Volkswagen ID.4: Securing the child restraint with the upper strap (top tether)

Fig. 1 On the rear side of the rear bench seat: Top tether anchorages for the top tether safety belt.

Fig. 2 On the back of the front passenger seat (depending on country of use): attached top tether safety belt.

In the Volkswagen ID.4, ISOFIX child restraints with "universal" approval must also be secured using an upper strap, known as the Top Tether. This additional anchoring point enhances stability and significantly reduces forward movement of the child seat during sudden braking or collisions.

The top tether safety belt must only be attached to the designated anchor points in the Volkswagen ID.4. These anchorages are clearly marked with a symbol and may include the label "TOP TETHER" → fig. 1 or → fig. 2.

Fastening the top tether safety belt

Fig. 3 On the rear side of the outer rear bench seats or the front passenger seat: attached top tether safety belt.

Fig. 4 On the backrest of the top sport seat (with opening) on the passenger's side: belt guide for the top tether safety belt (general example).

1. Opening for the belt guide of the top tether safety belt.

Fig. 5 On the backrest of the top sport seat (without opening) on the passenger's side: belt guide for the top tether safety belt (general example).

1. Carefully read and follow all relevant instructions (→ Child restraints).

2. If necessary, remove the luggage compartment cover in the Volkswagen ID.4.

3. Position the child restraint centrally on the vehicle seat.

4. Push the child restraint connectors firmly into the ISOFIX anchor points until they engage securely and audibly (→ Child restraint with LATCH/UAS or i-Size).

5. If necessary, raise the head restraint and route the top tether strap behind it.

Or: Remove the head restraint and guide the strap over the backrest.

For sport seats with an opening: Route the strap through the opening in the backrest → fig. 4 -1-.

For sport seats without an opening: Route the strap over the head restraint → fig. 5.

6. Attach the hook of the top tether strap to the appropriate anchorage labeled "TOP TETHER" → fig. 3.

7. Tighten the strap until the child restraint is firmly positioned against the seat backrest.

WARNING

In the Volkswagen ID.4, the top tether strap must only be attached to designated anchor points. Incorrect attachment can lead to serious injuries.

• Always connect the top tether strap to the correct anchorage point.
• Never attach the strap to cargo tie-downs or other non-approved points.

WARNING

Objects stored in the rear pockets of the front passenger seat can damage the top tether strap during an accident.

• Do not store objects in seatback pockets when using the top tether system in the Volkswagen ID.4.

Depending on the model and country specifications, the Volkswagen ID.4 may be equipped with two or three top tether anchor points located behind the rear seat backrest.

Attaching a child restraint with ISOFIX or i-SizeVolkswagen ID.4 (E21) 2021-2026 Service Manual