Restraint System - 'LATCH' System Installation/Retrofit
Group: 69Number: 05-01
Jan. 07, 2005
Subject:
LATCH System "Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren", Installing/Retrofitting
Model(s):
See Attached Table
Supersedes T.B. Group 69 number 01-01 dated June 12, 2001 due to content revisions.
LATCH, definition
Generally called LATCH system for "Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren" consists of the combination of top tether anchors and lower anchors used to secure a "Child Restraint" (termed "top tether" and "lower universal anchorage" in Canada).
Child Restraint (will be abbreviated "CR" throughout the rest of this Technical Bulletin), is a term that refers to products generally called:
"Child safety seats"
"Convertible safety seats"
"Toddler safety seats"
"Infant safety seats"
"Booster safety seats" and the like This Technical Bulletin will divide the LATCH system into three parts:
^ Top Tether anchors
^ Lower anchors
^ Model status
Top Tether anchors
Forward facing CR's manufactured after September 1, 1999, are required by US federal regulations to comply with more stringent child head movement performance requirements. These new performance requirements make a top tether necessary on most new CR's.
The purpose of the top tether is to reduce the forward movement of the CR in a crash, in order to help reduce the risk of head injury that could be caused by striking the vehicle interior.
A top tether anchor is used to connect the child restraint (CR) tether strap to the vehicle.
A tether is a straight or V-shaped strap that attaches the top part of a CR to special anchorage points in the vehicle.
- Illustration shows tether strap attached to anchor in a sedan model.
- Illustration shows tether anchor arrangement for sedan model.
- Illustration shows seat back with tether anchor arrangement for Avant and Allroad Quattro
Tip:
Some A4 Avant models may require a seat back change for tether anchor installation.
- Illustration shows tether anchors on seat back for TT coupe.
Lower anchors
All CR's manufactured after September 1, 2002 must have lower anchor attachments for the LATCH system. They must also continue to be capable of installation using the vehicle safety belts.
It is important to note that CR manufacturers began to provide such lower anchor attachments for the LATCH system in the year 2000 even before the required date.
Lower anchors secure the CR in the seat without using the vehicle's safety belts. Anchors provide a secure and easy-to-use attachment and minimize the possibility of improper CR installation.
Lower anchor attachment points are located between the rear seat back and rear seat cushion for the outboard seating positions.
- Illustration shows location of lower anchors for the rear seat.
Model Status - US
Top Tether anchors for rear seating positions:
^ Standard for all seating positions beginning m.y 2000
^ Can be retrofitted in earlier models (see table)
Lower anchors in rear outboard seating positions:
^ Can be retrofitted beginning m.y 1999 except, A8L (long wheel base) and TT (see table)
Model Status - Canada
Top Tether anchors for rear seating positions:
^ Standard for all seating positions beginning m.y. 2000
^ At least one anchor provided beginning m.y. 1989
^ Additional positions can be retrofitted Lower anchors in rear outboard seating positions:
^ Can be retrofitted beginning m.y. 1999 except, A8L (long wheel base) and TT (see table)
LATCH, retrofitting previous models
Top Tether anchors
For most models:
Lower anchors
A lower anchor retrofit kit part number listing is shown in this bulletin.
Each kit includes:
1. - LATCH Owner's manual supplement for user instructions (to be given to customer)
2. - 1 anchor bar, 2 bolts, and two guidance fixtures
3. - Installation instructions
Tip:
^ Whenever a lower anchor retrofit is installed, the tether anchor MUST also be installed, if not already present in the vehicle.
^ The guidance fixtures MUST be installed on the lower anchor bars when the vehicle is delivered to the customer
^ The LATCH owner's manual supplement in the kit MUST be given to the customer when the vehicle is delivered.
WARNING
Always remind the owner to read and follow the owner's manual and LATCH supplement instructions and warnings.
Note:
Parts numbers listed in this Technical Bulletin are for reference only Always check with your Parts Dept. for the latest pads information.
Reimbursement
AoA/AoC will reimburse parts and labor for the installation of two tether anchors and two lower anchors per vehicle (including seat back change if needed) for 1993 and newer models (additional guidance fixtures are also covered if requested by a customer).
When procedure applies to vehicles with-in the Model year range listed, use the table.
Tip:
For all claim entry problems, contact the Warranty Call Center at: (866) 306-8447
Attachments;
1. Top Tether anchor (incl. retrofit Part Numbers) (see pages 7 - 12 as shown)
2. Lower anchor (incl. retrofit kit Part Numbers) (see page 13 as shown).