How to release handle

The PortAbout 5 was last manufactured in 2005, making it very likely the seat has expired. Contact Evenflo (800-233-5921, www.evenflo.com) about the expiration date and reattaching the visor (if the seat has not expired). Please DO NOT use an expired seat!
Manufacturer states that, when installing this rear facing only restraint in an outboard seating position, there should be at least 1.5" of space between the restraint, including the handle, and the
back of the front seat.
Do not remove the harness strap from the adjuster. If the harness is ever mistakenly removed, Evenflo will send a new harness with adjuster.
-- Marc

well then, if you bought it brand new then, you go back to the store and return it because, the one you bought might not have had it.

These car seats seem to have a problem in the release mechanism that
lets the handle move. We have found that lifting the handle a bit as you press
the releases can help. Try pulling toward the front of the car seat, then pressing
the release buttons. If all else fails, call Baby Trend and complain. It just might
get you a replacement if you can prove it is a danger to the child in the seat.
Baby Trend, Inc.,
1607 S. Campus Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761

By Phone: 1-800-328-7363

Hi. Go to this link http://www.evenflo.com/category.aspx?id=7

Select your seat, click on manuals and you will have it as a free download. J.

The handle should be down. It is in the manual. You will have less room, but it is NOT supposed to be up.

have a look here. you will likely find what you need to figure that out

http://safety.evenflo.com/cs/sc/cssc_RD.phtml

You're trying to unattach the straps from the wrong end....flip the car seat over and on the very bottom there is a little gold clip that pops out and you can push through the hole.

need to adjust straps

If you push down on the top of the handle you should then be able to move it. Also, to remove the straps you have to feed the bottom portion of the straps from underneath the seat up through first and then you should be able to feed through the material to remove the pad.

Just in case you don't still have the number; 1-800-233-5921, Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. I've asked them to send me a manual but i doubt if i can get it before the end of the holidays - here's hoping. :)