restraint shoulder belt systems. • Do NOT use passive restraints lap or shoulder belt mounted on a door. • Do NOT use vehicle lap and shoulder belt systems that have independent retractors for the lap and shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt system.
Important! Check to be sure which type of seat belt system you have in the chart below. 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 owner’s manual or contact your vehicle dealer or manufacturer.
Section 9: Installing the ProRIDE Rear-Facing in Your Vehicle or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur • ALWAYS use in reclined position when installed Rear-Facing. LATCH Installation – Rear-Facing REAR-FACING - Latch Installation If your vehicle has lower anchors, the mini-connector system can be used. Check you vehicle owner’s manual to determine if lower anchors are available and applicable vehicle seating positions. If lower anchors are not available the vehicle seat belt must be used.
5a 5b 4. Route mini-connector through the ProRide structure so both connectors sit on the side where the latches are attached to the shell. - Latch Installation 4 3. Lengthen the latch strap by pressing each latch adjuster release button and pull webbing to full length. REAR-FACING 3 5a. Lift trim cover at the front of the ProRide and route the latch strap through the rearfacing belt path (shown in yellow). 5b.
6 REAR-FACING - Latch Installation 7 6. Place the ProRIDE on the vehicle seat facing rearward. Connect each mini-connector to the anchor in the vehicle. 7. While pressing on one armrest of the ProRIDE, pull the loop on the latch strap and tighten the strap. To help securely tighten the ProRIDE, press down on the other armrest and again tighten the latch strap pulling the loop on the opposite side. Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than 1 inch (2.
NOTE: Do NOT place anything under the ProRIDE base, except as shown in Fig. 9. - Latch Installation 9. If the ProRIDE is too upright, loosen both miniconnector tether and place a tightly rolled towel or foam pool noodle under the base where the child’s feet will be located. REAR-FACING 9 10. Follow steps 1-8 to secure the ProRIDE after adjusting the angle. 11. After adjusting the recline angle, check that the ProRIDE is tight and properly secured.
Locking Lap Belt Installation – Rear-Facing REAR-FACING - Locking Lap Belt Installation Many vehicles have lap only belt systems in the center rear seating positions. Most of these systems use a locking lap belt which can easily secure a child restraint. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine which type of seat belt system is in each seating location. There may be a label located on the seat belt with instructions for use with a child restraint.
4. Route the seat belt through the rear-facing belt path. NOTE: Belt guides may have to be opened for routing. 5 5. Make sure the seat belt is not twisted. Route seat belt over the restraint belt guide, then buckle seat belt. Replace the trim over the front edge of the seat bottom. 27 -Locking Lap Belt Installation 4 3. Place the ProRIDE on the vehicle seat facing rearward. Slide latch plate to the end of seat belt webbing.
REAR-FACING - Locking Lap Belt Installation 6 6. While pressing on one armrest of the ProRIDE, pull the end of the seat belt strap to tighten. To help securely tighten the ProRIDE, press down on the other armrest and again pull the end of the strap to further tighten the seat belt. Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path. If belt guides had to be opened for routing, close belt guides over seat belt webbing and secure closed. 7 7.
8. If the ProRIDE is too upright, loosen the seat belt and place a tightly rolled towel or foam pool noodle under the base under where the child’s feet will be located. 9. Follow Steps 1–7 to secure the ProRIDE after adjusting the angle. 10. After adjusting the recline angle, check that the ProRIDE is tight and properly secured. The ProRIDE should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path.
Locking Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation – Rear-Facing Many vehicles have lap-shoulder belt systems which remain loose for adult use and can be locked for use with a child restraint. Check your vehicle 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.
4 5 3. Place the ProRIDE on the vehicle seat facing rearward. Open the rear-facing belt guide on the side near the vehicle seat belt buckle. - Locking Lap -Shoulder Belt Installation 3 2. Lift the trim cover at the front of the ProRIDE and locate the rear-facing belt path (shown in yellow). REAR-FACING 2 4. Pull the seat belt out fully holding lap and shoulder sections together and route through the rear-facing belt path. 5. Make sure the seat belt is not twisted, then buckle seat belt.
REAR-FACING - Locking Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation 6 6. While pressing on one armrest of the ProRIDE, remove slack from shoulder belt. To help securely tighten the ProRIDE, press down on the other armrest and remove any remaining slack from seat belt. Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path. 7 8 7. When the seat belt is tight, close the belt guide over both lap and shoulder belt sections, holding the seat belt webbing. 8.
9. If the ProRIDE is too upright, loosen the seat belt and place a tightly rolled towel or foam pool noodle under the base under where the child’s feet will be located. 10. Follow Steps 1–8 to secure the ProRIDE after adjusting the angle. 11. After adjusting the recline angle, check that the ProRIDE is tight and properly secured. The ProRIDE should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path. 12. Ensure that vehicle belt is locked.
REAR-FACING - Non-Locking ELR Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Non-Locking ELR Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation – Rear-Facing 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 which lock only during a sudden stop or crash.
or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur Your vehicle will also have a top tether anchorage located behind the vehicle seat. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual if it is difficult to find. This can also vary by vehicle. Do NOT use a cargo tie down for the top tether attachment. NOTE: Your ProRIDE seat is shipped with the LATCH strap installed in the forward-facing mode. If you are switching from rear-facing, you will need to reroute the LATCH strap.
2 FORWARD-FACING - Latch Installation 3 2. Locate the latch miniconnector at the rear of the base, press the red buttons and remove the connectors from the storage slots. 3. Lengthen the latch strap by pressing each adjuster release button and pull to full length. 4a 4a. Route the mini-connector through the forward-facing vehicle seat belt path. 4b 4b. Make sure the arrows on the mini-connectors face up and the strap is not twisted.
6. Place the ProRIDE on the vehicle seat facing front. Connect each mini-connector to the anchors in the vehicle. 37 - Latch Installation 6 5. Before attaching the latch mini-connector, locate the top tether anchor behind the seating position. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual if it is difficult to find. If your vehicle has top tether anchors, remove the restraint top tether from its storage pouch and place it over the vehicle seat back.
FORWARD-FACING - Latch Installation 7 7. While pressing on one armrest of the ProRIDE, pull the loop on the latch strap and tighten the strap. To help securely tighten the ProRIDE, press down on the other armrest and again tighten the latch strap pulling the loop on the opposite side. Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path. 8 8. Connect the top tether hook to the anchor located in step # 5.
Recheck that both the latch strap and the top tether strap are tight and properly secured. 12. To remove the top tether, press the release button and pull the strap (see Step 8). It may be necessary to press the top of the ProRIDE into the vehicle seat back to loosen the tether adjuster. Unhook the top tether anchor from the vehicle attachment. 13. Fold the top tether strap and place it in the storage pouch when not in use.
FORWARD-FACING - Locking Lap Belt Installation Locking Lap Belt Installation – Forward-Facing Many vehicles have lap only belt systems in the center rear seating positions. Most of these systems use a locking lap belt which can easily secure a child restraint. Check your vehicle 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.
4 3. Making sure the seat belt is not twisted, route the seat belt through the forwardfacing belt path, then buckle seat belt. Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction at the belt path. 5 5. If your vehicle has a top tether anchors, attach and tighten the top tether as shown on pages 38. 41 - Locking Lap Belt Installation 4. While pressing on one armrest of theProRIDE, pull the end of the seat belt strap to tighten the seat belt.
FORWARD-FACING - Locking Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Locking Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation – Forward-Facing Many vehicles have lap-shoulder belt systems which remain loose for adult use and can be locked for use with a child restraint. Check your vehicle 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.
3. Making sure the seat belt is not twisted, route the seat belt through the forward-facing belt path, then buckle seat belt. 4. Open the belt lock off and route the shoulder section of the seat belt up into the slot. 4 6 Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction in the belt path. 6. Close the belt lock off over the shoulder belt by pressing the arm down onto the webbing and close the handle. 7.
- Non-Locking ELR Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation FORWARD-FACING Non-Locking ELR Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation – Forward-Facing Some older vehicles (typically pre-1996 model year) have lapshoulder belt systems which remain loose and cannot be locked for use with a child restraint unless a separate locking system is used. These systems use emergency locking retractors (ELR) which lock only during a sudden stop or crash.
4 3. Making sure the seat belt is not twisted, route the seat belt through the forward-facing belt path, then buckle seat belt. 4. Open the belt lock off and route the shoulder section of the seat belt up into the slot. 5 6 Repeat as needed until the ProRIDE cannot be moved more than one inch (2.5 cm) in any direction on the belt path. 6. Close the belt lock off over the shoulder belt by pressing the arm down onto the webbing and close the handle. 7.
Section 11: Certification This child restraint conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. Section 12: Use in Aircraft Q The ProRIDE is certified for use in aircraft both rear-facing and forward-facing. The aircraft seat belt (which is not a LATCH system) must be used since lower anchors are not available on airplanes. Most airlines will allow child restraint use if it is labeled as certified for use on aircraft.
The ProRIDE has been engineered for long life and trouble-free usage. The fabric has been designed to resist stains and soiling. With proper care and maintenance, this premium fabric will retain its beauty for years to come. To clean the trim cover “on the go”, follow these easy steps: • Remove excess soiling immediately. • Blot area with dry cloth.
Section 14: Trim Cover Removal / Installation Trim Cover Removal 1 TRIM COVER REMOVAL 2 3 1. Press the adjuster lever, located under the adjuster flap, and pull the shoulder straps forward to loosen the harness system. 2. Open the chest clip by squeezing the tabs and separating. 3. Release the harness straps from the buckle by pressing the red button.
5 4. Remove the rear cover of the seat. Holding the harness connector bracket in one hand, remove the shoulder straps by sliding the loops (one at a time) to one side so that the edge can be guided out the slot in the bracket. 5. Pull the straps out of the seat from the front. or SERIOUS INJURY WARNING! DEATH can occur • Do NOT remove the latch plates chest clip, and harness strap pads components from the shoulder straps! 6 6.
7 7. Reach behind the top/ center of the head restraint and grasp the trim cover. Unfasten the hidden Velcro strip in the center and “peel” the cover up and forward over the plastic frame and off the seat. TRIM COVER REMOVAL NOTE: The head restraint foam may come off with the trim cover. If this happens, simply remove the foam from the cover and set aside. Do NOT wash or submerge the head restraint foam in water. 8 8.
11 10. Gently pull down on the main cover to expose the large opening behind the head restraint. Pull the opening down around the bottom of the head restraint. 11. Slide the cover up and over the head restraint and off the seat. 12. The Trim Cover MUST be hand washed. Do NOT machine was the Trim Cover.
Trim Cover Installation 1 TRIM COVER INSTALLATION 2 3 1. Slide the trim cover onto the seat by placing the large opening in the cover over the head restraint and sliding it down between the head restraint and seat shell. 2. Slide the bottom of the opening under and behind the lower edge of the head restraint. 3. Carefully slide the buckle and harness straps though the 3 slots of the trim cover. Make sure the harness straps are not twisted.
4. Pull the edges of the trim cover out around the seat shell and fasten all the trim cover clips to the seat shell. 5. Place the head restraint foam, marked “L” for left and “R” for right, into the head restraint cover (left and right side is from seat occupant’s perspective). 6 6. Slide head restraint foam/ cover onto the plastic frame of the seat. 7. Pull the trim cover over the top and behind the head restraint and then fasten the Velcro strips together to secure cover.
8 9 TRIM COVER INSTALLATION 10 8. Clip the harness straps into the buckle making sure they are not twisted. 9. Route the harness straps through the head restraint and seat shell. Make sure the harness straps are not twisted. 10. Connect the straps to the harness connector located in the back of the seat by sliding the loop edges into the slots of the harness connector bracket. NOTE: Make sure the seat LATCH strap is not routed between the harness and the seat! 11.
In certain vehicle applications, you may encounter challenges to safely install and position a child in the restraint system. If you do not find an adequate solution, below, call us at 1-800-8-RECARO for help. Problem: The headrest will not raise. Solution: WARNING! DO NOT FORCE the head restraint knob! Severe damage to the ProRIDE could result! The harness must be loosened before the Head Restraint can be moved upwards.
Problem: The ProRIDE is not stable when driving. Solution: Check to see if there are items under the base and that the seat belts are tightly secured. Remove anything found. Some vehicle seats are deeply contoured making it difficult to safely install a child restraint. If the ProRIDE is not stable due to the vehicle seat cushions, move it to another seating location. If the situation still exists, please call 1-800-8-RECARO.
RECARO offers a variety of replacement parts for your child restraint system. Please call us at 1-800-8-RECARO and speak to one of our customer service representatives for more information on what’s available for purchase.
Section 17: Warranty RECARO North America warranties this product against defects in materials or workmanship to the original purchaser for a period of 12 months. You must have the original purchase receipt for a warranty claim to be accepted. The upholstery fabric is subject to a certain degree of wear even from normal use. This kind of normal wear is not covered under warranty.
g) Ordinary wear and tear (including fading and discoloration); h) Improper loads (including passenger weight in excess of design limits); i) Removal of the Product from the original application or reinstallation of the Product in the original or another application; or j) Any other neglect, abuse or misuse.
Section 18: Additional Contact Information If you need help with installation or usage, please use the following contact information: RECARO North America 4120 Luella Lane Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Phone: 1-800-8-RECARO (1-800-873-2276) Fax: 248-364-3806 E-mail: childseats@recarousa.com Website: www.recarokids.com GLOSSARY For personal assistance in your local area, please contact a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician. You can find a CPS technician in your area at www.nhtsa.gov.
3-Point Seat Belt: A seat belt with both a lap and a shoulder portion, having three attachment points (one shoulder, two hips). 2-Point Seat Belt: A seat belt system with two attachment points. A lap belt. Airbag: A passive (idle) restraint system that automatically deploys during a crash to act as a cushion for the occupant. It creates a broad surface on which to spread the forces of the crash, to reduce head and chest injury.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that pertains to all restraint systems intended for use as crash protection in vehicles for children up to 50 pounds. Required for child restraints sold in the USA. Sitting Height: Measurement of child-measuring in seated position from seated bottom to top of head.
Side Impact Protection (SIP): Extra safety feature of RECARO child restraints having energy absorbing foam strategically placed in areas on the child restraint where it is especially important to protect the child in a crash. Top Tether Anchorage: Attachment point in vehicle for child safety seat tether strap. Refer to vehicle owner’s manual regarding anchor location.
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® RECARO North America 4120 Luella Lane, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 USA Phone: 248-364-3818 Fax: 248-364-3806 Toll Free: 1-800-8-RECARO Internet: www.recarokids.com, E-mail: childseats@recarousa.com In the interest of product development, RECARO reserves all rights to make changes to the construction and design of its products without prior notification. RECARO does not assume the liability in case of misprint. Pictures may include extras.
