Rear seats in Nissan Note is not just a place for passengers, but a key element in the transformation of the cabin. The ability to fold them correctly opens up opportunities for transporting large cargo, from bicycles to furniture. However, many owners face problems: tight mechanisms, unobvious levers or fear of breaking plastic latches. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic instructions to little-known life hacks for different generations Note (E11, E12).

We will not limit ourselves to standard advice from the manual. Here you will find step-by-step photo analogues, comparison of folding mechanisms in pre-restyling and restyled versions, as well as answers to questions that the manufacturer is silent about. For example, why sometimes the seat does not lock in the folded position or how to avoid squeaks during reassembly. If you've ever tried to load your car with anything larger than shopping bags, these instructions will save you time and stress.

Preparing the interior before folding the seats

Before you start transforming the interior, make sure that nothing interferes with the process. Start with releasing the back row: Remove child seats (if they are attached to ISOFIX), check that the seat belts are not caught under the seats. Pay special attention to the headrests - in Nissan Note they often become an obstacle to complete folding.

In models with wheelchair ramp (optional for the European market) before folding the seats, you must turn off the electric drive of the ramp via the button in the trunk. Otherwise, the mechanism may block folding. Also check if it is enabled "Valet" mode (if your Note equipped with such a function) - it blocks access to some interior settings.

  • 🧹 Clean up the trash Because of the seats, coins, keys or sand can get into the guides and make movement difficult.
  • 🔌 Turn off the heated seats (if any) 5 minutes before folding - this will prevent the wiring from overheating.
  • 📏 Measure the load: Maximum length with seats folded is 1580 mm (for E12), but ~1450 mm is actually available due to the shape of the trunk.
  • 🔧 Prepare your tools: flat screwdriver (for prying off plastic covers) and silicone grease (if the mechanism is tight).
⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note 2006-2010 (E11) with seats folded Passenger sensor turns off in the front seat. This means that the passenger airbag will not deploy in an accident, even if a person is sitting there. Always check the indicator AIRBAG OFF on the dashboard.

Method 1: Standard fold (60/40 or 40/60)

Most Nissan Note equipped with split rear seats with proportions 60/40 (less often 40/60 in Japanese versions). This allows only part of the seat to be folded down, leaving room for the passenger. The control levers are usually located on the seatbacks at the base, but their location varied depending on the model year.

For models 2013–2020 (E12) the algorithm is like this:

  1. Pull lever on the back of the seat (indicated by an arrow or folded seat icon).
  2. Tilt the backrest forward all the way - it should lock in a vertical position.
  3. Lift up front of the seat by the handle under the pillow (it is hidden under the fabric cover).
  4. Lower the seat into the trunk niche. Make sure it's on clamps (a click should sound).

B Note 2006–2012 (E11) The mechanism is different: first you need to press the button under the seat cushion, then pull the loop on the backrest. An important nuance: in these models, when the right side of the seat is folded (40%), the rear right seat belt is automatically disabled - it must be manually returned to its original position after reassembly.

Remove things from the back row|Check the position of the head restraints|Turn off the heating (if equipped)|Make sure the levers are not blocked|Turn the ignition key (to reset sensor errors)-->

Model Folding type Control levers Features
Nissan Note E11 (2006–2012) 60/40 Button under the pillow + loop on the back The right rear belt disengages when folding 40% of the part
Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) 60/40 or 40/60 Lever on the back + handle under the pillow Automatic locking in folded position
Nissan Note Aura (Japan) 40/20/40 Two levers on the back + central latch The center seat folds into an armrest

Method 2: Full fold for maximum space

If you need to transport a really large load (for example, a refrigerator or a complete bicycle), the standard 60/40 fold will not be enough. In this case it is required complete removal of the back row. This option is not available in all trim levels, but even in basic versions the seats can be removed in 5 minutes.

Instructions for Nissan Note E12:

  1. Fold the seat backs according to the standard pattern (see previous section).
  2. Lift the front of the seat and find two plastic clips in the front part (they are hidden under fabric linings).
  3. Press the latches with a screwdriver or your finger and pull the seat up and on yourself.
  4. Disconnect the heating connector (if equipped) - it is located under the seat on the left.
  5. To install backwards, repeat the steps in reverse order. Make sure that the latches click into place (a characteristic click should be heard).

B Note E11 the process is more complicated: in addition to the clamps, there are additional safety cables, which need to be unfastened with a key (usually included with the car). Without this, the seat will not be removed. Also in these models, the seat weight reaches 12 kg - it is better to work with an assistant.

What to do if the seat does not come out?

If the latches do not budge, try:

1. Rock the seat left and right - sometimes it helps to move jammed mechanisms.

2. Treat the fasteners with silicone grease (WD-40 is not suitable - it corrodes the plastic).

3. Check if the seat belt is caught under the seat (a common problem in E11).

If all else fails, the locking cable may be broken - the interior will need to be disassembled.

⚠️ Attention: After completely removing the rear row in Nissan Note rear parking sensors turn off (if they were). The system recognizes the absence of seats as a malfunction and may display an error Check Parking Sensor. To reset it, you need to turn the ignition off/on or use a diagnostic scanner.

Method 3: Folding to form a flat floor (Flexi-Board option)

In top trim levels Nissan Note E12 (For example, Tekna or Acenta Premium) a system is provided Flexi-Board — a removable shelf that allows you to create a flat floor when the seats are folded. This is especially convenient for transporting long loads (for example, skis or boards).

How it works:

  • 📌 First, fold the seats according to the standard pattern (see Method 1).
  • 🔄 Get it Flexi-Board from the niche under the trunk (it usually lies on the right, under the carpet).
  • 🔧 Install the shelf on special grooves on the backs of folded seats. It should lock into place with a characteristic click.
  • 🚗 Now the cargo space will increase by 200 mm in height, and the floor will become perfectly flat.

Important details:

  • Maximum load per Flexi-Board - 50 kg. Excessive weight may cause deformation of the plastic.
  • In some versions the shelf has double-sided coating: one side is smooth (for weights), the other is ribbed (to prevent slipping).
  • If the shelf does not lock, check that the seat backs are folded correctly - they should be tilted at an angle 15–20°, rather than completely omitted.

Once a week|1-2 times a month|Only for large purchases|Never folded|Other option-->

Common problems and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, owners Nissan Note face typical problems. Here are the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

Problem Reason Solution
The seat does not lock in the folded position Dirty clamps or worn springs Clean the mechanism with compressed air, lubricate with silicone grease
Creak when folding/unfolding Friction of plastic guides Apply graphite lubricant to rubbing surfaces
Heating does not work after removing seat Damaged connector or fuse F37 (15A) Check the fuse, inspect the connector contacts
Rear seat belt does not return Locking the mechanism when folding the seat Manually pull the belt all the way and release it - it will snap into place.

The problem with electric folding (optional on some European versions). If the seats are folded using the button, but the process is interrupted, the reason may be:

  • 🔋 Discharged battery (voltage below 11.8V blocks the drive).
  • 🛑 Protection against pinching (if a foreign object gets into the mechanism).
  • 🔧 Position sensor calibration failure (solved by resetting via the diagnostic connector).
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If the seat is stuck in the half-folded position, do not try to force it. B Nissan Note there is an emergency release cable - it is located under the plastic trim at the rear passenger's feet (on the door side). Pull the red loop to unlock the mechanism.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Many owners Nissan Note they are interested in how much more convenient or worse the seat folding mechanism is compared to similar hatchbacks. For objectivity, let’s compare with our main competitors:

  • 🚗 Toyota Yaris: The seats fold 60/40, but there is no option for full removal. But the mechanism is lighter and quieter.
  • 🚗 Honda Jazz: famous system Magic Seat allows you to fold the seats vertically (like in a minivan), but the legroom for rear passengers is lost.
  • 🚗 Volkswagen Polo: Seats fold flat, but there is no 60/40 split option on base trims.
  • 🚗 Hyundai i20: similar Note mechanism, but with more reliable latches (less likely to break).

Main advantage Nissan Note — flexibility: You can choose partial folding, full lifting or using Flexi-Board. However, in terms of reliability of mechanisms it is inferior Honda Jazz, where the loop resource is designed for 50,000 cycles (versus 30,000 for Note).

Fun fact: in the Japanese version Nissan Note (sold as Nissan Moco) the seats fold in proportion 40/20/40, which allows you to form an armrest for the middle passenger. This option is not available in the European market.

Tips for use and care

To make the seat folding mechanism last longer, follow these recommendations:

  • 🧴 Lubrication: treat the guides once a year silicone grease (For example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray). Do not use WD-40 or lithol - they attract dust.
  • 🧹 Cleaning: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris from under the seats every 5,000 km. Pay special attention to the area under the front seats - sand accumulates there and gets into the mechanisms.
  • 🔧 Adjustment: if the seat sags, tighten the fastening bolts (they are located under the plastic plugs at the base of the backrest).
  • 🚗 Load: Do not exceed the maximum weight for folded seats - 70 kg (for E12). Use a roof rack to transport heavy loads.

If you frequently transport cargo, consider installing protective cover on the backs of the seats. It will prevent scratches and abrasions from the load. For Nissan Note covers from WeatherTech or Lloyd Mats (article NIS-NOTE-2013 for E12).

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Regular lubrication of seat folding mechanisms increases their service life by 2-3 times. This is especially true for owners Nissan Note E11where plastic guides are more susceptible to wear.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can the seats be folded down? Nissan Note with child seats installed?

No, child seats must be removed first, even if they are secured ISOFIX. In the folded mounting position ISOFIX block the seat locking mechanism, which can lead to damage. In addition, in most countries, transporting children in a car with the seats folded down is prohibited by traffic regulations.

Why did a squeak appear in the trunk after folding the seats?

The squeak usually occurs due to friction between the plastic parts of the seat back and the metal parts of the body. To resolve it:

  1. Fold the seats down and find the contact points (usually the upper backrest and side pillars).
  2. Stick on problem areas self-adhesive felt (sold at auto parts stores).
  3. If the squeak comes from the folding mechanism, have it addressed graphite lubricant.

If the squeak does not disappear, check whether the seat mounting bolts are loose - they need to be tightened with a torque wrench with force 25 Nm.

How to return the seats to their original position if they are stuck?

If the seat does not return to its normal position:

  1. Check to see if the seat belt or foreign object is caught in the mechanism.
  2. Pull emergency rope (located under the plastic trim at the rear passenger's feet).
  3. If the cable does not help, remove the plastic trim on the back of the seat and manually return the lock to its original position (you will need a screwdriver).

B Nissan Note E11 A common cause of jamming is wear of the plastic bushings in the hinges. You can replace them yourself (article no. 77110-4M000 for the left side, 77111-4M000 for the right one).

Is it possible to sleep in Nissan Note with the seats folded down?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

  • The length of the flat surface with the seats folded is ~180 cm (without bulges).
  • The width of the berth is 110 cm (between the wheel arches).
  • For comfort you will need sleeping bag machine (for example, from Outwell) or a homemade foam mattress.

Important: in Nissan Note there is no trunk ventilation, so sleeping with the windows closed is dangerous (risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the engine has recently been turned off). Also keep in mind that in some countries spending the night in a car in parking lots is prohibited.

What is the maximum length of cargo that can be transported in Nissan Note?

Cargo compartment dimensions with seats folded:

  • Length: 1580 mm (from the trunk to the backs of the front seats).
  • Length with tailgate open: up to 2200 mm (but the load should not protrude more than 1 m beyond the dimensions of the vehicle according to traffic regulations).
  • Height: 800 mm (to the ceiling), but taking into account the shape of the trunk, the actual height for cargo is 650 mm.
  • Width: 1000 mm (between wheel arches), 1300 mm maximum width.

To transport long loads (for example, skis 180 cm long), use Flexi-Board or special trunk extensions (for example, from Thule). Remember that the maximum load on the rear axle is 350 kg (indicated in the vehicle title).