GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Z06 Models Only

Some child restraints have a LATCH system. As part of the LATCH system, your child restraint may have lower attachments and/or a top tether. The LATCH system can help hold the child restraint in place during driving or in a crash. Some vehicles have lower and/or top tether anchors designed to secure a child restraint with lower attachments and/or a top tether.

Your vehicle does not have lower anchors to accommodate lower attachments. Your vehicle does have a top tether anchor. If your child restraint has a top tether, make sure your child restraint is properly installed using the top tether anchor and the vehicle's safety belt. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. Refer to your child restraint instructions and see Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position for instructions on securing your child restraint using the vehicle's safety belts.

In order to use the top tether anchors in your vehicle, you need a child restraint equipped with a top tether. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its top tether. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with the top tether in your vehicle.


Object Number: 1550581  Size: B3

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor.

Some top tether-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

Top Tether Anchor Locations


Object Number: 1577153  Size: A2

(Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.


Object Number: 849513  Size: A2

To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the trim cover.


Object Number: 1625080  Size: B3

The top tether anchor is located behind the passenger seat.

Securing a Child Restraint with a Top Tether

Caution: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle's safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

  1. Secure the child restraint using the vehicle's safety belt. See Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position .
  2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps:
  3. 2.1. Find the top tether anchor.
    2.2. Press the ribbed area of the trim cover to open the cover and expose the anchor.
    2.3. Route, attach and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

    Object Number: 1549871  Size: A2

    If the position you are using has a fixed headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the headrest or head restraint .


    Object Number: 1549926  Size: A2

    If the position you are using has a fixed headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint .

  4. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Coupe and Convertible Models Only

Some child restraints have a LATCH system. As part of the LATCH system, your child restraint may have lower attachments and/or a top tether. The LATCH system can help hold the child restraint in place during driving or in a crash. Some vehicles have lower and/or top tether anchors designed to secure a child restraint with lower attachments and/or a top tether.

Some child restraints with a top tether are designed to be used whether the top tether is anchored or not. Other child restraints require that the top tether be anchored. A national or local law may require that the top tether be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.

Your vehicle does not have lower anchors or top tether anchors to secure a child restraint with the LATCH system. If a national or local law requires that your top tether be anchored, do not use a child restraint in this vehicle because a top tether cannot be properly anchored. You must use the safety belts to secure your child restraint in this vehicle, unless a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored. Refer to your child restraint instructions and instructions in this manual for securing a child restraint using the vehicle's safety belts. See Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position .