Rear seat in Nissan Note E11 (first generation, 2006–2013) may require removal to clean the interior, repair electronics, replace trim, or access the fuel pump. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from hidden latches to the risk of damaging plastic clips. This article will help you avoid mistakes and complete the job in 20–40 minutes without the help of a service station.
We'll sort it out three dismantling methods (partial, full and with access to the trunk), we will list the necessary tools and show how to deal with “soured” bolts. We will pay special attention unique feature of fastening the seat cushion in Note E11 - two hidden spring clips under the leading edge, which are often overlooked.
Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions
Before starting work, make sure you have:
- 🔧 12 mm socket wrench (for backrest mounting bolts)
- 🔨 Flat head screwdriver with a wide tip (for prying off clips)
- 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose bolts in the cabin)
- 🧴 WD-40 or similar spray (if the bolts are rusty)
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the location of the fasteners
Important: If you are removing the seat to access the fuel pump, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery 10 minutes before the start of work. This will prevent a short circuit from accidental contact with the wires. Also prepare rags — Dust and debris often accumulate under the seat.
⚠️ Attention: Do not apply excessive force to the plastic clips on the seat cushion. B Note E11 they are fragile and break at temperatures below +10°C. If the car was parked in the cold, warm up the interior to +15°C before work.
- For interior cleaning
- Electronics repair
- Sheathing replacement
- Access to the fuel pump
- Other
Method 1: Partial removal (seat cushion only)
This method is suitable for cleaning upholstery or cleaning under the seat. The pillow is attached to four plastic clips (two front and two rear) and does not require unscrewing the bolts.
Open the rear doors and lower the seatback to the cargo position (if equipped).
Kneel at the rear door sill and pull up the seat cushion up and on yourself. Start at the front edge - this is where the hidden fasteners are located.
If the cushion does not budge, pry the clips with a screwdriver through the gap between the seat and the plastic threshold. Be careful not to scratch the trim.
Tip: clips often “stick” to the body. Before removing, slightly shake the pillow left and right to loosen the hold. If you hear a cracking sound, this is normal, but do not apply force suddenly.
Make sure the seat is in neutral position (not reclined)
Check the temperature in the cabin (not lower than +10°C)
Prepare a screwdriver and rags
Take a photo of the location of the clips (if you plan to put them back) -->
Method 2: Complete dismantling (cushion + backrest)
To completely remove the seat you will need to unscrew two backrest mounting bolts (one on each side) and detach the cushion as described above. The bolts are located under plastic plugs at the base of the backrest.
| Step | Action | Photo/diagram | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the plastic bolt plugs (pry them off with a screwdriver) | 📷 [stub image] | The plugs are fragile - do not press too hard |
| 2 | Unscrew the bolts with a 12 mm socket wrench | 🔧 [bolt image] | Bolts may be stuck - use WD-40 |
| 3 | Detach the seat cushion (See Method 1) | 🪑 [pillow image] | The pillow is removed after the backrest |
| 4 | Carefully remove the backrest through the trunk | 🚗 [trunk image] | Do not pull on the casing - only on the metal frame |
After unscrewing the bolts, the backrest will remain hanging on its hinges. To remove it, lift the seat up and remove the hinges from the grooves. If the backrest is “jammed,” check whether the seat belt is in the way—it can be temporarily unfastened.
⚠️ Attention: B Note E11 with factory radio Bose The wiring harness for the speakers runs under the backrest. Do not pull the back abruptly - first disconnect the connector (it is black, located on the right).
If the bolts do not unscrew, heat them with a hair dryer (not higher than +80°C) for 2–3 minutes. This will expand the metal and reduce corrosion.
Nuances for different modifications Nissan Note E11
The rear seat mounting may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. Here are the key differences:
- 🚗 Basic equipment (2006–2009): the backrest is attached with two bolts, the pillow with 4 clips. No additional fasteners.
- 🎵 Versions with audio system Bose (2010–2013): Added wiring harness to subwoofer under backrest. The connector needs to be disconnected.
- 🔥 Modifications with heated seats: Under the pillow there are wires to the heating elements. You cannot pull them - just carefully disconnect the connector (white).
- 💺 Auto with function
Easy Clean: The seat cushion has additional fasteners on the sides. They need to be pressed out with a screwdriver.
If your Note E11 equipped isofix for child seats, the backrest fastenings can be reinforced with additional brackets. In this case, you will need to unscrew two more bolts under the plastic lining at the base of the backrest.
How to check the contents of your Note E11?
Open the glove compartment and look for the VIN sticker. First 3 characters after letters NTE will indicate the configuration:
- NTE-11 — basic
- NTE-11B - with Bose audio system
- NTE-11H - with heated seats
A detailed explanation can be found in the service book or on the website Nissan by VIN code.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when removing the rear seat. Here are the most common:
Trying to remove the backrest to the pillow. This leads to deformation of the hinges. Always remove the cushion first, then the backrest.
Ignores hidden clips. B Note E11 Two spring clips are hidden under the front edge of the cushion. If you don't squeeze them out, the plastic may break.
Lost bolts or clips. Use a magnetic holder or container for small parts. The bolts from the back have different lengths - do not mix them up when reassembling!
Sharp tugging of wires. In versions with Bose Or heating can tear off the connectors. Always disconnect them manually.
If after removing the seat you find rust on the bolts, treat them WD-40 and clean with a wire brush. When reassembling, apply to the threads. graphite lubricant - this will simplify dismantling in the future.
In 80% of cases, problems when removing a seat are due to ignoring the hidden latches under the front edge of the cushion. Always check their availability!
Reassembly: sequence and tips
Reinstalling the seat back requires the same care as removing it. Follow this sequence:
Make sure all clips and bolts are in place. Check the condition of the rubber seals (if they are worn out, replace them).
If you removed the backrest, first install it on the hinges and tighten the bolts (do not fully tighten).
Place the cushion in place, starting at the back edge. Make sure the clips fit into the grooves.
Press down on the front edge of the cushion until it clicks (this means the hidden latches have clicked into place).
Tighten the backrest bolts crosswise (first left, then right) firmly
20–25 Nm.
After assembly, check:
- 🔄 Uniformity of the backrest when folding.
- 🔊 Speaker operation (if the wires were disconnected Bose).
- 🔥 Heating function (if applicable).
If the seat cushion “walks” or collapses, it means that the clips are not latched. Remove it and repeat installation, pressing harder on the leading edge.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the seat Nissan Note E11
Can the seat be removed without tools?
Partially yes. The seat cushion can be removed by hand if the clips are not stuck. But for the backrest you will definitely need a 12 mm socket wrench, since the bolts are tightened with great force.
How long does dismantling take?
If you have the tools and experience - 15–20 minutes. If the bolts are rusty or this is your first time doing this, it may take up to 40 minutes.
What to do if the pillow clip breaks?
Clips can be purchased separately (item number for Note E11 — 77110-3M000). A temporary solution is to use plastic zip ties, but this is not safe in the event of an accident.
Do I need to remove the seat to replace the fuel pump?
Yes, in Nissan Note E11 The fuel pump hatch is located under the rear seat cushion. Without removing it, access is impossible.
Can the removed seat be washed with water?
The pillow can be cleaned with a damp sponge and soapy water, but should not be filled with water (especially if it is heated). The backrest is washed only with dry foam or a steam generator.