Subaru Forester: Installing a child restraint system (CRS) / Securing a CRS with a lap/shoulder belt

If the LATCH system is not being used, the Child Restraint System must be installed using the lap portion of the vehicle's lap/shoulder seat belt in accordance with both the CRS manufacturer's instructions and the Kia Telluride owner's manual.

Automatic locking mode

Under normal driving conditions, passenger seat belts operate in Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode and move freely with the occupant. To securely install a Child Restraint System, the seat belt must be switched into Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode by fully extending the belt.

Once activated, the automatic locking mode helps prevent the seat belt from loosening as the child moves, allowing the Child Restraint System to remain securely installed throughout the trip.

To install a Child Restraint System on the rear seat of your Kia Telluride:

1. Place the CRS on the rear seat and route the lap/shoulder belt through or around the restraint exactly as specified by the CRS manufacturer.

   Verify that the seat belt webbing remains flat and is not twisted.

2. Insert the seat belt latch into the buckle until you hear a distinct click.

   Position the buckle so the release button remains accessible should the restraint need to be removed quickly.

3. Pull the shoulder belt completely out of the retractor. Once fully extended, the retractor automatically changes to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode used for Child Restraint System installation.
4. Allow the shoulder belt to retract slowly while listening for the clicking or ratcheting sound that confirms the Automatic Locking Retractor mode has engaged. If no clicking is heard, repeat the previous steps.
5. Press firmly downward on the Child Restraint System while allowing the shoulder belt to retract, removing as much slack from the belt as possible.
6. Push and pull the CRS in different directions to confirm that it is securely fastened. If excessive movement is detected, release the belt and repeat the installation procedure.
7. Verify that the retractor is still in Automatic Locking Retractor mode by attempting to pull additional belt webbing from the retractor. If the belt cannot be extended, the system is correctly locked.

   If the Child Restraint System manufacturer instructs or recommends using the top tether together with the seat belt installation, refer to Securing a child restraint seat with "Tether Anchor" system for the correct procedure.

   TIP

   Once the seat belt has fully retracted after removing the Child Restraint System, the retractor automatically returns from Automatic Locking Retractor mode to the normal Emergency Locking Retractor mode used during everyday driving.

   WARNING

   Automatic locking mode

   Always place the seat belt retractor into Automatic Locking Retractor mode when installing any Child Restraint System. If the seat belt is left in normal Emergency Locking Retractor mode, the child restraint may loosen during cornering or sudden braking, increasing the risk of serious injury in a collision.

   To remove the Child Restraint System, press the buckle release button, unfasten the seat belt, and allow the belt to retract completely so it returns to its normal operating mode.