Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system is a standardized and uniform attachment system for installing child safety seats in passenger vehicles. LATCH equipped child safety seats have two lower attachments that connect to the vehicle portion of the LATCH system.

The vehicle portion of the system consists of two attachment points (6 mm wires) bolted to the floor pan at all three second row seating positions. The attachment points protrude from the biteline between the seat cushion and seat backrest.

If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the vehicle portion of the system for damage. If any of the attachment points (6 mm wires) are damaged, a new one must be installed.

See the appropriate removal and installation procedure for service.