Graco ontender 65, Admiral 65 Instruction Manual

www.gracobaby.com

CONTENDER

NWL0000644875C 4/19

TM

65/ADMIRAL

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

Do not install or use this child

understand the instructions in

FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

1

TM

65

restraint until you read and

this manual.

THIS CHILD RESTRAINT

INCREASES THE RISK OF

IN A SUDDEN STOP OR

CRASH.

1 Important Pages 6-23

1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual
1-B Welcome to the Graco Family
1-C Right Mode of Use
1-D Before You Begin
Register This Car Seat

If You Need Help
Certification
Car Seat’s Useful Life
Vehicle Seat Protection
Warm Weather Use

1-E Safety Warnings

2 Features Pages 24-29

2-A Car Seat Features

2

3 Rear-Facing Use Pages 30-44

3-A Rear-Facing
3-B Install Rear-Facing with LATCH Strap
3-C Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

4 Forward-Facing Use Pages 45-58

4-A Forward-Facing
4-B Install Forward-Facing with LATCH Strap
4-C Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

5 Securing Child Pages 59-66

5-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness

3

6 Accessories Pages 67-68

6-A Accessories

7 Moving LATCH Pages 69-71

7-A Moving the LATCH Strap

4

8 Additional Information Pages 72-82

8-A How to Remove LATCH and Tether
8-B Choosing Vehicle Seat Location
8-C Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations
8-D Vehicle Seat Belts

9 Care & Cleaning Pages 83-86

9-A Cleaning Seat Pad
9-B Cleaning Buckle
9-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH

5

1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual

This car seat is for children: Rear-Facing: 5-40 lb (2.2-18 kg)

• Children less than 22 lb (10 kg) MUST use this car seat rear-facing.
Review section 1-C for more information.

Get to Know Your Car Seat

Review section 2-A to see all of the features of this infant car seat.

What Seating Location Should I Use?

The best seating location for this infant car seat is one that:

• Is recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual, and

• Results in a secure installation of this car seat.
Some vehicles have specific requirements for where the car seat can be

installed, so be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for available
seating positions, if any.

Review section 8-B, 8-C of this manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

Forward Facing: 22-65 lb (10-30 kg)

66

According to accident statistics, the safest
place for your child in any vehicle is the
back seat. The center of the back seat can
be the safest during a possible side impact.

Which Installation Method Should I Use?

This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat
belt OR the LATCH system. Both are equally safe to use. DO NOT USE BOTH
AT THE SAME TIME.

Vehicle Seat Belt: Review section 8 and your vehicle owner’s manual to
learn how to install your car seat with the vehicle seat belts.

LATCH: The LATCH system allows you to securely attach your safety seat
in your car without using the vehicle seat belt and possibly to get a better
fit. All 2003 and newer model year vehicles are required to have a LATCH
system, although some manufacturers began including LATCH earlier. Some
vehicle owner manuals use the term ISOFIX to identify the LATCH system.

77

What is LATCH?

LATCH consists of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which are built­in to your vehicle, and connecting hooks that are built-in to your car seat.
Lower anchors are used INSTEAD of the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the
child seat to the vehicle. Top tethers are used IN ADDITION to the lower
anchors OR the vehicle’s seat belt to secure a forward-facing car seat to
the vehicle.

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for exact location and use.

Vehicle Top Tether

Anchor Points

Vehicle Seat Bight

Typical seat in a passenger
vehicle. Other vehicle types

may have different LATCH

locations.

Vehicle Lower
Anchor Points

88

continue next page

When Installing Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing

LATCH System

LATCH consists of two lower anchors, which
are built-in to your vehicle, and connecting
hooks that are built-in your car seat.

Review section 3-B & 4-B of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

Vehicle Seat Belt

There are two types of vehicle seat belts
that can be used. Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
or Lap Only Seat Belt.

Review section 3-C & 4-C of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

99

Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?

To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3 and 4 to
understand all of the actions you need to take to properly adjust the car seat
to fit your child.

For Rear-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

Harness Height, Rear-Facing (A)

Harness straps at or just below the child’s
shoulders and
below the headrest adjustment lever
section 5.

Buckle Position (C)

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.
Review section 5.

Harness Tightness (D)

If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 5.

top of head must be 1” (2.5 cm)

(B). Review

1010

A

B

C

D

continue next page

Harness Height, Forward-Facing (A)

Harness straps at or just above the child’s
shoulders and top of child’s ears below top of
headrest (B). Review section 5.

For Forward-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

A

B

Buckle Position (C)

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.
Review section 5.

Harness Tightness (D)

If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 5.

1111

C

D

Rear-Facing Installation

Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (A)

Review section 3

Check level indicator (B)

Review section 3

Harness Straps at or Just
Below Child’s Shoulders (C)

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)

Review section 5

1212

A

B

C

D E

Forward-Facing Installation

Use the top tether strap when
using forward-facing (A)

When used properly, the top tether
helps reduce injury in a sudden
stop or crash.
Review section 4

Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (B)

Review section 4

Harness Straps at or Just
Above Child’s Shoulders (C)

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)

Review section 5

A

CB

D E

1313

1-B Welcome to the Graco Family!

Your child’s safety depends on you. No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in
every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

Even if this car seat seems easy to figure out on your own, you must follow the detailed
instructions in this instruction manual to ensure the steps below are performed correctly.

1414

1-C Right Mode of Use

5 lb
(2.2 kg)

Rear-Facing with 5-Point Harness*

5-22 lb (2.2-10 kg) less than 1 year old MUST be
rear-facing.
22-40 lb (10-18 kg) SHOULD be rear-facing.

* Check your state laws and the AAP/NHTSA recommendations. See page 21.

22 lb
(10 kg)

Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness*

22-40 lb (10-18 kg) can sit upright unassisted CAN be
forward-facing.
40-65 lb (18-30 kg) MUST be forward-facing.

40 lb
(18 kg)

1515

65 lb
(30 kg)

1-D Before You Begin

Register This Child Restraint

Please fill out the prepaid registration postcard attached to the harness and mail
it in today or register online at www.gracobaby.com/carseatregistration.

Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You must register this
restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, and the restraint’s
model number and manufacturing date to:

Graco Children’s Products, Inc.

Attn: Customer Service

P.O. Box 169, Elverson, PA 19520-9901

or call 1-800-345-4109

or register online at

www.gracobaby.com/carseatregistration

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.

1616

For future reference or if you change addresses, record the model name, model
number, date of manufacture and purchase date of this car seat on the below.
You can find this information either on the registration card if you still have it or
on the date label located on the back of the car seat.

Model Name _________________________

Model Number _______________________

Date of Manufacture __________________

Date of Purchase _____________________

If You Need Help

In the U.S.A, please contact our Customer Service Depar tment with any
questions you may have concerning parts, use, or maintenance. When you
contact us, please have your product’s model number and date of manufacture
ready so that we may help you efficiently. These numbers can be found on a
sticker on the back side of your car seat.
For additional resources or to get your car seat checked by a child passenger
safety technician, please visit the following web sites:

www.nhtsa.gov • www.seatcheck.org • www.safekids.org

1717

Certification

This child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal
motor vehicle safety standard 213 for use in motor vehicles.

This child seat is certified for use in aircraft. Use only on foward­facing aircraft seats. Follow the instructions for vehicle installation.
For rear-facing installation, see section 3-C and 8-D Lap Belt
Installation. For forward-facing installation, see section 4-C and 8-D
Lap Belt Installation, but do not use top tether.

Contact the airline for their specific polices.

Car Seat’s Useful Life

STOP using this car seat and throw it away 7 years after the date of
manufacture. Look for this sticker on back of the car seat.

Graco Children’s Products Inc. advises against loaning or passing along a car
seat unless you know the complete history of the product. We also advise
against purchasing a car seat second hand.

Vehicle Seat Protection

Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel, or thin blanket under and behind
car seat.

1818

Warm Weather Use

Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or warm weather. To avoid burns,
always check before putting child in car seat.

1-E Safety Warnings

No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in
every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of
serious injury or death. READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY.

Failure to follow these instructions and child restraint’s labels
can result in child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden
stop or crash.

1919

! NEVER PLACE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT REAR-FACING

IN A VEHICLE SEATING LOCATION THAT HAS AN ACTIVE
FRONT AIR BAG.

If an air bag inflates, it can hit the child and car seat with great force
and cause serious injury or death to your child.

! Review your vehicle owner’s manual for more information

about air bags and car seat use.

! If your vehicle does not have a back seat, review your vehicle

owner’s manual.

2020

! Children are safer riding rear-facing and should ride rear-

facing as long as possible, until they reach the maximum rear­facing height or weight rating for their car seat. Then children
should ride forward-facing, using the built-in harness system
for as long as possible until they reach the maximum forward­facing weight or height for their car seat. Be sure to check your
local and state laws, as well AAP and NHTSA recommendations,
for car seat usage.*

! Choose the correct mode of use for the car seat depending on

your child’s size. Infants less than 22 lb (10 kg) MUST use this
car seat rear-facing.

! Select a suitable location for the car seat in your vehicle.
! Secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt or LATCH that is

properly routed as shown in this manual.

* Graco supports the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s Car Seat Guidelines. Visit www.gracobaby.com/en-US/safety
for information on car seat usage recommendations.

2121

! Vehicle seat belt system MUST hold car seat securely. Not all vehicle

seat belts can be used with a car seat.

! If vehicle seat belt does not hold car seat securely, read “Vehicle Seat

Belts” section 8-D and your vehicle owner’s manual.

! Always secure car seat with LATCH or a vehicle seat belt, even when

unoccupied. In a crash, an unsecured car seat can injure passengers.

! If car seat is in a crash, it must be replaced. DO NOT use it again!

A crash can cause unseen damage and using it again could result in
serious injury or death.

! DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged or missing parts.
! DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by Graco

except for a thin towel or mat to protect your vehicle seat or rolled
towels or pool noodles to help get your car seat level. Their use could
alter the performance of the car seat.

! DO NOT remove LATCH system from car seat. If using vehicle seat belt to

secure car seat, LATCH connectors must be stored.

2222

! Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping. Child may

become tangled in harness straps and suffocate or strangle.

! Rear-facing car seat must be properly leveled:

• Too reclined can result in injury or ejection.

• Too upright can result in breathing difficulties.

! Never attach two LATCH connectors to one vehicle

lower anchor point unless specifically allowed by
the vehicle manufacturer.

! Do not use both the vehicle belt and LATCH belts at the

same time when using the car seat rear or forward facing.

Note: Preterm or low birth weight infants may be at special risk in a vehicle or aircraft.

According to the AAP, these infants may suffer breathing issues if improperly reclined in
a car seat. When rear-facing, use the corrected age for preemies. Graco advises that you
have your physician or hospital staff evaluate your infant and recommend the proper car
seat or car bed before you and your infant leave the hospital.

2323

2 Features

2-A Car Seat Features

F

A

B
C

D

E

24

G
H

2 Features

A Harness Slots
B Harness Buckle
C Buckle Strap
D Harness Release Lever

(Under Flap)
E Harness Adjustment Strap
F Headrest/ Harness

Adjustment Handle
G Harness Straps
H Chest Clip

25

2 Features

A

B

A
B

26

C

D

E

2 Features

A LATCH Storage Bar
B LATCH Strap (stored)
C Level Indicator
D Forward-Facing Belt Path
E Rear-Facing Belt Path

27

2 Features

D

A

E
F

B
C

G

28

2 Features

A Harness Straps
B Splitter Plate
C Harness Cover Plate
D Tether Storage Bar
E Tether Hook
F Tether Strap
G Instruction Manual Storage

29

3 Rear

Facing

• Harness straps need to be even with or just
below the top of child’s shoulders and chest

clip is at armpit level.

• Children are safer riding rear-facing and
should ride rear-facing as long as possible,
until they reach maximum rear-facing
height or weight rating for their car seat.
Then children should ride forward-facing,
using the built-in harness system for
as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight or height
for their car seat. Be sure to check local
and state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA

recommendations, for car seat usage.

3-A Rear-Facing

LATCH Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap/
Shoulder Belt

Rear-Facing:
5-40 lb (2.2-18 kg) and whose head is at
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the
car seat

• Infants who weigh less than 22 lb (10 kg)
MUST be rear-facing.

• Place car seat rear-facing in the vehicle back seat.

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt is
routed through the rear-facing belt path marked
with a blue label.

• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car
seat should not move at the rear-facing belt
path more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from side to

side, front to back.

• Check recline level making sure the ball is within
the blue area.

30

3 Rear

Facing

• Harness straps need to be even with or just
below the top of child’s shoulders and chest

clip is at armpit level.

• Children are safer riding rear-facing and
should ride rear-facing as long as possible,
until they reach maximum rear-facing
height or weight rating for their car seat.
Then children should ride forward-facing,
using the built-in harness system for
as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight or height
for their car seat. Be sure to check local
and state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA

recommendations, for car seat usage.

NEVER place this child
restraint rear-facing in a
vehicle seating location that
has an active front air bag.

31

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

3 Rear

Facing

1. Store Top Tether Strap

Attach tether hook to the plastic bar on either side
of the car seat.

2. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage
Location

How to Read the Level Indicator:

Use corrected age for preemies.

• If the ball is entirely in light blue, the restraint is
level for infants 0+ months in age.

• If the ball is in light blue and dark blue, the
restraint is level for a child 3+ months in age.

• If the ball is in RED, child restraint is NOT
level. You must adjust your recline position.

32

3 Rear

Facing

3-B Install Rear-Facing with
LATCH Strap

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use.

1. Store Top Tether Strap

Attach tether hook to the plastic bar on either side
of the car seat.

2. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage
Location

33

3 Rear

Facing

6. Extend the LATCH Strap

For easier installation, extend the LATCH strap
to its maximum length by pressing the grey
button and pulling on the strap.

3. Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the
Rear-Facing Belt Path Marked With

a Blue Label

If it is not, see section 7-A to move
LATCH strap.

4. Recline the Car Seat

Flip recline foot under car
seat for rear facing use.

34

3 Rear

Facing

5. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing
in Back Seat of the Vehicle

Place rear-facing in vehicle seat and
center the car seat between the lower
LATCH anchors. The bottom of the car
seat should sit as flat as possible on the
vehicle seat.

6. Extend the LATCH Strap

For easier installation, extend the LATCH strap
to its maximum length by pressing the grey
button and pulling on the strap.

35

3 Rear

Facing

9. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat
while tightening the LATCH strap. You may
need to tighten through the rear-facing belt
path as shown.

10. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the LATCH
strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side
and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1inch (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.

7. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball must
be completely in the blue zone. Readjust if

needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball must

completely cover the light blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be placed under

the car seat at the vehicle seat crease, until
the ball is completely in the blue zone.

8. Attach LATCH Connectors to Vehicle’s
Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should lie flat and not be twisted.

36

3 Rear

Facing

9. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat
while tightening the LATCH strap. You may
need to tighten through the rear-facing belt
path as shown.

10. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the LATCH
strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side
and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1inch (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.

37

3 Rear

Facing

11. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball must
be completely in the blue zone. Readjust if

needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball

must completely cover the light blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be placed under

the car seat at the vehicle seat crease, until
the ball is completely in the blue zone.

See section 5-A to secure your child.

Recheck the level indicator with child in seat.

12. To Remove LATCH Strap From Vehicle

See section 8-A.

38

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1 inch (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground

Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

39

3 Rear

Facing

3-C Installing Rear-Facing With
Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store Top Tether
and LATCH Strap

Attach tether hook
and LATCH
connectors to the
plastic bars as

shown.

2. Recline the Car Seat

Flip recline foot under car
seat for rear facing use.

40

3 Rear

Facing

3. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing in Back
Seat of the Vehicle

Place rear-facing in vehicle seat. The bottom
of the car seat should sit as flat as possible on
the vehicle seat.

4. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball must
be completely in the blue zone. Readjust if

needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball must

completely cover the light blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be placed under

the car seat at the vehicle seat crease, until
the ball is completely in the blue zone.

41

3 Rear

Facing

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use

5. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt

Thread vehicle seat belt through the rear­facing belt path (marked with a blue label)
and out the other side. Buckle it. The seat
belt should lie as flat as possible and not
be twisted.

Note: It may be easier to route the vehicle
seat belt by lifting seat pad up to expose
the belt path.

Make sure the vehicle seat belt is in front
of the buckle strap when the buckle is in
the inner-most position, and in behind
when in the outter-most position.

6. Lock Vehicle Seat Belt

In most vehicles today, slowly pull the
shoulder belt all the way out and then let it
go back in. You will hear a clicking sound.
Slowly pull out on the belt and it should
be locked. If not, review your car’s owner
manual and section 8-D.

42

3 Rear

Facing

7. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt

Press down firmly in the center of the car
seat. Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while
feeding the slack back in the retractor.

8. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the vehicle
seat belt is and slide the car seat side-to-side
and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.

9. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball must
be completely in the blue zone. Readjust if

needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball must

completely cover the light blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be placed under

the car seat at the vehicle seat crease, until
the ball is completely in the blue zone.

43

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Forward-Facing:
22-65 lb (10-30 kg) 49” (125 cm) or less

• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle
back seat.

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt
is routed through the forward-facing belt path
marked with a orange label.

• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car
seat should not move at the forward-facing
belt path more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from side
to side, front to back.

• Harness straps need to be even with or just
above the top of child’s shoulders and chest
clip is at armpit level.

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1 inch (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground

Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

44

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

4-A Forward-Facing

Forward-Facing:
22-65 lb (10-30 kg) 49” (125 cm) or less

• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle
back seat.

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt
is routed through the forward-facing belt path
marked with a orange label.

• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car
seat should not move at the forward-facing
belt path more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from side
to side, front to back.

• Harness straps need to be even with or just

above the top of child’s shoulders and chest
clip is at armpit level.

45

LATCH Strap
Do not install by this
method for a child
weighing more than
45 lb (20 kg)

4 Forward

Facing

2. Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the
Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked with

Orange Label

If it is not, see section 7-A to
move LATCH strap.

3. Flip recline foot out
for forward facing use.

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt

• Children are safer riding rear-facing and should
ride rear-facing as long as possible, until they
reach the maximum rear-facing height or weight
rating for their car seat. Then children should
ride forward-facing, using the built-in harness
system for as long as possible until they reach
the maximum forward-facing weight or height
rating for their car seat. Be sure to check
your local and state laws, as well as AAP and
NHTSA recommendations, for car seat usage.

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

46

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

4-B Install Forward-Facing
with LATCH Strap

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use.

1. Remove LATCH Strap from
Storage Location

2. Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the
Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked with

Orange Label

If it is not, see section 7-A to
move LATCH strap.

3. Flip recline foot out
for forward facing use.

47

4 Forward

Facing

6. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing
inBack Seat of the Vehicle

Place forward-facing in vehicle seat. The
bottom of the seat should sit as flat as
possible on the vehicle seat.

7. Attach LATCH Connector to Vehicle’s
Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

4. Remove Top Tether Strap from Storage
Location

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

5. Extend the LATCH Strap.

For easier installation, extend the LATCH strap
to its maximum length by pressing the grey

button and pull out on the strap.

48

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

6. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing
inBack Seat of the Vehicle

Place forward-facing in vehicle seat. The
bottom of the seat should sit as flat as
possible on the vehicle seat.

7. Attach LATCH Connector to Vehicle’s
Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

49

4 Forward

Facing

8. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat
while tightening the LATCH strap.

9. Attach Top Tether Strap

Extend the top tether
pressing the grey button
and pulling out on the strap
and attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific
location.

10. Tighten Top Tether Strap

Remove all the slack.

50

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

11. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the LATCH
strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side
and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.

See section 5-A to secure your child.

12. To Remove LATCH Strap From Vehicle

See section 8-A.

51

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1 inch (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

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4 Forward

Facing

4-C

1. Store LATCH Strap

2. Adjust child restraint to Upright

Flip recline foot out for forward facing use.

Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

Attach LATCH connectors to the plastic bars
as shown.

position.

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4 Forward

Facing

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From Storage
location and Lay it in the Seat

4. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing in
Back Seat of the Vehicle

Place forward-facing in vehicle seat. The
bottom of the seat should sit as flat as
possible on the vehicle seat.

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4 Forward

Facing

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use

5. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt

Thread vehicle seat belt through the forward­facing belt path (marked with a orange label)
and out the other side. Buckle it. The seat
belt should lie as flat as possible and not be
twisted.

6. Lock the Vehicle Seat Belt

In most vehicles today, slowly pull the
shoulder belt all the way out and then let it go
back in. You will hear a clicking sound. Slowly
pull out on the belt and it should be locked.
If not, review your car’s owner manual and
section 8-D.

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4 Forward

Facing

7. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat.
Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while feeding
the slack back in the retractor.

8. Attach Top Tether Strap

Extend the top tether by
pressing the grey button and
pulling out on the strap and
attach. Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.

9. Tighten the Tether Strap

Push the car seat back while tightening the
tether strap to remove all the slack.

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4 Forward

Facing

10. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the vehicle
seat belt is and slide the car seat side-to-side
and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.

See section 5-A to secure your child.

57

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1 inch (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

58

5 Securing

Child

WARNING! In cold weather, do not put snowsuits or bulky garments
on your child when placing them in the car seat. Bulky clothing can

prevent the harness straps from being tightened properly. To keep child
warm, buckle your child in the car seat and place a blanket around the child
or place the child’s coat on backwards after buckling in.

5-A

Securing Child 5-point Harness

1. Loosen Harness
Straps

Push down on the
harness release lever
while pulling out on
the harness straps at
the chest clip.

Unbuckle the chest
clip and the buckle
strap. Place harness
straps off to the
sides.

B

C

A

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5 Securing

Child

4. Be Sure the Harness Straps Are at the
Proper Height

Rear-Facing: Harness straps should be at or
just below the child’s shoulders. Top of head

MUST be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the
handle.

Forward-Facing: Harness straps should be
at or just above the child’s shoulders. Top of

child’s ears below top of car seat.

To Raise or Lower

Headrest/Harness
Height

Squeeze the
adjustment handle and
move headrest for the
proper harness height.

2. Place Your Child in the Seat

Make sure their back is flat against the car
seat back.

Avoid bulky or heavy clothing when it is cold
out. Doing so will prevent the harness straps
from being tighten properly. If needed, place a
blanket over the child after you have secured
the child.

3. Place Harness Straps Over
Child’s Shoulders and Buckle

You will hear a “click” when buckle tongues
are securely attached. Pull up on each buckle
tongue to make sure it is securely attached.

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5 Securing

Child

4. Be Sure the Harness Straps Are at the
Proper Height

Rear-Facing: Harness straps should be at or
just below the child’s shoulders. Top of head

MUST be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the
handle.

Rear-Facing

Forward-Facing: Harness straps should be
at or just above the child’s shoulders. Top of

child’s ears below top of car seat.

To Raise or Lower

Headrest/Harness
Height

Squeeze the
adjustment handle and
move headrest for the
proper harness height.

Forward-Facing

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5 Securing

Child

When head support is in lowest position,

From bottom of car seat, rotate metal
retainer to side in order to push it
through slot easier.

Pull buckle strap from child restraint
as shown.

always pull flap forward as shown.

5. Check the Buckle Position

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.

To adjust, recline flip foot must be in

forward-facing position.

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5 Securing

Child

From bottom of car seat, rotate metal
retainer to side in order to push it
through slot easier.

Pull buckle strap from child restraint
as shown.

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5 Securing

Child

6. Buckle the Chest Clip

You will hear a “click” when the chest clip is
securely buckled.

7. Pull All the Slack Out From Around
the Waist

Pull up on the harness strap while pushing
the chest clip down. Do this to both sides.

Insert buckle strap into desired slot.
Pull up on buckle strap to be sure it is
secure.

When changing buckle strap location
LATCH belt must pass between the
LATCH belt lines as shown.

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5 Securing

Child

6. Buckle the Chest Clip

You will hear a “click” when the chest clip is
securely buckled.

7. Pull All the Slack Out From Around
the Waist

Pull up on the harness strap while pushing
the chest clip down. Do this to both sides.

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5 Securing

Child

8. Tighten the Harness by Pulling the
Harness Adjustment Strap

A snug harness should not allow any slack. It
lies in a relatively straight line without sagging.
It does not press on the child’s flesh or push
the child’s body into an unnatural position.

When you are not able to pinch any of the
harness webbing at your child’s shoulder, the
harness is tight enough.

9. Raise the Chest Clip to Child’s Armpit
Level

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6 Accessories

6-A Accessories (on select models)

Harness Covers

Make sure that harness covers do not
interfere with placement of the chest clip at
armpit level.

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6 Accessories

1. For Ease of Moving the LATCH Strap

A. Unclip The Seat Pad From The Front Of
The Child Restraint.

B. Pull the LATCH strap out of the belt path

opening, so that the LATCH connectors end
up on the same side of the child restraint.

Body Support

Only use body support in rear-facing mode.
Body support must be used if shoulders are
below the lowest harness setting.

Never allow body support to bunch or fold
behind child.

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7 Moving

LATCH

7-A

Moving the LATCH Strap

1. For Ease of Moving the LATCH Strap

A. Unclip The Seat Pad From The Front Of
The Child Restraint.

B. Pull the LATCH strap out of the belt path

opening, so that the LATCH connectors end
up on the same side of the child restraint.

A

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B

7 Moving

LATCH

2. Slide Entire LATCH Strap Along Bar to

4. Replace the seat pad fabric on the
front of the child restraint.

Correct Belt Path Opening
Rear-Facing: Slide LATCH strap down to

the blue label.

Forward-Facing: slide the LATCH strap up

to the orange label.

3. Feed the LATCH Connector with the Adjuster Closest to it
Through the Chosen Belt Path

OR

Rear-Facing: Make sure the

LATCH strap is routed behind the
buckle strap, is flat and is not twisted.

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70

Forward-Facing: Make sure

the strap is flat and not twisted.

7 Moving

LATCH

4. Replace the seat pad fabric on the
front of the child restraint.

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8 Additional

Information

8-A

How to Remove LATCH and Tether

LATCH

Push gray button in while pulling on LATCH strap to loosen. Press in on
the hook’s spring. Push hook in, lift hook up, twist and pull out away from
anchor point.

Top Tether Strap

To remove, press the grey
button and pull out on the
strap to release the tension.
Press in on the hook’s spring.
Push tether hook in, then lift
up and pull away from tether

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72

anchor.

8 Additional

Information

8-B

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for seating locations.

Choosing Vehicle Seat Location

The best seating location for this car seat is one that:

• Is recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual, and

• Results in a secure installation of this car seat

According to accident statistics, the safest
place for your child in any vehicle is the back
seat. The center of the back seat can be the
safest during a possible side impact.

Some vehicles have specific requirements for where the car seat can be installed,
so be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for available seating positions,
if any.

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73

8 Additional

Information

In the event there is no available back seat and / or you have no other option
than to place a child other than an infant in a rear-facing car seat in a front
passenger seating position, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) recommends that you take the following steps:

• Ensure the child is properly restrained according to their age and size

• Move the seat as far back as possible

• Make sure the child is not leaning out of position, such as leaning
forward into the deployment path of the air bag

• Set the air bag ON-OFF switch, if available, to the OFF position

• Move the seat as far back as possible

8-C

Never install this car seat in any of the following vehicle seating locations:

Rear-facing or side-facing vehicle seats

Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations

Rear-facing with an active front air bag

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8 Additional

Information

8-D

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle seat belt use

This car seat can be installed using a vehicle seat belt. To do this, you will
need to change the seat belt to a locked mode for use with car seats. With
some vehicle seat belts, this is done with the latchplate; with other vehicle
seat belts, this is done with the retractor.

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

Vehicle Seat Belts

Retractor

A device that winds up the unused vehicle seat
belt. It is often hidden inside the panels on the
walls of the vehicle or in the vehicle seatback.

Latch Plate

The male end of the seat belt with the silver tongue.

Seat Bight

The crease where the vehicle seat back and seat
bottom meet.

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75

8 Additional

Information

Identify Your Seat Belt Type

There are two different types of vehicle seat belts that can be used with this car seat:

Lap/Shoulder Belt

3 connections points. Can be used in

all car seats modes of use.

The following types of vehicle seat belts CANNOT be

used safely with this car seat:

Lap Belt with Motorized

Shoulder Belt

Lap Belt or Shoulder Belt

Mounted on Door

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76

2 connection points. Can ONLY be

Lap Belt Only

used in harness

Some vehicles you may not

get a secure fit. Read both

your vehicle and car seat

mode.

Belts Forward of the

Seat Bight

manuals.

8 Additional

Information

Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation - Rear-Facing/Forward Facing Modes

Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about
your vehicle seat belts.

There are three types of retractors: ELR (Emergency Locking
Retractor), ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) , and
Switchable (ELR switch to ALR). To determine your type of

retractor, follow these steps:

1. Slowly pull the belt out about halfway and stop.

2. Let the belt retract back several inches.

3. Try to slowly pull the belt out more. If the belt cannot be pulled any further, it is
ALR. If it can be pulled further, go to the next step.

4. Slowly pull the belt all the way out, and then allow it to retract several inches.

5. Try to pull the belt all the way out again. If it cannot be pulled out, it is

Switchable. If it can still be pulled out freely, it is ELR.

Note: Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 will have Switchable retractors in

the back seat. If you have any questions about your retractor type, consult your
vehicle owner’s manual or call Graco for assistance.

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77

8 Additional

Information

How to Lock Your Lap and Shoulder Vehicle Seat Belt

Sliding Latch Plate and Switchable
Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt webbing and
cannot, by itself, hold the belt snug around a car seat.

When installing the car seat, route the vehicle seat
belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in.

Slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way out to
switch it to locking mode. Then, as you pull the

vehicle seat belt tight, feed all the slack back into the
retractor.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and slide
the seat side-to-side and front-to-back. The seat
should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Note: With the vehicle seat belt in this locking mode, all the tension is upwards in the
shoulder belt. This may start to tilt your car seat sideways. If this happens, use a locking
clip instead of this switching the retractor. See Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor.

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8 Additional

Information

Locking Latchplate and ELR Retractor

A latchplate that holds the lap belt snug after
it has been adjusted; contains a metal bar on
the underside of the hardware that “locks” the
belt in position.

When installing the car seat, route the
vehicle seat belt through the proper belt path
and buckle it in. Then, pull upwards on the
shoulder belt so that the lap belt gets tight
around the car seat.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and
slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
The seat should not move more than 1 inch
(2.5 cm).

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8 Additional

Information

Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.

With this retractor, you will need to use the
locking clip to lock the vehicle seat belt.

To obtain a locking clip call 1-800-345-4109.
Route the vehicle seat belt through the proper

belt path and buckle it in. Pull the vehicle seat
belt tight. While pushing down on seat, pinch
the two straps together behind the buckle
tongue. Unbuckle the belt without allowing it
to slip.

Attach locking clip to lap and shoulder belts
as shown.

Rebuckle belt. Check that lap belt does not
move by pulling hard. If belt loosens or
lengthens, repeat procedure.

Sliding Latch Plate and ALR Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.

Slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way
out. Route the vehicle seat belt through the

proper belt path and buckle it in. Then, as
you pull the vehicle seat belt tight, feed all the
slack back into the retractor.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and
slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
The seat should not move more than 1 inch
(2.5 cm).

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8 Additional

Information

Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.

With this retractor, you will need to use the
locking clip to lock the vehicle seat belt.

To obtain a locking clip call 1-800-345-4109.
Route the vehicle seat belt through the proper

belt path and buckle it in. Pull the vehicle seat
belt tight. While pushing down on seat, pinch
the two straps together behind the buckle
tongue. Unbuckle the belt without allowing it
to slip.

Attach locking clip to lap and shoulder belts
as shown.

Rebuckle belt. Check that lap belt does not
move by pulling hard. If belt loosens or
lengthens, repeat procedure.

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81

Locking Clip

1 in (2.5 cm)

8 Additional

Information

Lap Belt Installation

Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information
about your vehicle seat belts.

Locking Latch Plate and No Retractor

When installing the car seat, route the lap seat
belt through the proper path and buckle it in.
Then, pull upwards on the tail of the belt so that

Grab the sides of the seat
at the belt path and slide
the seat side-to-side and
front-to-back. The seat
should not move more
than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

the lap belt gets tight around the car seat.

Sewn On Latch Plate and ALR

Slowly pull the lap belt all the way out. Route
the vehicle seat lap belt through the proper belt
path and buckle it in. Then, pull the lap belt tight
while feeding all the slack back into the retractor.

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9 Care &

Cleaning

9-A

Clean with a damp sponge using mild soap and
cool water. Refer to seat pad care tag for washing
instructions.

Cleaning Seat Pad

1. Make sure harness straps are loose, remove

both harness strap loops from splitter plate on
back of child restraint and pull through front
of pad. Open chest clip, release tongues from
buckle.

2. Remove the elastic straps from the
hooks on back of seat as shown.

83

9 Care &

Cleaning

3. Remove Seat Pad from Shell by
Pushing Harness Straps and Buckle
Strap Through Seat Pad.

4. Remove head support cover by pulling
the tab out from behind the head sup­port foam and then peel the cover off
the head support.

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9 Care &

Cleaning

9-B Cleaning Buckle

Recline the car seat and locate the metal retainer.
Rotate the metal retainer up through the shell and
pad. From the front, pull the buckle strap out.

To clean buckle, place in a cup of warm water
and gently agitate the buckle. Press the red
button several times while in the water.

DO NOT SUBMERGE THE BUCKLE STRAP. DO
NOT USE SOAPS, HOUSEHOLD DETERGENTS or
LUBRICANTS.

Shake out excess water and allow to air dry.
Repeat steps as needed until it fastens with a
click. Re-insert the buckle into the same slot it
was removed. Pull up on buckle strap to make
sure it is secured.

85

WARNING! Inspect and
clean buckle from time
to time to remove any
objects or debris that
could prevent latching.

9 Care &

Cleaning

9-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH

Surface wash only with mild soap and damp
cloth. DO NOT IMMERSE THE HARNESS
STRAPS or LATCH STRAP IN WATER Doing so
may weaken the straps.

If harness straps or LATCH strap are frayed or
heavily soiled, contact Customer Service at
www.gracobaby.com or 1-800-345-4109.

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NOTES:

87

Replacement Parts

NWL0000644875C 3/19

CONTENDER 65/ADMIRAL 65

T

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

www.gracobaby.com

Do not install or use this

child restraint until you
read and understand the
instructions in this manual.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE

THIS CHILD RESTRAINT
INCREASES THE RISK OF

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

IN A SUDDEN STOP OR

To purchase parts or accessories in the United States, please contact us at the following:

www.gracobaby.com

or

1-800-345-4109

Store instruction manual behind the tab with

the instruction book icon as shown.

88