Xj child seat tether latch install

Q

quickspool

Guest
Need to install my son's car seat in my 2000 Cherokee. Does anyone have info on how to install the tether latch kit and possibly have a kit for sale(will post in wanted as well) Pics of a seat installed would be greatly appreciated.
 
R

Root Moose

Guest
XJs did not have a LATCH system as far as I know. I installed the upper rear tether without much fuss.

IIRC there is not much to it...

* Remove garnish moulding at top of rear hatch opening.

* install ChryCo supplied bolt and hook in pre-existing tapped hole.

* Re-install garnish moulding.

Install car seat as per normal car seat installation methods. You'll need one of those metal clippy things to get the lap belt tight enough so that the car seat does not move.

The "kit" isn't that expensive... might be $30? It's literally just a hook with a bolt that runs through its mount.Could trying looking for a Cherokee at Kenny's - might have them installed - would be easy to remove.

HTH
 

rf2

Well-known member
^ That method sounds way better than what was done in my XJ. When I bought it, it already had 2 child seat tether bolts installed. Both were installed by apparently drilling a hole through the floor in the trunk area, inserting the bolt through the floor, and installing a huge washer (like 2 or 3" diameter) before putting a nut on the bolt. It's secure, but the tether gets in the way when you are trying to carry large items in the trunk.
I'm going to look into the method described above to see if I can find the pre-tapped holes on mine. I always thought the method used in my XJ was weird compared to other vehicles I've seen.
 
R

Root Moose

Guest
What year is your XJ? I think all XJs 97-01 are like what I described above. I don't know about the earlier ones.
 
Q

quickspool

Guest
My xj is a 2000 and no I'm not referring to the LATCH system, just the top tether anchor kit. In my research I've found that the anchor is not to be installed in the roof but in the floor near the lift gate in the corners. Apparently the manual is incorrect. I've found pics that show them there installed by the dealer(drilled/big washer). I've ordered a kit but won't get it untill Friday. My service writer ordered it so I'm not sure what it entails. Hopefully it will come with instructions. We'll see.
 

rf2

Well-known member
My xj is a 2000 and no I'm not referring to the LATCH system, just the top tether anchor kit. In my research I've found that the anchor is not to be installed in the roof but in the floor near the lift gate in the corners. Apparently the manual is incorrect. I've found pics that show them there installed by the dealer(drilled/big washer). I've ordered a kit but won't get it untill Friday. My service writer ordered it so I'm not sure what it entails. Hopefully it will come with instructions. We'll see.

As I mentioned, that's how mine are installed (mine is a 98). How did you verify that this is the correct way to do it? Could you post some links, because this is kinda important? My son is in the car seat often, so I don't want to change the tether location if the other location is unsafe.
 
R

Root Moose

Guest
My xj is a 2000 and no I'm not referring to the LATCH system, just the top tether anchor kit. In my research I've found that the anchor is not to be installed in the roof but in the floor near the lift gate in the corners. Apparently the manual is incorrect. I've found pics that show them there installed by the dealer(drilled/big washer). I've ordered a kit but won't get it untill Friday. My service writer ordered it so I'm not sure what it entails. Hopefully it will come with instructions. We'll see.

This is incorrect.

The tethers are installed in the roof:



Both my 2001 and 2000 are like this. I can go look at my 1998 if anyone wants (never installed car seats in it).

Just go out and look at that part of your Jeep. There should be a plastic cover for the bolt hole in each location that you can see without removing the garnish moulding.

DON'T LET THE TARDS AT THE DEALER CUT UP YOUR JEEP!
 
Q

quickspool

Guest
So I checked my xj when I got home and it already has one latch anchor already installed in the ceiling on passenger side. It's a much nicer install than what is seen above. There is simply a small plug that pops out, no cutting of the roof liner. I never saw it because of the speakers and those are the first pics I've seen of the ceiling hooks. I spoke to a friend who has an older xj and the kit he purchased from th dealer is in the floor and requires drilling($70kit). The one I ordered was $20. I'm sorry I can show the links since it would take forever to find them again. Not a whole lot of info on this and lots of confusion. Just want my son to be supersafe. I'm going to personally call the dealer and see what info I get. From internet info, it seems that those who have gone to the dealer are told the manual is incorrect of mounting them in the ceiling and must be installed in the floor.
 
Q

quickspool

Guest
So recieved the tether anchor today and it's meant to be mounted in the ceiling. The older models use the floor method as they have no provisions in the ceiling. So realistically my year of xj could use either. The ceiling method allows more space. Called dealer and they were supposed to call me back but obviously they didn't(service). When I talked to parts they did say that the ceiling kit was the only one offered for my year and saw nothing of a recall/change. Older models come up with floor mount kit. Apparently my model year is the only one with plugs and doesn't require cutting.
 
Q

quickspool

Guest
Just make clear I'm referring to the actual headliner. In my kit it states 2000 m.y is the only one with plugs and does not require cutting. Otherwise it says you have to use a ice pick style tool to find the holes and gives you measurements as a guide. With mine installed you can't see any of the underlying material of the headliner. My hooks are black and the bolthead is exposed. I will try and post a pic when I get home.
 
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