Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the casing, pinched wiring or broken fasteners, which in the future will cause extraneous noise while driving. In this article we will look in detail at how to safely and quickly remove rear seats on a crossover Nissan Qashqai J11, taking into account differences in configurations and types of fastenings.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin physical impact on interior elements, you need to prepare your workplace. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and that the hand brake. There should be enough free space in the luggage compartment to store removed items so as not to scratch the plastic or fabric.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually in the arsenal of any car owner. The main tool will be ratchet wrench with heads for 10 and 12, as well as flat and Phillips screwdrivers of the middle cross. In some cases, a plastic spatula may be necessary to carefully pry up the decorative caps without the risk of scratching the trim.
- 🔧 Ratchet wrench and extensions for accessing bolts in hard-to-reach places
- 🔩 10 mm heads for attaching the backrest and 12 mm for attaching the pillow
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers for removing clips and decorative plugs
- 🧤 Fabric gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt
It is important to immediately check the integrity of the seat belts and their fixing mechanisms, since they will be disassembled. If you plan to remove the seats for installation subwoofer or inverter, make sure the battery is disconnected to avoid short circuit when working on the wiring.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery if you plan to touch the system wiring ISOFIX or airbags to avoid accidental activation.
Removing the bottom cushion of the rear sofa
You should start disassembling the interior from the bottom of the seat, as it is held in place by several powerful clamps and bolts. The first step is to find the attachment points for the front edge of the cushion. In design Nissan Qashqai J11 These are usually metal hinges that fit into brackets on the floor of the vehicle.
You need to hook your hands under the front edge of the pillow and pull it upward with force. Don't be afraid to apply enough force as the clips hold very tightly. Once the front section is unlatched, carefully lift the entire cushion to release the back section.
- 🔝 Pull the front edge of the pillow straight up to compress the spring clips
- 🛑 Remove the cushion carefully so as not to snag the pressure sensor wiring (if equipped)
- 📦 Place the removed cushion in the trunk with the soft side up so as not to stain the upholstery
After removing the pillow, the metal base of the floor and the backrest mounting bolts, as well as the wires leading to the heating connectors, will become visible. If in your version Qashqai J11 seat heating is installed, be extremely careful with the connectors: do not pull them sharply, but first unfasten the plastic clips.
- Transportation of large items
- Subwoofer installation
- Changing the oil in the gearbox
- Just curiosity
Removing the rear backrest and working with bolts
The back of the rear sofa Nissan Qashqai J11 It is attached to the body with two bolts at the bottom and fixed at the top in special grooves. Once the bottom cushion is removed, access to the backrest mounting bolts becomes open. They are usually hidden under plastic plugs that must be carefully pryed off with a screwdriver.
After removing the plugs, unscrew the mounting bolts from the bottom. Please note that the bolts may be over-tightened, so use a ratchet with an extension. After unscrewing the bolts, the backrest is held only by the upper clamps.
- 🔩 Unscrew the two bolts at the bottom of the backrest, located on the edges of the center console
- 🔓 Remove plastic plugs that may be glued or simply inserted tightly
- 💪 Lift the backrest up and tilt it forward to disengage the upper fasteners
The backrest can be divided into two parts (60/40) or be monolithic, depending on the configuration. If you have a separate backrest, each part must be removed separately by unscrewing the corresponding bolts. The upper mounts are hooks that fit into holes in the body, so when lifting the backrest you need to control the angle of inclination.
☑️ Check before removing the backrest
Features of working with wiring and security systems
When removing seats on a modern Nissan Qashqai J11 The presence of electronics cannot be ignored. Connectors for heating, sensors child protection or wiring for the system ISOFIX.
It is important not just to disconnect the wires, but to remember their location. Often the connectors are color coded or labeled to help with reassembly. If you plan to leave the seats removed for a long time, insulate the contacts to prevent oxidation or moisture ingress.
What to do with ISOFIX wires?
If you are removing seats to transport long loads, the ISOFIX wires do not need to be completely disconnected. It is enough to carefully place them under the floor covering so that they do not bend under the weight of the load. When reinstalling, simply return them to their original places.
- 🔌 Carefully snap off the plastic connector clips without tugging on the wires themselves
- 🔦 Use a flashlight to inspect all connection points before completely dismantling
- 🛡️ Cover exposed contacts with electrical tape if the seats will be removed for a long period of time
Pay special attention to the wires leading to the seat belts. On some versions Qashqai J11 Tensioner sensors or pretensioners have electrical connections that may prevent the backrest from being removed freely. Do not attempt to cut wires or use force to disconnect them.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave airbag or pretensioner connectors exposed in the sun or in a humid environment, as this may cause the restraint system to malfunction.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many owners make the mistake of trying to remove the backrest without first unscrewing the bottom bolts. This leads to deformation of the plastic clamps and the appearance of squeaks in the future. It is also a common mistake to use excessive force when removing a pillow, which can damage the upholstery or tear the fabric.
Another problem occurs when trying to disconnect the connectors without first disconnecting the battery. Even a small voltage can trigger an error in the security system, which will have to be reset through the scanner.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Seat creaking after installation | Loose fit of clamps | Check the cleanliness of the fasteners and press until they click |
| Airbag error | Accidental short circuit when removing | Reset the error via OBD-II scanner |
| Damaged upholstery | Careless handling of the tool | Use soft gloves and plastic spatulas |
| The connector does not come off | Trying to pull the wire | Press the latch and pull the connector housing |
Before unscrewing the backrest bolts, mark their position with a marker or take a photo so that during assembly you do not confuse the left and right sides if the bolts have different lengths or threads.
Assembly and performance testing
Putting the seats back on Nissan Qashqai J11 occurs in reverse order. First you need to hook the upper backrest fastenings, then tighten the lower bolts and install the plastic plugs. After this, all wiring connectors are connected.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of all systems. Sit in the back seat to make sure it is secure and secure. Turn the ignition on and check for any error lights on the instrument panel, especially the airbag icon.
- ✅ Check the tightness of the backrest to the body around the entire perimeter
- ✅ Make sure the seat belts move and lock freely
- ✅ Test the seat heating if it has been turned off
If you removed the seats to change the oil in rear gearbox, make sure that there are no signs of leaks under the seat and that all gearbox fasteners are tightened. Only after a complete check can the work be considered complete.
It is critical when reinstalling to ensure that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque, otherwise the seat could come off under heavy braking or an impact, creating a fatal hazard.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Below are answers to the most common questions that owners have. Nissan Qashqai J11 when dismantling the rear sofa.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the seats?
If you plan to simply remove the seats to carry cargo, disconnecting the battery is not necessary. However, if you will be working on wiring (for example, installing a subwoofer or inverter), disconnecting the minus terminal is a safety requirement.
How to remove the seat if the bolts are stuck?
Use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Try to lightly wiggle the bolt with a ratchet, without using excessive force, so as not to strip the threads. As a last resort, use heat with a hair dryer, but be careful not to damage the plastic nearby.
Is it possible to remove only one part of the backrest (60/40)?
Yes, on most versions Nissan Qashqai J11 the back is divided. You can unscrew the bolts and remove only the smaller or larger part without touching the other. This is convenient for carrying long items while still being able to carry passengers.
What should I do if the airbag light comes on after installation?
Most likely, the connector was not fully connected or a short circuit occurred during removal. Check all contacts. If the problem cannot be solved, diagnostics via an OBD-II scanner will be required to reset the SRS system error.
How long does it take to remove the rear seat?
If you have the necessary tools and skills, the entire procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes. The first time may take longer due to the need to find all the fasteners and connectors.
ISOFIX information
On the Nissan Qashqai J11, the ISOFIX mounting points are hidden under special plugs at the junction of the cushion and the backrest. When removing the seats, do not try to pull out these fasteners; they are part of the supporting structure of the brackets.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave seats removed while the vehicle is moving, as this will compromise the body structure and render the restraint system ineffective in the event of an accident.
Remember that regular inspection of fasteners and proper operation of the interior will extend the life of your Nissan Qashqai J11. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to entrust the dismantling to the service center specialists to avoid expensive interior repairs.