Car Seat Installation Instructions for 00 TJ

MORunner · 07-19-2011, 10:01 PM

I recently purchased a 2000 Sahara and need to install a forward facing car seat in the back seat. The owners manual is a bit vague, so I'm hoping someone can provide a helpful website and/or pics to assist me with the install. I understand in 00 tethers were added, but I'm not sure how they work. Finally, any recommendations on some of the best (safety and convenience) car seats available for my ride are most appreciated.

**Benderff** · 07-19-2011, 10:31 PM

Welcome to the forum. Let me start by saying that car seat advice I have seen here has been very poor in general. I would suggest hitting Google and check out the reviews/ ratings on car seats. A forward facing seat is much easier to fit then a rear facing in a wrangler.

Personally we use a Graco Nautlius seat in the Jeep and in the Wife's car. They are good up to 65lbs as a 5 point system, and 100 for a booster. I like seats that have extra protection for side impacts also.

The instructions that come with the seat will give you a much better idea on installing the seat. With out the LATCH system you will use the seatbelt, and a tether that should go over the rear of the seat to a mount on the floor. Depending on if you seatbelt has a sliding lock plate or not you may need to use the seatbelt clip that will come with the seat. There should be very little movement with a forward facing seat. A rear facing seat will have very little said to side movment, but is designed to fold back towards the seat anything that inpeds that movement is unsafe.

If you are having a hard time with the seat you can always call the local fire, police, or hospital and ask about local programs that check the seat install.

Yuri · 07-20-2011, 01:05 AM

Same thing as Bender: Nautilus in the back seat, using the seat belt with teather to the hooks on the floor in back. Our old car seat worked in it too, but only in the forward-facing mode. Don't remember the brand, but it converted from a tiny baby seat all the way up to 60 lb or so.

I wondered about it too, but it ended up being easier than expected to put it in the Jeep.

MORunner · 07-20-2011, 04:42 AM

Thank you for the advice and recommendation. I'll check around town to see about a Nautilus. I didn't realize the tether hooks were on the floor. I've had the Jeep less than a week and am learning something new everyday. It passed the inspection yesterday and finally gets licensed today!

**RubiconRazorbac** · 07-20-2011, 05:07 AM

As Benderff said, your local police & fire stations will help you with the install.

**keithert** · 07-20-2011, 06:24 AM

If the 00 has the latch system just about any newer seat will work. When I had my 98 and my son was in that type of car seat I used the horrible belt locking clip. It was very hard to get it adjusted tightly. The Brittax brand of car seat uses a built in locking mechanism that is much easier to use in a vehicle that doesn't have the latches.

One benefit of you having an 00 is that you probably have the airbag disable switch so that the child can ride up front on occasion.

**Benderff** · 07-20-2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithert

If the 00 has the latch system just about any newer seat will work. When I had my 98 and my son was in that type of car seat I used the horrible belt locking clip. It was very hard to get it adjusted tightly. The Brittax brand of car seat uses a built in locking mechanism that is much easier to use in a vehicle that doesn't have the latches.

One benefit of you having an 00 is that you probably have the airbag disable switch so that the child can ride up front on occasion.

Unfortunately the 2000 wranglers did not have the LATCH system. That started in 2003 with the new style rear seat. All new car seats come with the LATCH system restraints. It can be confusing since they won't be used, but the instructions will show the different mounting styles. The air bag disable switch may have been just an option that year.

**keithert** · 07-20-2011, 07:49 AM

Every 99-02 I've seen has the switch. I really wished my 98 did back when I had it.

MORunner · 07-20-2011, 02:59 PM

I swear I read there were tether anchors in Wranglers beginning in 2000. I've searched high and low and can't seem to locate the darn things. I know they are supposed to be in the rear cargo area on the floor, but all that's back there are four cargo hooks that are white (same color as Jeep). Anybody else encounter the same mystery? I know in prior years you could have the dealer install the anchors, but I thought that was necessary for pre-2000 only. There either a) not there or b) obsure and I'm too blind to see them.

MORunner · 07-20-2011, 03:10 PM

What's funny is the manual states the following: "Your vehicle has tether strap anchorages behind certain rear seating positions for use with these child restraints. Anchorage hardware and installation instructions are available from your dealer." It's says I have them, but yet it says I don't have them. I'm not sure what it means by anchorage hardware, because I called the local Jeep dealer and a guy from the service desk couldn't find a part to order.

**Benderff** · 07-20-2011, 03:24 PM

IIRC behind the center of both seating spots you should have a small part looks like a hold down. It will be bolted down at the lip of the tailgate opening. That is if you have them. I'm not sure when they started installing them.