Removing the rear seat Nissan Note may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal interior cleaning to electronics repair or preparation for the installation of car accessories. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, many owners encounter difficulties - hidden latches, non-obvious fastening mechanisms, or the risk of damaging the skin. This article will help you understand all the nuances of the process, avoid common mistakes and complete the job carefully, even if you have never disassembled the interior before.

We will take a detailed look at the design of the rear sofa fastenings in the models Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013) and E12 (2013–2020), we will list the necessary tools, and also give practical advice on dismantling without damage. We will pay special attention hidden fasteners, which often cause problems, and we’ll tell you how to properly disconnect the electrical wiring (if it is included in your configuration). For clarity, we provide diagrams and photographs of key stages.

Rear seat design in Nissan Note: what you need to know before removal

Rear seat in Nissan Note consists of two main parts: bases (pillows) And backrests. In most configurations, the cushion is attached to the body using metal hooks and plastic clips, and the backrest is held in place with bolts or latches, depending on the year of manufacture. It is important to understand that the design may differ depending on the modification:

  • 🔧 Basic equipment: the pillow is attached to 4–6 plastic clips, the back is attached to 2 bolts from below.
  • 🔌 Heated versions: additionally there are power connectors that need to be disconnected carefully.
  • 👶 Models with ISOFIX mounts: may have reinforced metal brackets that complicate dismantling.
  • 🚗 Restyled versions (E12): Sometimes equipped with additional latches to improve safety.

Before starting work, be sure to check whether there is any fuses or electronic components - in some versions the system modules are located there CAN-bus or shock sensors. Please also note that in machines with ramp for disabled people (special versions) design may differ radically.

⚠️ Attention: If your Nissan Note equipped with side airbags in the rear seats (optional for some markets), strictly prohibited disconnect the power connectors without first removing the terminal from the battery. This may cause the squibs to fire!

Necessary tools and interior preparation

You don't need professional equipment to remove the rear seat, but some tools will make the process much easier. Here is a complete list of what you need to prepare:

Tool/material Purpose Notes
Flathead screwdriver (or plastic pick) Prying off plastic clips and fasteners It is better to use a tool with rounded edges to avoid damaging the casing.
10 or 12 mm socket with extension Unscrewing the backrest mounting bolts Some models may require socket wrenches
Rag or towel Protecting the interior from scratches Place on the sills and central tunnel
Flashlight or headlamp Hidden fixture lighting Mandatory for models with dark interior
Marker or tape Marking of connectors and bolts Helps you avoid mixing up parts during reassembly

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

  1. Disable negative battery terminal (if you plan to work with electrical wiring).
  2. Move the front seats as far forward as possible to create more space.
  3. Remove all items from the trunk and back row - there may be small parts under the seat.
  4. If the car has Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), check if the sensors are located under the rear seat.
📊 How often do you remove the back seat in your car?
  • For general cleaning only
  • When installing car accessories
  • For electronics repair
  • Never filmed
  • Other

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the rear seat cushion

Let's start by removing the cushion (bottom of the seat), as this is the easiest step. In most cases, it is attached to plastic clips, but in some configurations there may be additional metal hooks.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Starting from front edge of the pillow, pull it up with a force of about 10–15 kg. The clips should come out of the grooves with a characteristic click.
  2. If the cushion does not budge, carefully pry it up with a screwdriver at the junction with the body (usually there are hidden fasteners located there).
  3. Once the front is free, slide the pillow back to release the back hooks from the loops.
  4. Remove the pillow completely and set it aside. Underneath you will see a metal body frame and possibly wiring.

In models with heated seats The power connectors will be located under the pillow. They need to be disconnected after first remembering or photographing the location. Typically the connectors are color coded:

  • 🔴 Red - positive wire
  • ⚫ Black - minus (ground)
  • 🟡 Yellow - temperature sensor

☑️ Preparing to remove the pillow

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: In some versions Nissan Note under the rear seat cushion there is a wiring harness to reversing headlight. Do not pull the wires with force - this may lead to broken contacts!

Removing the rear seat back: bolts and hidden fasteners

The backrest is attached more securely than the pillow, as it must withstand the loads in case of accidents. In most cases, it is fixed with two bolts at the bottom (under the plastic plugs) and latches at the top. Let's look at the process step by step:

1. Removing the plastic plugs:

In the lower corners of the back (from the trunk side) there are round or rectangular plugs. Pry them off with a flathead screwdriver and remove. Below them you will see bolts on 10 or 12 mm.

2. Unscrewing the bolts:

Use an extension socket to remove the bolts. In some models, access to them may be difficult - in this case it will help flexible gimbal adapter.

3. Release the upper clamps:

After removing the bolts, pull the backrest up and slightly towards you. In the upper part it is held by metal hooks that fit into the grooves of the body. If the backrest does not budge, check to see if any bolts or clips have gone unnoticed.

In models with separate backrest (60/40) each part is removed separately. In this case, the central part can be attached to additional latches, which are located under the trunk trim.

What to do if the bolts are stuck?

If the bolts will not come off due to corrosion, use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40). Apply it to the thread and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not apply excessive force as this may strip the threads in the body.

Features of removing a seat in a Nissan Note with ISOFIX

If your car is equipped with a system ISOFIX, the dismantling process will be a little more difficult. The child seat mounting brackets are integrated into the structure of the seat and body, and therefore require a special approach:

  • 🔩 Additional bolts: In the ISOFIX mounting area there are usually 2-4 additional bolts that need to be unscrewed to removing the pillow.
  • 🔧 Reinforced brackets: Metal elements may interfere with the removal of the backrest; they will have to be carefully bypassed or temporarily dismantled.
  • 📏 Checking clearances: After reinstallation, make sure that there is no play between the brackets and the body (the permissible gap is no more than 2 mm).

In some versions Nissan Note (e.g. for the European market) ISOFIX brackets are attached directly to the body and not to the seat. In this case, there is no need to touch them - just release the standard fasteners.

Important: After removing the seat from ISOFIX, be sure to check the integrity of the plastic guides. Damaged or cracked elements must be replaced, as they are responsible for the reliable fixation of the child seat.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing the rear seat. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Too much force when removing the cushion Broken plastic clips or deformation of the seat frame Use a screwdriver to pry it up carefully, do not pull jerkily
Ignoring heating connectors Short circuit or failure of the heating system Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical equipment.
Mixed-up bolts during reassembly Unreliable fixation of the backrest, creaks, backlashes Mark the bolts with a marker or store them in separate bags
Damage to trunk trim Abrasions, tissue tears, deterioration in appearance Cover sharp edges of the body with masking tape before work

Another common problem is forgotten things under the seat. Many owners find coins, keys or even documents under the rear sofa that accidentally fell through the cracks. Before final assembly, inspect the cavity under the seat with a flashlight.

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If the backrest is loose after installing the seat, check the condition of the rubber bushings on the bolts. Over time, they wear out and require replacement. New bushings can be purchased at parts stores. Nissan (the article usually starts with 77010-...).

Reverse installation: nuances and verification

Reinstalling the seat may seem easier than dismantling it, but there are some subtleties here too. Follow this algorithm to avoid problems:

  1. Check the condition of the clips and fasteners. If they are damaged, replace them with new ones (you can use universal clips for cars, for example, 6x6 mm).
  2. Install the backrest:
    • Secure the top hooks into the grooves of the body.
    • Tighten the bolts at the bottom (torque - 8–10 Nm).
    • Make sure that the backrest does not wobble and fits tightly to the body.
  3. Install the pillow:
    • Place the rear hooks into the loops on the body.
    • Press down on the front edge of the cushion until the clips click into place.
    • Check that the cushion does not move when pressed.
  • Connect the electrical (if any): Connect the connectors following the markings. After connecting the battery, check the operation of the heating (if any).

    • After installation, run the test:

    • 🪑 Pull the backrest towards you - it should not move.
    • 🚗 Place the passenger in the back seat and check for squeaks or flexes.
    • 🔌 If your car has seat belt sensors in the rear seats, make sure they are working (the indicator on the dashboard lights up when fastened).
    ⚠️ Attention: If after installation an error appears on the dashboard SRS (Airbag), it means you accidentally touched the airbag connectors. Immediately contact the service for diagnostics - it is impossible to reset this error yourself!
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    When reinstalling the seat, always check that the backrest is securely fastened. In the event of an accident, a loose seat can cause serious injury to passengers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it possible to remove the rear seat of a Nissan Note without tools?

    Theoretically, the pillow can be removed without tools by pulling it with force. However, the backrest will still require a screwdriver or socket for bolts. In addition, without tools, there is a high risk of damaging the clips or trim.

    What to do if a squeak appears in the cabin after removing the seat?

    The squeaking noise usually occurs due to friction between plastic parts or improper installation of rubber bushings. Check:

    • Are all backrest bolts tightened?
    • Have any foreign objects fallen under the seat?
    • Condition of the plastic guides (if necessary, lubricate them with silicone grease).
    How to remove the rear seat if the backrest bolts do not come off?

    If the bolts are stuck or rusted:

    1. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40 or Liqui Moly).
    2. Wait 15-20 minutes and try unscrewing again.
    3. If this does not help, use an impact screwdriver or heat the bolt with a hair dryer (be careful not to damage the casing!).
    4. In extreme cases, you can drill out the bolt, but then you will need to cut a new thread.
    Where are the rear seat related fuses located in a Nissan Note?

    In most versions Nissan Note fuses for heated rear seats and seat belt sensors are located in mounting block under the steering wheel (to the left of the pedals) or in additional block under the hood. Look for fuses marked:

    • SEAT HTR — heated seats (usually 15–20 A).
    • SRS — passive safety system (do not touch unless necessary!).

    Please refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact location.

    Can the removed seat be washed with water?

    The pillow and backrest can be cleaned with a damp cloth and car shampoo, but you can't:

    • Immerse in water (this will damage the filler and may cause corrosion of the frame).
    • Use aggressive detergents (they destroy fabric and leatherette).
    • Dry in direct sunlight (the material may become deformed).

    For deep cleaning, it is better to use a steam generator or dry cleaning services.