Registration Information
Expressway
Fill out the registration card and mail it in today!
User Guide
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 Britax Child Safety, Inc. 13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273 or call 1-888-4BRITAX. For recall
information, call the U.S. Government's Auto Safety Hotline at
1-800-424-9393 (202-366-0123 in DC area).
Britax Child Safety, Inc.
13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273
USA
Tel: 1-704-409-1700 ext. 1
R2:09/01
P222000
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Safety Information
Safety Information
seat differ from vehicle to vehicle. Please study the section
on Compatible Seat Belts in this booklet for the safety
assurance of your child. If in doubt about installing your
child seat using the vehicle safety belts, consult your motor
vehicle handbook or your Britax retailer.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN
YOUR CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR DURING A
SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. SECURE THE EXPRESSWAY WITH
A VEHICLE SEAT BELT AS SPECIFIED IN THIS INSTRUCTION
BOOKLET.
• The primary protection for occupants of a motor vehicle in
a collision is the body of the vehicle itself, and a child
restraint will not protect a child when the vehicle body is
seriously impacted. However, correctly installed, the
Expressway is designed to substantially improve the
chances for survival in crashes. Make sure that you fully
understand the correct way to use the Expressway in your
vehicle.
• Secure the Expressway even when it is not occupied. In a
crash, an unsecured child seat may injure other vehicle
occupants.
• DO NOT use child seats that are older than six years or
that have been in a severe crash (i.e. main vehicle body
structure distorted). This ensures that no hidden damage
or deterioration has occurred.
• DO NOT place any child seat in the front seat of a vehicle
with a passenger airbag unless the airbag is turned off -
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur. The back seat is
the safest place for children 12 and under.
• ALWAYS check that the child seat is still secure and that
the seat belts are tight before use. If there is any slack in
the seat belts, re-tighten them before starting your
journey.
• Owners of vehicles with front passenger side air bags
should refer to their vehicle owner’s manual for child
restraint installation instructions.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
recommends, based on accident statistics, that parents
select the rear seat as the safest location for a child seat.
However, the actual dimensions of the vehicle seat and the
details of the vehicle safety belts used to anchor the child
•
When the ISOFIT Connectors are not in use, they must be
securely connected to the tie wraps located under the cover on
each side of the child seat.
2
3
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Feature Identification
Feature Identification
Cover
TM
Versa-Tether
Comfort Pads
Chest Clip
Lock-off
Shoulder
Slots
Hook & Loop
Fastener
TM
HUGS
Shoulder
Straps
Yoke
Pull Rings
Buckle
Hook & Loop
Fastener
Side Slot
Lap-Belt
Guide
Harness
Release
Button
Belly Pad
Base
Recline
Release
Handle
Harness
Adjuster
TM
ISOFIT
Connectors
4
5
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Checking Harness Height
Adjusting Harness Height
The shoulder harness MUST be threaded through the slots in the
cover and shell nearest the top of your child’s shoulders. If in any
doubt always use the slot above the shoulder rather than below it.
3 From rear of seat, remove c-
clips from HUGS straps. (See
Figure B)
4 Unhook the shoulder straps
from the yoke. (See Figure C)
5 Pull all straps through the shell
and cover, to the front of the
seat.
B
6 Thread the harness straps
through the appropriate harness
height slots. (See Figure D)
7 Reattach harness straps to the
Once the top slots become necessary, your child may continue to
use the seat until the center of the ears become level with the top
of the seat shell or weight exceeds 40 lbs.
yoke. (See Figure C)
8 Pull harness adjuster strap to
tighten the harness.
9 Thread HUGS straps over the
harness straps and through the
same slot as the corresponding
harness strap.
Adjusting Harness Height
C
1 Remove the soft pads by
releasing the hook and loop fas-
tener connection.
10 Reattach a c-clip to the loop
at the end of the HUGS straps.
(See Figure B)
2 Loosen the harness by pushing
the harness release button while
pulling the shoulder straps for-
ward as far as possible. Use the
pull rings to aid in loosening the
harness. (See Figure A)
11 Pull HUGS down as far as it
will go and verify that all straps
are threaded at the same height
and are not twisted.
A
D
6
7
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Compatible Seat Belts
Compatible Seat Belts
NOTE: The information in this section only applies if you are installing the
Expressway using the vehicle seat belts.
Before you install the child seat in your vehicle, first note that some vehi-
cles have no seating positions which are compatible with the Expressway
(or any other child seat). If in doubt, return to the dealer for help.
The following are seat belts that will not work with the Expressway:
• Front seat belts with top or bottom anchorages in the door (an
anchorage is the point where your seat belt and buckle are attached
to the vehicle).
Lower Ancorage
Point
Lower Ancorage
Point
Use this simple guide to check your seat belts and determine the
safest position for your Expressway.
• Motor driven automatic belts of any kind.
• Three-point belts that have retractors for the shoulder section and the
lap section. Such belts have latch plates (tongues) sewn both to the
shoulder and lap sections.
Use the gray shaded area on the side of this page to determine the
best position for the Expressway. Hold the page against your vehicle
seat (as shown above) with the gray area toward the back of the seat.
Now check to see if the lower seat belt anchorage points are in line
with the gray or the red area of this page.
• Non-locking (ELR) two-point seat belts.
The owner's manual for your vehicle will have information on the types
of seat belts in your vehicle. If you have belts of the above-listed types,
select another seating position. The Expressway will work with rear
seat three-point seat belts with a sliding latch plate, and with rear seat
three-point seat belts that are specifically marked as appropriate for
child seats. The middle rear seat of most vehicles has a lap belt which
most often will work with the Expressway. However, make sure that
the buckle does not catch on the child seat frame (see Checking Buckle
Position on page 20).
• If the lower seat belt anchorage points are in the gray area, then
you can use this position for your Expressway.
• If the lower seat belt anchorage points are in the red area, as
shown above, then you should use another position for your
Expressway, such as in the middle of the rear seat using the lap
belt.
NOTE: Although the seat belt anchorage points fall within the gray
area, a better installation may be achieved by adjusting your
Expressway to a reclining position.
The Expressway can fit securely in many vehicles using the existing seat
belts. However, some types of vehicle designs prevent a secure fit of the
child seat due to the position of the seat belt lower anchorage points.
8
9
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Incompatible Seating Positions
Important Notes
DO - Follow these fitting instructions in the order shown and get to
know your Expressway before installing it in your vehicle.
DO - Keep these instructions available for further reference.
DO - Secure the Expressway in your vehicle even when it is not occu-
pied. In a crash, an unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants.
Use the Expressway only in vehicle seats which face forward!
Do not use this seat on vehicle seats facing sideways or backwards!
Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be used with this child seat.
Side-facing or rear-facing seats in vans, station wagons or trucks
CANNOT be used wih the Expressway.
DO - Make sure that you adjust the harness to fit the clothes your child
is wearing - a fitting for winter clothes will be too slack for a child wear-
ing summer clothes.
DO - Cover your Expressway if your vehicle is left sitting in direct sun-
light. Parts can become hot to the touch in sunny weather.
DO - Store your Expressway in a safe place when it is not being used.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
DO NOT - Use your Expressway in the home. It has not been designed
for home use and should only be used in your vehicle.
DO NOT - Use anything, i.e. a cushion or coat, to raise your
Expressway off the vehicle seat. In an accident, your Expressway could
slide and be unable to protect your child as well as possible.
DO NOT - Except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble
any part of your Expressway or change the way its harness or your vehi-
cle seat belts are used.
DO NOT - Leave loose objects in your vehicle. If you must make a sud-
den stop, loose objects will keep moving. These could cause serious
injuries. Large and heavy loose objects are a definite risk.
DO NOT - Leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. If you have to sud-
denly stop your vehicle, a loose seat back could prevent your
Expressway from protecting your child as well as it should.
DO NOT - Leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.
DO NOT - Allow children to play with the Expressway.
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Installation: ISOFITTM Connectors
Installation: ISOFITTM Connectors
5 Connect the second ISOFIT
LATCH Bars
connector to the LATCH bar.
Closed
IMPORTANT: The ISOFIT straps
must be routed around the shell.
If the connections are made with
a direct route to the LATCH bars,
re-route the straps as shown in
Figure E, then continue.
Open
C
6 With one hand, push the child
seat down into the vehicle seat
cushion, while pulling the each
ISOFIT connector strap tight. (See
Figure D)
IMPORTANT: Before installing the
Expressway in your vehicle, make
sure that the shoulder slots are at
the correct level for your child.
See "Checking Harness Height"
on page 6).
7 Pull tether strap to tighten the
tether connection. (See Versa-
Tether on pages 18-19)
1 Place the child seat, with har-
ness tightened, facing away from
A
8 Verify that all connections are
D
you on the vehicle seat. (See
tight and the child seat is secure.
Figure A)
To remove your Expressway
2 Loosely attach the furthest
ISOFIT connector to the LATCH
bar. (See Figure B) If unable to
make attachment, squeeze
release trigger, then try again.
1 Loosen and unhook the tether
strap from the vehicle.
2 Loosen the ISOFIT straps by
pushing the adjuster tab on each
connector away from the child
seat.
3 Loosely connect tether strap to
tether anchor.
B
E
3 Squeeze the red trigger to
4 Rotate child seat into a forward
release each ISOFIT connector.
facing position.
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13
Installation: Lap & Shoulder Belt
Installation: Lap & Shoulder Belt
IMPORTANT: Before installing the
Expressway in your vehicle, make
sure that the shoulder slots are at
the correct level for your child.
See "Checking Harness Height"
on page 6).
4 Press to open the lock-off. (See
Figure C)
NOTE: Although the Expressway
has two forward facing lock-offs,
you will only need to use one.
Always use the lock-off that is far-
thest away from where the seat
belt is buckled.
Shoulder
Lap
1 Place the child seat forward fac-
ing on the vehicle seat and pull
the harness tight.
C
D
E
5 Pull the shoulder seat belt tight-
ly through the lock-off to remove
slack. (See Figure D)
This is a typical lap and shoulder
seat belt configuration.
2 Pass the seat belt through both
side slots and fasten buckle. (See
Figure A)
6 Pull hard on the shoulder seat
belt, then rotate the lock-off toward
the child seat until it clicks in place.
(See Figure E)
3 Before continuing, make sure
that the lap portion of the seat belt
passes through BOTH lap belt
positioning guides. (See Figure B)
IMPORTANT: Lock-off is not
engaged and vehicle belt is not
secured until a click is heard.
A
7 Verify that the seat belt is tight
and the child seat is secure.
See "Checking Buckle Position"
on Page 20.
To remove your Expressway, sim-
ply unfasten the seat belt and
reverse the above directions.
B
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15
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Installation: Lap Belt Only
Installation: Lap Belt Only
4 With one hand, push the child
seat down into the vehicle seat
cushion, while tightening the seat
belt with the other. (See Figure C)
IMPORTANT: Before installing the
Expressway in your vehicle, make
sure that the shoulder slots are at
the correct level for your child.
See "Checking Harness Height"
on page 6).
5 Verify that the seat belt is tight
and the child seat is secure.
1 Place the Expressway facing
forward on the vehicle seat and
pull the harness tight.
See "Checking Buckle Position"
on Page 20.
C
D
This is a typical lap seat belt
configuration.
To remove your Expressway,
unfasten the seat belt and reverse
the above directions.
2 Pass the seat belt through both
side slots and fasten buckle. (See
Figure B)
IMPORTANT: When the ISOFIT
Connectors are not in use, they
must be securely connected to
the tie wraps located under the
cover on each side of the child
seat. (See Figure D)
3 Before continuing, make sure
that the lap belt passes through
BOTH lower lap belt positioning
guides. (See Figure B)
A
B
16
17
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Versa-TetherTM
Versa-TetherTM
IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the tether be used at all
times, regardless of the installation method. Using the tether will
improve the stability of your child seat and reduce the risk of injury.
4
Locate an acceptable position in your vehicle to anchor the teth-
er. There are two possible locations as illustrated below.
a. The tether is attached to a metal anchor located on the speak-
er shelf of your vehicle.
Before attaching your tether, check your vehicle's owner manual.
Most U.S. cars and trucks have or can accept tether anchorages.
Adding a tether anchorage generally requires that an anchorage be
bolted into a steel panel. If you can't find information in your vehi-
cle owner’s manual, check with your vehicle dealer or call the vehicle
manufacturer's toll-free customer service number in your vehicle
owner's manual. Ask for a tether anchor kit and instructions on how
to install a tether anchor for a forward facing child seat. Tethers need
to be attached to strong anchors and your manufacturer is most
knowledgeable on what is correct. If no forward-facing tether
anchorages are available, you should NOT modify your vehicle by
drilling or bolting in an unapproved location.
b. If your vehicle has more than two rows of seats, the tether is
routed directly over the backrest of the vehicle seat and attached
to a floor mounted tether anchor.
NEVER ATTACH A FORWARD FACING TETHER TO A LOCATION
THAT IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY YOUR VEHICLE MANUFAC-
TURER OR TO A LOCATION THAT YOU BELIEVE IS INCORRECT
OR NOT STRONG ENOUGH. IF THE TETHER COMES LOOSE IN
A CRASH, THE METAL HOOK CAN BECOME AIRBORNE AND
INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
5
Route the tether behind the vehicle seat to form a V-shape.
Hook the tether to the anchor point and pull the tether strap to
remove any slack, creating tension in the belt.
Using the Versa-Tether:
6 Verify that all connections are tight and the child seat is secure.
1
Once the child seat is secured, facing forward, locate the teth-
er, which is behind the seat near the head area of the cover.
Lift the silver metal tab out on the tether and pull the belt until
it is extended to a V-shape.
There should be minimal movement when child seat is rocked.
2
3
Locate the snap hook with spring latch on the tether strap.
18
19
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Checking Buckle Position
Using the Puzzle Buckle
NOTE: This section does not apply when
If the buckle's tongues cannot be inserted
ISOFIT is used.
properly (if click is not heard), press the
red button on the buckle to release,
then re-insert tongues.
The position of the vehicle belt buckle can
affect the stability of your Expressway. In
an accident this could prevent your
Expressway from protecting your child as
well as it should.
Periodically clean the buckle to ensure
proper operation. Refer to "Cleaning
the Buckle" on page 26 for instructions.
If, when the lap belt is properly tightened, the
buckle lies in the position marked as wrong
Using Recline Positions
(
), then try moving the Expressway to
The Expressway has a choice of two positions for your child's comfort.
It can be used in either awake or sleeping position. Both are tested
and approved.
another seating position in your vehicle.
If it is not possible to achieve the correct
position for the buckle, then another seating
position MUST be used.
Pull the recline release handle,
then slide the base of the seat into
the desired position. Let go of the
release handle and be certain that
your Expressway has locked into
place.
Using the Chest Clip
NOTE: The appearance of the
chest clip may vary.
Open the chest clip by squeezing
the middle tab(s).
Awake
Sleeping
IMPORTANT: The correct height
for the chest clip is at the middle
of the chest, level to the armpit.
Always make sure that the har-
ness is tight before each use or
after any adjustments.
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21
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Securing Your Child
Securing Your Child
Once all adjustments have been
made to properly fit your child in
the child seat and the child seat
has been secured properly in the
vehicle, follow these instructions
to restrain your child in the
Expressway.
two pieces of the buckle together
- they connect like parts in a puz-
zle - and insert them together into
the buckle. You should hear a
click to indicate that the buckle is
securely fastened.
8 Gently pull up on the harness
straps to tighten the lap section of
the harness, which should fit low
down on your child's body.
1 Loosen the harness by pushing
the adjuster lever located in front
of the seat.
A
D
2 While pressing the lever, pull
the shoulder straps forward. (See
Figure A)
9 Slowly pull the Adjuster Strap
located on the front of the seat,
between the child's legs. This will
tighten the harness around the
child, making sure that the har-
ness is a comfortable but SNUG fit
around the child. A snug fit allows
you to place two fingers between
your child's body and the harness.
Make sure that the Chest Clip is
open before firmly adjusting the
straps.
3
Unfasten the Chest Clip by
squeezing the middle tab(s)
together.
4 Unfasten the buckle by press-
ing down on the middle red but-
ton.
B
E
5 Move the harness straps to the
side of the seat. Use the hook and
loop fastener located on the
straps and side of the cover to aid
in holding the straps.
10 Finally, fasten the Chest Clip.
Connect the two halves of the
chest clip together. Double Check:
The correct height for the chest
clip is at the middle of the chest,
level to the child's armpit.
6 Place child in the seat.
C
F
7
Position the harness straps
around the child and bring the
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Aircraft Use
Care and Maintenance
Your Expressway is certified for
use on an aircraft, using tradi-
tional seat belt routing. Most
airlines in the U.S. and Canada
will allow you to use a child
seat if it is labeled for use on
aircraft and fits properly in the
aircraft seats. Prior to travel,
contact your airline about their
specific policy concerning the
use of child seats.
3
Remove comfort pads, shoulder
pads and d-rings from the harness.
To remove the belly pad, you
must remove the buckle:
4
a
Fully recline the seat.
b
Locate the metal plate beneath
the seat which secures the buckle.
A
c
Twist the strap to thread the metal
plate through the shell and cover,
as shown in Figure B.
1
2
3
4
•
Install your Expressway in an
aircraft according to the
section "Installation: Lap Belt
Only". (See pages 16 - 17)
5
Careful not to damage the ener-
gy absorbing foam, gently pull the
cover off from the top of the seat,
easing the chest clip and harness
straps through their slots. (See
Figure C)
•
Refer to sections on harness height and securing your child before
using the child seat in an aircraft.
B
•
•
•
•
Use your Expressway only on aircraft seats which are facing forward.
Install the child seat in a window seat to avoid blocking access to the aisle.
If the aircraft lap belt is too short, ask the flight attendant for a belt extender.
Refitting the Cover
To re-fit the cover, simply reverse
the instructions for removing the
cover. Make sure that the shoulder
straps are threaded through the
chest clips and that there are no
twists in the harness.
The illustration above shows the Expressway correctly installed in a
window seat of an aircraft.
Removing the Cover
Completely loosen the harness by pushing in the harness release but-
ton as you pull the shoulder straps forward as far as possible.
1
C
2
Unhook the harness straps from the yoke and the HUGS straps from
the c-clips. Pull them through to the front of the seat.(See Figure A)
24
25
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Care and Maintenance
Care and Maintenance
b Pull the fabric cover off of the seat to expose the crotch strap. You
can now grasp the metal plate under the seat, by which the strap is
secured to the seat shell.
Cleaning the Harness and Child Seat Shell
DO NOT - Take apart or attempt to take apart any of the harness
when cleaning the harness and seat. It is unnecessary and dangerous
to do so.
c Push the metal plate upwards, on its side,
through the slot in the shell. (See Page 25)
DO NOT - Use solvents, detergents or cleaning fluids as these may
weaken the harness and seat.
2 Clean the buckle unit.
a Soak the buckle in warm water (if necessary,
DO - Only use mild soap and warm water.
with mild soap) for about an hour.
Cleaning the Cover
The cover is not machine washable. Hand wash with cold water and
mild soap. Air dry to prevent the cover from shrinking.
b Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3 Reinstall the crotch strap.
a Hold the metal plate on the crotch and strap
DO NOT - machine wash or dry.
DO NOT - use chlorine bleach.
sideways and push it with the narrow side facing upwards, through
the slot in the fabric cover and into the plastic shell. The metal plate
must be inserted through the slot in the plastic shell and not merely
through the fabric cover.
Cleaning the Buckle
Most problems relating to your child's seat buckle are caused by the
accumulation of dust and dirt. These are easily washed out.
b Verify proper installation by pulling up on the crotch strap several
times. If the fabric cover lifts off the seat shell significantly, the metal
plate is not fitted correctly.
These problems include:
•
•
•
•
The tongues fail to lock home with an audible click.
The tongues are slowly ejected after pressing the release button.
The tongues are difficult to insert (you feel resistance).
The tongues will no longer lock properly.
IMPORTANT:
•
•
•
Check your entire Expressway harness to remove a twist.
Make sure the straps are not twisted.
The buckle or other metal or plastic parts must be positioned
outside the side slots.
To clean the buckle, follow these steps:
1 Remove the crotch strap:
a Fully recline the seat.
•
Make sure the straps are clear of food particles. Wipe the straps
clean of food particles with a damp cloth.
26
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Warranty Information
Warranty Information
This Child Restraint was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc.
Britax Child Safety, Inc. ("Britax") warrants this product to the origi-
nal retail purchaser as follows:
Britax or the retailer selling this product be liable to you for any dam-
ages, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of
the use or inability to use this product.
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES AND OTHER WARRANTY
TERMS AND STATE LAW RIGHTS
This product is warranted against defective materials or workman-
ship for one year from the date of original purchase. Proof of pur-
chase is required. Your exclusive remedy for this Warranty is that
Britax will, at its option, provide repair or replacement components
for this product or refund the original purchase price of the product.
Britax reserves the right to discontinue or change fabrics, parts, mod-
els or products, or to make substitutions.
Any implied Warranties, including implied Warranties of mer-
chantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall be limited to the
duration and terms of the express written Warranty. Some states do
not allow limitations on how long an implied Warranty lasts or the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from
state to state. Neither Britax, nor the retailer selling this product,
authorizes any person to create for it any other warranty, obligation,
or liability in connection with this product.
To make a claim under this Warranty, you must contact your Britax
Retailer or Britax Child Safety, Inc., 13501 South Ridge Drive,
Charlotte, NC 28273. Proof of purchase is required.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL THE PRE-ADDRESSED OWNER
REGISTRATION CARD WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF PURCHASE.
WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
This Warranty does not include damages which arise from negli-
gence, misuse or use not in accordance with the product instruction.
LIMITATION OF DAMAGES
The Warranty and remedies as set forth above are exclusive and in
lieu of all others, oral or written, express or implied. In no event will
28
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