Dorel Juvenile Group Commuter, Ventura, High Back Booster Instruction Manual

DOREL -COMMUTER

-VENTURA

-HIGH BACK BOOSTER
(Front-adjust harness models only)

Type: Combination child seat/booster
Last date made: Current
First made: 1999; with LATCH 2002
Weight limits: 22*-40 lbs. with harness, 40-80 lbs. as belt-

positioning booster with vehicle lap-shoulder belt on child.

*Previous minimum weight limit was 20 lbs.

Harness: 5 point harness (removable)

Page 1 of 2

Harness: Harness strap ends are sewn in loops and
attached to a splitter plate behind seat (diagram 1). The
lap straps are threaded through slots at hips and run

straight across under seat. To tighten the harness, pull
the strap end at lower front of seat. To loosen, lift or push lever (depending
on model) while pulling on shoulder straps.

Harness slots

: There are two sets of slots. Since the seat can only be used

facing forward, all slots are permitted. To change strap slot height, remove
straps from splitter plate, thread through desired slots and re-attach to splitter
plate.

Crotch strap

: The crotch strap is sewn to a metal slide which must lie flat

against plastic shell under child. It is non-adjustable.

Angle adjustment
Belt path:
With harness

: None

: The vehicle belt is routed through the sides of the

seat behind the child (diagram 2).

Without harness

: Remove the harness from the seat, and secure

the LATCH and tether hooks behind the seat shell to prevent them from
striking anyone. Use the vehicle lap-shoulder belt on child (diagram 3). Do
not use the belt guide on the side of the seat to position the shoulder belt
unless absolutely necessary for correct fit on child. Caution parent to
watch that child doesn’t pull belt forward while in use, as it may not retract
into position easily when the belt guide is used.

SEE PAGE 2

1

2

3

Important: This information sheet is not a substitute for complete manufacturer’s directions and current recall list.
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., P.O. Box 553, Altadena CA 91003 [phone] (800) 745-SAFE ©SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. #48 01/07

Page 2 of 2

Dorel Commuter / Ventura / HBB (front adjuster)

LATCH: Comes with a single, attached LATCH strap. Earlier models which are not LATCH­equipped may be installed with the Dorel Cosco LATCH retrofit kit (see also separate
instructions for kit). If the child is using the harness, LATCH installation may be used. Thread
both ends of the strap through the belt path. Lower LATCH bars may be used in center seating
position when the position is designated as a LATCH location in vehicle owner's manual or
when vehicle manufacturer permits the use of the outboard bars (refer to Safe Ride News
LATCH manual).

If LATCH strap is not in use, hook LATCH connectors together behind seat to

prevent them from striking anyone. LATCH strap is not used in belt-positioning booster mode.

Tether

: Yes, when seat is used with harness. There are three adjustment versions. If there are

two double-slotted metal slides, thread as shown in diagrams 4-5. If there is one metal slide with
three slots, thread as shown in diagram 6. Some recent models have a tilt-lock adjuster; simply
pull on strap end to tighten. In either case, attach strap to seat shell as shown in diagram 7.
When not in use, including as a belt-positioning booster, secure the hook under the seat or
remove tether from seat completely. See full manufacturer’s instructions for additional
guidelines on adjusting tether strap snugly and storing when not in use.

Other

:

4 7

5

6

9

On some models, the two parts of the buckle prongs must be joined
together before inserting in buckle (diagram 9).
DOREL brands include: COSCO, EDDIE BAUER, SAFETY 1st,
ALPHA ELITE and ALPHA SPORT. Model names may apply to any one or more of these
brands. Some model names may be discontinued.
There have been many variations of this seat with several model names, which are
usually not printed on the seat. Use these instructions only if the seat has a front adjuster strap.
See other instructions for models with a metal plate in the back to adjust the harness or the
original Cosco combination seat called “Highback Booster,” which had straps crossed in the
back with a metal slide for harness attachment and adjustment. Some models have armrests
and cup holders.

Important: This information sheet is not a substitute for complete manufacturer’s directions and current recall list.
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., P.O. Box 553, Altadena CA 91003 [phone] (800) 745-SAFE ©SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. #48 01/07

46

Replacement Parts List

NOTE: If requested color is not available,similar color will

be substituted.

Part Cost Quantity Total Cost

Crotch Strap/Buckle $5.99 X ______= $ ______________

Harness Strap . . . . .$2.99 X______= $ ______________

Seat Pad . . . . . . . .$29.99 X______= $ ______________

Harness Retainer . . .$1.50 X______= $ ______________

Locking Clip . . . . . . .$2.50 X______= $ ______________

Top Anchorage (T ether)

Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.99 X______= $ ______________

Latch Kit . . . . . . . .$24.99 X______= $ ______________

Cup Holder . . . . . . .$3.50 X______= $ ______________

Instructions . . . . . . .$0.00 X______= $ ______________

Merchandise T otal: $______________
Shipping and handling: $______________

Sales T ax: $______________

(Indiana,California, Arkansas, and Massachusetts residents add applicable
sales tax.

Grand T otal: $ ______________

No shipping and handling on instruction manuals on quantities of 6 or less.
Add $.50 for each instruction manual over 6,then add applicable shipping
and handling.No shipping and handling on instructions for quantities under 6. Add $.50 for each instruction over 6, then add applicable shipping and handling.

Fill Out For Credit Card

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Visa Mastercard

Card Exp.Date:______________________________
Cardholder’s Name: __________________________
Card Number: ______________________________
Signature: __________________________________

Up to $25.00 . . . . . . . . . .$5.95

$25.01 to $50.00 . . . . . . .$6.95

$50.01 to $75.00 . . . . . . .$8.95

$75.01 to $100.00 . . . . . .$9.95

$100.01 to $150.00 . . . . .$10.95

$150.01 to $200.00 . . . . .$11.95

$200.01 and up . . . . . . . .$13.95

Outside Continental USA $10.00

CUT ON DOTTED LINE

Read all instructions

BEFORE USING

this child restraint.

KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE.

Weight:
22-80 pounds
(10.1-36.3 kg)

Height:
34-52 inches
(85.1-132.1 cm)

This child
restraint is
designed for
use by children
whose:

www.djgusa.com

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IInnssttrruuccttiioonn MMaannuuaall

Eng.4358-3502C

Para recibir las instrucciones en español,llame al

1-800-544-1108 o solicitarse por escrito al dirección por arriba.

IMPOR TANT!

Failure to follow the warnings on the labels
and in the instruction manual can result in
the death or serious injury of your child.

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 1

Page 1 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)

Thank you for choosing this car seat,referred to
throughout this manual as a child restraint.The DJG
family is committed to creating a child restraint with the
most comfort and convenience available today.

Remember, parents are a child’s first teachers and
examples.If you always buckle your seat belt,your child
will think it is the natural thing to do.Make it a firm rule
that the vehicle does not go until everyone is buckled
up. Make no exceptions.

No one can predict if use of a child restraint will
prevent injury or death in a particular crash.However,
combined with careful driving,proper use of a child
restraint can lower a child’s risk of injury or death in
most crashes.

Your child’s safety is worth the time it will take to read
and follow these instructions. After reading, if you still
have questions or have any problems with this child
restraint,please contact our Consumer Relations
Department at:

Before You Begin...

Table of Contents

1

Warnings..........................................................................................2-4

General and Warm W eather Use..................................................5

Registration and Recall....................................................................5

Aircraft Installation ..........................................................................5

Understanding Y our V ehicle ........................................................6-7

Child Restraint Parts....................................................................8-9

Choosing Restraint and Position ................................................10

Preparing Child Restraint to Fit Your Child ......................11-13

Harness Height..................................................................12-13

Install Cup Holder (on select models)......................................13

Securing Your Child in Child Restraint: ..............................14-15

Removing Child From Child Restraint......................................16

Choosing LATCH or Vehicle Belts..............................................17

Knowing Y our V ehicle Belts ....................................................18-19

Locking Clip ..............................................................................20-21

Forward-Facing Use ......................................................................22

Forward-Facing Installation ..........................................................23

Vehicle Belt ........................................................................24-25

LATCH................................................................................26-28

Adjusting the Top Anchorage Strap (Tether)......................29-30

Belt-Positioning Booster Use ....................................................31

Removal of Harness ................................................................32-33

Belt-Positioning Booster Installation....................................34-35

Reinstall Harness ......................................................................36-37

Removing Seat Pad for Cleaning ..........................................38-39

Trouble Shooting ............................................................................40

Warranty ..........................................................................................41

Replacement Parts Order Form ..........................................45-46

Dorel Juvenile Group,Inc.

Website: www.djgusa.com
Fax: [phone]
Mailing Address: Dorel Juvenile Group,Inc.

P.O.Box 2609
Columbus,IN 47202-2609

Telephone: [phone]

7 A.M. to 6 P.M. EST M-TH
7 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. EST FRI

On the back of the shell there is an expiration date for
use of this child restraint. Do not use this seat after
the expiration date.

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 3

Page 2 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)

WARNING

!

According to accident statistics,children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions.

Never place a child less than one-year old
forward-facing.

Check vehicle instructions for more
information about air bag/child restraint use.

Make sure the harness height is correct
for your child’s size.

The harness must be snug.

The vehicle or LATCH belt must stay
tight at the belt path. When you switch from
one mode to the next,review the sections of
this instruction manual that apply to that
mode. If you don’t,your child could be
seriously injured or killed.

Never take your child out of the child
restraint or try to tend to your child’s needs
while the vehicle is moving.Never leave
child unattended.

Do not use a child restraint with damaged
or missing parts.

Failure to follow these warnings can result
in the serious injury or death of your child.
To help you recognize those instructions
which are most critical for your child’s
safety,we use this symbol :

2

WARNING

!

Do not use cut,frayed or damaged

harnesses.

Do not lubricate buckles and fasteners.
Do not substitute parts or try to modify

the child restraint in any way.

Do not use a child restraint that has been
in a crash.You must get a new child
restraint.

Use the child restraint only on vehicle
seats that face forward.Do not use on seats
that face the sides or rear of the vehicle.

Check the vehicle or LATCH belt before
each use. Use only if the belt can be
tightened properly and securely.

This child restraint should be securely
belted in the vehicle even when not in use.In
a crash or sudden stop,an unsecured child
restraint could injure other occupants.

Do not use this child restraint if the
midpoint of your child’s head is above the
top of the child restraint’s back.

Dorel Juvenile Group does not recommend
the use of any child restraint accessories
except those provided by DJG.

Never allow any child to play with this
child restraint;it is not a toy.

3

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 5

Page 3 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)

This restraint is certified for aircraft use only when used with
the internal harness.Do not use as a belt-positioning seat
because aircraft seats do not have shoulder belts. Use on
forward-facing aircraft seats only and in a position where the
lap belt can be tightened securely.This child restraint is installed
in an aircraft seat the same way it is installed in the vehicle.

Use the child restraint only with F.A.A.certified equipment.
Contact the airline prior to taking a child restraint on board in
order to comply with their specific regulations.

4

WARNING

!

Secure the top anchorage strap (tether)
provided with this child restraint as specified
in both the vehicle and child restraint
manufacturer's instructions.

Do not remove any of the warning labels
or other labels on the child restraint.

Placing your child in a hot child restraint
may result in burns.

Do not use this child restraint without the
seat pad.

Read instructions for other warnings.

5

Aircraft Installation

General and Warm Weather Use

To help protect your vehicle seat’s upholster y from damage,
use a towel underneath and behind child restraint.

To avoid your child being seriously burned,take the
following precautions:

1.Park in the shade or where sun does not
directly hit the child restraint.

2.Cover the child restraint with a sheet or blanket when
not in use.

3.Check for hot seat and buckles before placing child in
child restraint.

Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons.You must
register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Fill out the
registration card attached to the child restraint or send your
name,address and the restraint’s model number and
manufacturing date to:

Dorel Juvenile Group,Inc.
P.O.Box 2609,Columbus,IN 47202-2609
Attn:Consumer Relations or call 1-800-544-1108

You can now register your child restraint online at
www.djgusa.com. Please do not send in your registration
card if you registered your child restraint online.

For recall information,call the U.S.Government's
Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY:1-800-424-

9153),or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.

Registration and Recall Information

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 7

Page 4 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)

6

Your vehicle’s features may be considerably different than
those pictured here.Consult your vehicle owner’s manual
to help identify your vehicle’s specific features.

Understanding Your Vehicle

A

B

C

E

7

D

A.Anchor Bracket

For T op Anchorage Strap
(Forward-Facing Only)

B. LA TCH Anchors

(In seat bight)

C.Seat Buckles

D.Air Bag

(Consult your vehicle
owner’s manual for all air
bag locations)

E.Seat Bight

(Where seat cushions

meet)

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 9

Page 5 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)

8

Child Restraint Parts

A. Pillow

(on select models)

B. Shoulder Belt

Guide

C. Harness Retainer
D. Armrests

(on select models)

E. Buckle Plates
F. Buckle

G. Harness Release

Lever

H. Cup Holder

(on select models)

I. Harness

Adjustment Strap

Front

G

H

A

B

C

E

I

9

J. Top Anchorage

(Tether) Strap &

Hook

K. Instructions
L. Locking Clip

(behind harness)

M. Splitter Plate
N. LATCH Belt

(may be between
pad and shell)

O. Shell

Back

J

K

L

M

N

D

O

F

4358-3502C Notch Commuter 5/30/06 12:49 PM Page 11

Page 6 of 23 Dorel Commuter / Ventura / High Back Booster (5/06)