Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat is designed to provide safety and comfort for your child through two distinct stages of growth. This 2-in-1 car seat transitions from a 5-point harness car seat to a high-back belt-positioning booster, accommodating children from 22 to 110 lbs.

Key features include dual integrated cup holders for convenience and an up-front harness adjustment for easy and proper tightening. The Maestro car seat is proudly designed, engineered, tested, and assembled in the United States, exceeding industry standards through rigorous side impact and dynamic rollover tests.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat.

2. Important Safety Information

WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death to your child.

• Always read and understand the entire instruction manual before installing or using the car seat.
• Never leave your child unattended in the car seat.
• Ensure the car seat is properly installed and secured in the vehicle according to the instructions.
• Always use the correct mode (harness or booster) based on your child's weight, height, and age.
• The harness must be snug, and the chest clip positioned at armpit level. In booster mode, the vehicle's lap belt must be low on the hips, touching the thighs, and the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder.
• Do not use this car seat if it has been involved in a crash, even if there is no visible damage.
• Do not modify the car seat or use accessories not approved by Evenflo.

3. Components Identification

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your Evenflo Maestro car seat:

• Car Seat Shell: The main structure of the seat.
• 5-Point Harness System: Includes shoulder straps, crotch strap, buckle, and chest clip.
• Headrest: Adjustable for proper head and neck support.
• Dual Cup Holders: Integrated on both sides of the seat.
• Seat Pad: Removable and machine-washable fabric cover.
• Harness Adjuster: Located at the front for easy tightening.

Figure 3.1: Angled view highlighting the integrated cup holders.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1. Harness Mode Installation (Forward-Facing)

For children weighing 22-50 lbs and at least 2 years old.

1. Position the Car Seat: Place the car seat forward-facing on the vehicle's back seat. Ensure it is flat against the vehicle seat back.
2. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt: Pull the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated belt path openings on the car seat. Refer to the labels on the car seat for the correct path.
3. Buckle and Tighten: Buckle the vehicle seat belt. Press down firmly on the car seat while pulling the vehicle's shoulder belt to remove all slack. The car seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
4. Adjust Harness Height: Ensure the shoulder straps are at or just above your child's shoulders. Adjust the headrest and harness height as needed.

Figure 4.1: Child properly secured in the 5-point harness mode.

4.2. Booster Mode Conversion and Installation

For children weighing 40-110 lbs and at least 4 years old.

1. Remove Harness: Follow the instructions in your detailed product manual to remove and store the 5-point harness system. Ensure all harness components are safely stored to prevent loss.
2. Position the Car Seat: Place the car seat forward-facing on the vehicle's back seat.
3. Position Child and Vehicle Belt: Seat your child in the booster. Route the vehicle's lap belt low across your child's hips, touching the tops of their thighs. Guide the shoulder belt through the shoulder belt guide on the car seat, ensuring it rests centered on your child's shoulder, not on the neck or off the shoulder.
4. Buckle and Check Fit: Buckle the vehicle seat belt. Ensure there is no slack in the lap or shoulder belt and that the belt lies flat against your child's body.

Figure 4.2: Visual representation of the transition from harness to booster mode.

Figure 4.3: Child properly secured in the belt-positioning booster mode.

5. Operating and Usage

5.1. Securing Your Child (Harness Mode)

1. Place your child in the car seat with their back flat against the seat back.
2. Bring the harness straps over your child's shoulders and between their legs.
3. Insert both buckle tongues into the buckle until you hear a click.
4. Connect the chest clip pieces and slide it up to armpit level.
5. Pull the harness adjustment strap at the front of the seat until the harness is snug against your child's body. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder.

5.2. Adjusting the Headrest

The headrest can be adjusted to ensure proper fit and comfort for your growing child. Locate the adjustment handle or mechanism at the back or top of the headrest. Squeeze or lift the handle and slide the headrest up or down to the desired position. Ensure the headrest is locked into place before use.

Figure 5.1: Adjusting the headrest for optimal fit.

5.3. Using the Cup Holders

The Evenflo Maestro includes dual integrated cup holders. To attach, snap each cup holder onto the designated slots on the side of the seat until you hear a click. Turn the seat over and ensure the locking tabs on each cup holder are securely locked in place. These are designed to keep drinks and snacks secure during travel.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Cleaning Instructions

• Seat Pad: The seat pad is machine-washable. Refer to the care label on the seat pad for specific washing instructions (typically cold water, gentle cycle, and tumble dry low or hang to dry). Do not use bleach.
• Plastic and Metal Parts: Wipe plastic and metal parts with a mild soap and water solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Harness Straps: Wipe harness straps with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or submerge harness straps in water, as this can weaken the webbing.
• Buckle: Periodically check the buckle for food or debris. Clean by flushing with warm water. Do not use detergents or lubricants.

6.2. Storage

When not in use, store the car seat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If storing the harness components after converting to booster mode, ensure they are kept in a safe place where they will not be lost or damaged.

7. Troubleshooting

• Car Seat is Loose After Installation: Ensure the vehicle seat belt is routed correctly through the designated belt path. Press down firmly on the car seat while tightening the vehicle belt to remove all slack. The car seat should not move more than 1 inch at the belt path.
• Harness is Difficult to Tighten/Loosen: Check for twists in the harness straps or if the harness is caught on any part of the seat. Ensure the harness adjuster mechanism is clear of debris.
• Cup Holders Do Not Stay in Place: Ensure the cup holders are snapped firmly into their designated slots until you hear a click. Verify that the locking tabs underneath the seat are securely engaged.
• Child's Head is Not Supported: Adjust the headrest to the appropriate height so that it provides proper support for your child's head and neck.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Evenflo products are manufactured with quality and durability in mind. For specific warranty details regarding your Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat, please refer to the warranty information included with your product packaging or visit the official Evenflo website.

Evenflo also offers live video installation support to assist you with the secure and correct installation of your car seat. For assistance, please contact Evenflo Customer Service through their official channels.

For further inquiries or support, please visit the Evenflo Official Website.