Graco CONTENDERTM 65 Instruction Manual

1

NWL0000644864B 10/18

CONTENDER

TM

65

CHILD RESTRAINT

www.gracobaby.ca

Do not install or use this

child restraint until you read,

understand and follow the

instructions in this manual and

the warnings on the car seat.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE

THIS CHILD RESTRAINT

INCREASES THE RISK OF

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

IN A SUDDEN STOP OR

CRASH.

2

1-A Quick Guide to Your Manual
What Seating Location Should I Use?

Which Installation Method Should I Use?
What is UAS?
Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?

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
Airplane Installation
Car Seat’s Useful Life
Vehicle Seat Protection
Warm Weather Use

1-E Safety Warnings

1 Important Pages 6-23

3

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

4 Forward-Facing Use Pages 45-58

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

3 Rear-Facing Use Pages 30-44

5 Securing Child In Car Seat Pages 59-66

2 Car Seat Features Pages 24-29

4

7 Moving UAS Pages 69-71

6 Accessories (on select models) Pages 67-68

8 Additional Information Pages 72-81

8-A How to Remove UAS and Tether
8-B Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations
8-C Vehicle Seat Belts

5

9-A Cleaning Seat Pad
9-B Cleaning Buckle Strap
9-C Cleaning Harness and UAS Straps

9 Care & Cleaning Pages 82-85

6

1-A Quick Guide to Your Manual

This car seat is for children: Rear-Facing: 2.2-16 kg (5-35 lb)
46-110 cm (18-43 in)

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

69-125 cm (27-49 in)

Children less than 10 kg (22 lb) and cannot walk unassisted MUST use this car
seat rear-facing. Review section 1-C for more information.

Get to Know Your Car Seat

What Seating Location Should I Use?

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

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.
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 sections 1-A, 8-B, 8-C of this manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

7

Which Installation Method Should I Use?

This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat belt OR the
Universal Anchorage System (UAS). Both systems 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.

UAS: The UAS allows you to securely attach your car 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 UAS, although some
manufacturers began including UAS earlier. Some vehicle owner manuals
use the term ISOFIX to identify the UAS.

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

8

UAS consists of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which are built-in
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.

What is UAS?

Vehicle Top Tether

Anchor Points

Vehicle Lower
Anchor Points

Typical seat in a passenger
vehicle. Other vehicle types

may have different UAS

locations.

Vehicle Seat Crease

9

When Installing Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing

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

UAS System

UAS 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-A & 4-A of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

10

Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?

To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3, 4 and 5 to
understand all of the actions you need to take to properly adjust the car seat
to fit your child.

Harness Height, Rear-Facing (A)

Harness straps at or just below the child’s
shoulders and top of child’s head must be at
least 2.5 cm (1 in) below the handle (B).

Review 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.

For Rear-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

A

C

B

D

11

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.

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.

For Forward-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

A

C

B

D

12

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 2.5 cm (1 in) 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

Rear-Facing Installation

B

A

D E

C

13

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 2.5 cm (1 in) 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

Forward-Facing Installation

B

A

D E

C

14

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.

15

1-C Right Mode of Use

2.2 kg
(5 lb)

10 kg
(22 lb)

16 kg
(35 lb)

30 kg
(65 lb)

Rear-Facing with 5-Point Harness*

2.2-10 kg (5-22 lb), 46-110 cm (18-43 in) less than
1 year old MUST be rear-facing.
10-16 kg (22-35 lb) SHOULD be rear-facing.

Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness*

10-16 kg (22-35 lb), 69-125 cm (27-49 in) can walk unassisted and
over 1 year old CAN be forward-facing.
16-30 kg (35-65 lb) MUST be forward-facing.

* 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 for their car seat. Be sure to check your
Provincial/Territorial Laws, as well as AAP and Transport Canada recommendations, for car
seat usage.

16

1-D Before You Begin

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

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:

Newell Industries Canada Inc.

PO Box 20090 Oaktown Plaza, Oakville, ON L6K 3Y7

or call 1-800-345-4109

For recall information, call the Customer Service in Canada at www.gracobaby.ca or at
1-800-345-4109

Register This Child Restraint

17

Model Name _________________________

Model Number _______________________

Date of Manufacture __________________

Date of Purchase _____________________

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.

Please contact our Customer Service Department 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 of your infant restraint.

www.gracobaby.ca

1-800-345-4109

If You Need Help

18

THIS INFANT RESTRAINT CONFORMS to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213
and 213.1, and is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

Certification

Airplane Installation

When installing in an airplane, install the same way as you would in an
automobile with a lap only belt. This child restraint is certified for use in
aircraft. Use only on forward-facing aircraft seats. Follow the instructions
for vehicle installation. See section 3-B, 4-B and 8-C, but do not use top
tether. Contact the airline for their specific policies.

19

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.

Car Seat’s Useful Life

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

Vehicle Seat Protection

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

Warm Weather Use

20

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.

! 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.

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.

21

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

child’s size. Infants less than 10 kg (22 lb) and cannot walk
unassisted MUST use this car seat rear-facing.

! Review your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about air

bags and car seat use.

! 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 forward­facing, 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 your Provincial/Territorial Laws, as well as
AAP and Transport Canada recommendations, for car seat usage.

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

owner’s manual.

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

routed as shown in this manual.

22

! 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 and your vehicle owner’s manual.

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

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

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

except for a thin towel or mat to protect your vehicle seat or a 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 UAS system from car seat. If using vehicle seat belt

to secure car seat, UAS connectors must be stored.

23

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

become tangled in harness straps and suffocate or strangle.

! Do not use both the vehicle seat belt and UAS strap at the same

time when using the car seat.

! 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 UAS connectors to one vehicle

lower anchor point unless specifically allowed by the vehicle
manufacturer.

! This restraint system may only be used in these classes of

vehicles: passenger cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles and
trucks that have vehicle lap/shoulder belts and tether anchors.

24

2 Features

2-A Car Seat Features

A

B

G

F

H

C
D
E

I

J

K

25

2 Features

A Harness Slots
B Body Support
C Harness Buckle
D Buckle Strap
E Harness Release Lever

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

Adjustment Handle
H Harness Straps
I Chest Clip
J Cup Holder
K Headrest

26

2 Features

C

D

E

A
B

A

B

F

27

2 Features

A UAS Storage Bar
B UAS Strap (stored)
C Level Indicator
D Forward-Facing Belt Path
E Rear-Facing Belt Path
F Recline Foot

28

2 Features

A

B

E
F

G

H

C
D

29

2 Features

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

30

3 Rear

Facing

3 Rear-Facing

Rear-Facing:

2.2-16 kg (5-35 lb), 46-110 cm (18-43 in)

• Infants who weigh less than 10 kg (22 lb) and
cannot walk unassisted MUST be rear-facing.

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

• Make sure UAS 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 2.5 cm (1 in) from side to side, front to back.

• Check recline level making sure the bubble is
within the blue area. Vehicle MUST be on level
ground.

UAS Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap/
Shoulder Belt

31

3 Rear

Facing

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

• 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 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 forward­facing weight or height for their car seat. Be sure to
check your Provincial/Territorial Laws, as well as
AAP and Transport Canada recommendations, for car
seat usage.

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

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

32

3 Rear

Facing

How to Read the Level Indicator:

Use corrected age for preemies.

• Vehicle MUST be on level ground.

• 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.

33

3 Rear

Facing

3-A Install Rear-Facing with
UAS Strap

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

1. Recline the Car Seat

Flip recline foot toward the
front of the car seat for

rear-facing use.

2. Store Top Tether Strap

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

34

3 Rear

Facing

3. Remove UAS Strap from Storage

Location

4. Make Sure UAS Strap is in the Rear-

Facing Belt Path Marked With
a Blue Label

If it is not, see section 7 to move UAS strap.

35

3 Rear

Facing

5. Extend the UAS Strap

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

6. 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 UAS anchors.
The bottom of the car seat should sit as flat as
possible on the vehicle seat.

36

3 Rear

Facing

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 UAS Hooks to Vehicle’s Lower

UAS Anchors.

UAS strap should lie flat and not be twisted.

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

37

3 Rear

Facing

9. Tighten the UAS Strap

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

10. Test For Tightness

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

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

38

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 to secure your child.

Recheck the level indicator with child in seat.

12. To Remove UAS Strap From Vehicle

See section 8-A.

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

39

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than

2.5 cm (1 in) 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

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

40

3 Rear

Facing

3-B

Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store Top Tether
and UAS Strap

Attach tether hook
and UAS
hooks to the
plastic bars as

shown.

2. Recline the Car
Seat

Flip recline foot
toward the front of
the car seat for rear
facing use.

41

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.

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

42

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 rear-facing
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.

6. Tighten 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-C.

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.

43

3 Rear

Facing

7. 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 2.5 cm (1 in), it is
tight enough.

8. 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 to secure your child

Recheck the level indicator with child in seat.

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

44

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than

2.5 cm (1 in) 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

PD308354A

3+months
3+ mois

0+months
0+ mois

Ball MUST be entirely in blue.
La bille DOIT être entièrement
dans la zone bleue.

45

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

4 Forward-Facing

Forward-Facing:
10-30 kg (22-65 lb) 69-125 cm
(27-49 in)

• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle

back seat.

• Make sure UAS 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 2.5 cm (1 in) 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.

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt

UAS Strap

46

4 Forward

Facing

• 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 for their car seat. Be sure to check your
Provincial/Territorial Laws, as well as AAP and
Transport Canada recommendations, for car
seat usage.

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

47

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

4-A Install Forward-Facing
with UAS Strap

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

1. Make Sure UAS Strap is in the
Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked with

Orange Label

If it is not, see section 7 to move UAS strap.

2. Flip Recline Foot
Toward the Rear of the
Car Seat for Forward­Facing Use

48

4 Forward

Facing

3. Remove UAS Connectors and Top
Tether Strap from Storage Locations

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

4. Extend the UAS Strap.

For easier installation, extend the UAS strap
to its maximum length by pressing the grey
button and pull out on the strap.

49

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

5. 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.

6. Attach UAS Hook to Vehicle’s Lower
UAS Anchors.

UAS strap should not be twisted.

50

4 Forward

Facing

7. Tighten the UAS Strap

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

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 Top Tether Strap

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

51

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

10. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 5 to secure your child.

11. To Remove UAS Strap From Vehicle

See section 8-A.

52

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than

2.5 cm (1 in) 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

53

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

4-B

Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store UAS Strap

Attach UAS hooks to the plastic bars as
shown.

2. Adjust child restraint to Upright
position.

Flip recline foot toward the rear of the car seat

for forward-facing use.

54

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.

55

Important

I

m

p

ortant

4 Forward

Facing

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-C.

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

56

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.

57

Important

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p

ortant

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 2.5 cm (1 in), it is
tight enough.

See section 5 to secure your child.

58

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than

2.5 cm (1 in) 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

59

5 Securing

Child

5

Securing Child In Car Seat

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.

1. Loosen Harness Straps

(A) Push down on the harness release lever

while pulling out on the harness straps at
the chest clip.

(B) Unbuckle the chest
clip and the buckle. (C)
Place harness straps off
to the sides.

A

B

60

5 Securing

Child

2. Place Your Child in the Seat

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

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.

61

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 2.5 cm (1 in) 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.

Rear-Facing

Forward-Facing

62

5 Securing

Child

When headrest is in lowest position, 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.

For adjusting buckle

position only,
recline foot should
be positioned for
forward-facing use.

63

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 the front of the
child restraint as shown.

64

5 Securing

Child

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

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

65

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.

66

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

Check again for tightness. Tighten more if
needed.

67

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ortant

6 Accessories

6 Accessories (on select models)

Cup Holder

Cup holder can be on either side.
To attach, pull back the seat pad to

expose the attachment guide. Slide the
cup holder down the guide until it locks
into place.

To remove, place both hands under the
cup holder and push up on the cup holder.

6 Accessories

68

Body Support

Use only in the 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.

69

7 Moving

UAS

7

Moving the UAS Strap

1. For Ease of Moving the UAS Strap

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

B. Pull the UAS strap out of the belt path

opening, so that the UAS hooks end up on
the same side of the child restraint.

A

B

7 Moving

UAS

2. Slide Entire UAS Strap Along Bar to

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

blue label.

Forward-Facing: slide the UAS strap up

to the orange label.

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

Rear-Facing: Make sure the UAS strap is between the belt lines, is flat

and is not twisted.

70

71

7 Moving

UAS

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

Pull the harness adjustment strap through
pad. Replace the seat pad.

Forward-Facing: Make sure the strap

is flat and not twisted.

72

8 Additiona

l

Information

8-A

How to Remove UAS and Tether

72

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 anchor.

UAS

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

8 Additional

Information

73

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for seating locations.

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, experts recommend 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

8-B

Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations

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

Rear-facing or side-facing vehicle seats

Rear-facing with an active front air bag

74

8 Additiona

l

Information

74

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.

8-C

Vehicle Seat Belts

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

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

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.

Latchplate

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

Seat Bight

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

75

8 Additional

Information

75

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

Identify Your Seat Belt Type

Lap Belt Only

2 connection

points.

Lap/Shoulder

Belt

3 connection

points. Can

be used in

all car seats

modes of use.

Some vehicles you may not

get a secure fit. Read both your

vehicle and car seat manuals.

Belts Forward of the Seat Bight

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

76

8 Additiona

l

Information

76

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.

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

77

8 Additional

Information

77

How to Lock Your Lap and Shoulder Vehicle Seat Belt

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 Latchplate and ELR Retractor.

Sliding Latchplate 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 2.5 cm (1 in).

78

8 Additiona

l

Information

78

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 2.5 cm
(1 in).

79

8 Additional

Information

79

Sliding Latchplate 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-to­back. The seat should not move more than

2.5 cm (1 in).

80

8 Additiona

l

Information

80

2.5 cm (1 in)

Locking Clip

located on the back of

the backrest.

Sliding Latchplate 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.

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.

81

8 Additional

Information

81

Locking Latchplate 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
the lap belt gets tight around the car seat.

Sewn On Latchplate 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.

Lap Belt Installation

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

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 2.5 cm (1 in).

82

9 Care &

Cleaning

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

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.

9-A

Cleaning Seat Pad

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

83

Important

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m

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ortant

9 Care &

Cleaning

3. Remove seat pad from shell by
pushing harness straps and buckle
strap through seat pad.

4. Remove headrest cover by

pulling the tab out from behind the
headrest foam and then peel the
cover off the headrest.

DO NOT remove
foam padding.

84

9 Care &

Cleaning

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.

9-B Cleaning Buckle Strap

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

85

Important

I

m

p

ortant

9 Care &

Cleaning

9-C Cleaning Harness and UAS
Straps

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

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

86

NOTES:

87

NOTES:

88

Store instruction manual behind the tab
with the instruction book icon as shown.

Replacement Parts

PD000000 9/14

CONTENDER

TM

65

CHILD RESTRAINT

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

LockingClip
Storage

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

www.gracobaby.ca

[e-mail]

or

1-800-345-4109