Info - Top Tether Hardware Package for Child Restraint Seats

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2000-2002 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-09-40-009 (Section 09 -- Restraints).

Important: GM of Canada and IPC Dealers are not authorized to utilize this service bulletin.

Beginning in August, 1997 General Motors began providing Child Restraint Seat Top Tether Hardware Packages to customers in the United States who requested them. The Top Tether Hardware Package contains the necessary hardware for anchoring a forward facing child restraint seat top tether.

One Child Restraint Seat Top Tether Hardware Package will be provided per vehicle to the retail customer at no charge for installation. Charges for installation of additional Top Tether Hardware Packages per vehicle are the responsibility of the customer.

Most forward facing child restraint seats (CRS) sold in the United States prior to calendar year 1999 were not sold with top tether straps, but have provisions for them. Top tethers, which are required in Canada, can help to better secure the seat in the vehicle. When a forward facing CRS including a top tether is used, specially designed components must be used to secure the child seat top tether. These components are included in the Hardware Package from GMSPO.

Top tethers are not normally required or used with rearward facing infant restraint seats. Rearward facing infant restraint seats should never be secured in the front seat of an air bag equipped vehicle unless the vehicle is equipped with an air bag de-activation (shut-off) switch and the switch has been used to turn the air bag off.

Should a retail customer request installation of a Tether Hardware Package at the time of sale or delivery, it is to be installed at no charge to the owner. The labor to install a Tether Hardware Package prior to delivery of a new vehicle to the customer is considered to be part of the delivery "get ready process", and as such, is not claimable. Claiming for the cost and applicable handling allowance of the proper Tether Hardware Package used in the installation is allowed.

If the customer requests installation of a Tether Hardware Package some time after delivery, the package is to be provided free of charge. Hardware Packages include installation instructions which are easily followed and can be installed by most customers. However, should the customer request the dealership's assistance to install the Tether Hardware Package, it is to be installed at no charge to the customer and the labor may be claimed. All claims submitted for installation labor of an approved Tether Hardware Package must be supported by a signed customer work order. Additional Hardware Packages and installation charges are the responsibility of the customer.

In addition, passenger vehicle deliveries, including vans and sport utilities for daily rental usage, may have one tether hardware package supplied. Additional packages are the owner's responsibility. Dealers may claim appropriate parts under these circumstances. Sufficient quantities of parts should be ordered in advance of the arrival of vehicles to avoid delays.

Important: When installing a Child Restraint Seat Top Tether Hardware Package, follow the installation instructions included in the package. Additional information about specific mounting locations and installations may be available in the Seat Belt Section (Sections 9, 10-10, 10-11 or 10A) I of the appropriate Service Manual, or the Restraints section of SI.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to your Area Manager, Parts or Service.

For Top Tether Hardware Package part numbers and usage, see Group 14.870 (passenger cars & U-van), or Group 16.710 (Light Duty Truck) of the appropriate GMSPO Parts Catalog. In addition, they can also be found in Accessories Group 21.042.

The dealership will be reimbursed for the parts and labor, if applicable, through the submission of a regular warranty claim.

All claims submitted must be supported by a signed customer work order. Purchase and installation of additional Hardware Packages is the responsibility of the customer.

For Top Tether Hardware Packages installed in the United States, submit as a normal warranty claim using the labor operations and time allowances listed below: