Owners of hatchbacks and sedans Nissan Tiida often face the need to increase the usable volume of the luggage compartment. The standard cabin configuration does not always allow for the transport of bulky items such as construction materials, large household appliances or ski equipment. The solution to this problem is to remove the rear row of seats, which turns a compact car into a spacious truck.
The process of removing seats in models Nissan Tiida The first (C11) and second (C13) generations have their own characteristics that differ from many competitors. Unlike classic simple lever systems, this often requires physical effort and knowledge of specific attachment points. Incorrect actions can damage the upholstery or deform the plastic elements of the interior, so it is important to act consistently.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for both generations, point out critical attachment points and give recommendations for the safe removal of pillows. You will learn how to properly unfasten the latches without damaging the dashboard, and how to fold the backrest so that it does not interfere when transporting cargo.
Preparation for dismantling and necessary tools
Before you begin physical impact on the salon, you need to prepare your workspace. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the handbrake is securely locked. This will eliminate the risk of the seats accidentally rolling or moving during operation.
You don't need a complex set of tools because the design Nissan Tiida Provides quick-release mechanisms. However, having some items will make the task much easier and protect you from injury. Clear the trunk of any clutter so you have room to store the removed items.
- 🔧 Rags or soft gloves - to protect the upholstery and prevent scratches on the plastic
- 🔦 Flashlight - will help you see hidden hooks and attachment points under the pillow
- 🧽 Vacuum cleaner - it is recommended to remove small debris before removing it so that it does not fall under the mechanisms
Pay special attention to the condition of the floor under the seats. If dirt has accumulated there, it is better to remove it in advance. Dirt can clog the locking mechanisms, making it difficult to reinstall the seats later. Cleanliness is the key to ensuring that the latches work without jamming.
Be sure to check that all passengers have exited the vehicle. Even a small amount of weight on the seat can prevent the release locks from operating properly. If you work in pairs, distribute roles: one person holds the backrest, the other releases the pillow.
Removing the bottom cushion of the rear sofa
Bottom of seat in Nissan Tiida Attached to the car floor using metal hooks and plastic clips. This is the simplest, but also the most physically expensive part of the process. You will need to apply force to overcome the resistance of the spring mechanism.
Locate the leading edge of the cushion, towards the center of the cabin. Lift it up with a sharp but controlled movement. On the C11, this is done by prying up the bottom of the seat with your hands. In the C13 model, the mechanism may be a little more rigid, requiring lifting specifically from the central section.
Once the front is clear of the floor, you will see metal hinges hooked into brackets on the floor. Now you need to pull the seat towards you to disengage these hinges. Be careful not to scratch the flooring or door threshold.
If you cannot move the seat, check to see if the mechanism is blocked by any object. Sometimes small debris or forgotten toys prevent the hook from completely coming out of the groove. Use a flashlight to inspect the mounting area.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools (screwdrivers, nails) to pry up the pillow. Sharp edges can damage upholstery, tear fabric, or scratch plastic flooring. Use only your hands or soft objects.
After removing the cushion, inspect the fastening mechanism. If you plan to remove and install the seat frequently, it makes sense to check the condition of the springs. Over time, they can become loose, causing the seat to rattle while you ride.
- 🚗 Inspect the hooks for corrosion or deformation
- 🧼 Wipe the mounting points from dust and dirt
- 📏 Check if the fixings on the floor have moved
It is better to immediately move the removed pillow to a safe place so that it does not interfere with further actions. If you plan to carry cargo, make sure the pad won't scratch the trunk floor. Place a soft cloth or mat on it.
Removing and folding the rear seatback
Rear seat backrest Nissan Tiida can be either rigidly fixed or foldable, depending on the configuration and year of manufacture. In most cases, to completely free up space, the backrest must be removed completely or folded, disabling the fastenings.
In the upper part of the backrest, under the ceiling or behind the headrests, there are loops for attaching to the body. You will need to find the levers or latches that hold the backrest upright. These are usually plastic latches or metal hooks.
Folding the backrest often requires the simultaneous action of pulling the release lever and pressing the backrest forward. In some trim levels, the levers are located on the sides of the headrests. In others, they are accessible only after removing the upper part of the upholstery or headrests.
If you decide to remove the backrest completely, you will have to unscrew the mounting bolts. This is a more labor-intensive process that requires a socket wrench. Usually the bolts are located in the lower part of the backrest or hidden under decorative plugs.
- 🔍 Locate the backrest recline levers (usually on the top or sides)
- 🔧 Check the presence of mounting bolts if complete dismantling is required
- 🛡️ Use the headrests as support when reclining to avoid damaging the ceiling
Pay special attention to the headrest fastenings. They are often forgotten to be removed, which prevents the backrest from folding completely. Pull the head restraints all the way up and press the latches to remove them from the guides.
The backrest locking mechanism is often blocked by the bottom of the seat. If the cushion is in place, the backrest may not fold completely or may become stuck.
Design features of Nissan Tiida C11 and C13
First generation Nissan Tiida (C11) has a simpler mounting design. Here, the bottom cushion is often attached only to the front hooks, and the back part simply lies on the floor. This simplifies the dismantling process, since complex manipulation of the rear clamps is not required.
The second generation (C13) has become more complex and safer. Here, systems are used to prevent the seats from accidentally moving during an accident. The fastenings have become more rigid, and the clamps have become deeper. This requires greater precision during removal and installation.
In the C13 model there is also a system where the backrest folds, but cannot be completely removed without a special tool. This is done to improve passenger safety. C13 owners need to be especially careful when attempting to remove the entire backrest.
Differences in design may be due to market conditions. European and Asian versions often have different mounting patterns. Always check the instructions specific to your region, if available. General recommendations may not work 100% of the time.
⚠️ Attention: In versions with the Isofix system, the fastenings may be hidden under the seat covers. When dismantling, do not damage the fasteners themselves and the insulating materials around them.
Don't forget to check for heated seats. If there is one, there may be wires running under the upholstery. When removing the cushion or backrest, be very careful not to cut or break the wiring. This can lead to heating system failure and the need for costly repairs.
The table below compares the main differences in the dismantling process for the two generations:
| Parameter | Nissan Tiida C11 (2004-2011) | Nissan Tiida C13 (2011-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Pillow mounting type | Front hooks + back support | Front hooks + rear latches |
| Difficulty in dismantling | Low (can be removed alone) | Medium (requires precision) |
| Availability of Isofix | Often hidden under a cover | Integrated into the design |
| Folding the backrest | Often without removing the pillow | Often requires removal of the pillow |
Knowing these nuances will help you avoid mistakes. For example, attempting to remove the backrest in a C13 without first removing the cushion may result in the plastic latches breaking. Always follow the steps described for your specific model.
- C11 (first generation)
- C13 (second generation)
- I don't know
- Other
Common mistakes and precautions
Many owners make the same mistake: they try to remove the seat by force without checking that all the latches are present. This leads to deformation of the plastic and damage to the upholstery. If the seat does not budge, stop and inspect the mounting location again.
Using a screwdriver or crowbar as a lever is a sure way to ruin the interior. Plastic in modern cars Nissan It is quite fragile and can crack at the slightest overvoltage. If the latch is stuck, try gently rocking the seat rather than pulling it tightly.
- ❌ Do not use brute force when removing the pillow
- ❌ Do not use sharp objects to pry the fasteners
- ❌ Do not leave removed seats unattended on the street
It is also worth remembering the safety of children. If the car has child seats, they must be removed before removing the seats. Leaving the seat behind can interfere with the operation of the mechanisms or cause injury if the movement is unsuccessful.
It is important to properly store removed items. The backs and pillows have sharp corners and metal parts. If you place them in the trunk without protection, they may scratch the floor or nearby parts. Use cardboard or thick cloth for packaging.
☑️ Check before starting work
What to do if the seat is stuck?
If the seat does not budge, check to see if debris has jammed the mechanism. Try rocking the seat up and down slightly while trying to lift it up. Do not use crowbars or pry bars as this may cause permanent damage to the plastic and upholstery.
Reinstalling the seats and final check
The process of installing back should be a mirror image of dismantling, but with more care. First you need to fix the backrest if it was removed separately. Make sure that the hinges fit into their grooves and lock into place with a characteristic click.
Then the bottom cushion is installed. The front edge must be placed under the metal brackets on the floor. To do this, lift the front of the pillow and tilt it so that the hooks fit into the grooves. Then lower the back so that it rests firmly on the floor.
After installation, be sure to check that the fastening is secure. Try pulling the seat towards you and up. It should not move or dangle. If there is play, it means the clamps are not seated completely. Rearrange the pillow and try again.
Don't forget to put the head restraints back in place and check the operation of all mechanisms. If you have a heating system, turn it on and make sure it is working properly. This will prevent damage to the wiring during operation.
Before installing the backrest, clean the mounting points from dust and dirt. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent squeaks when driving.
Useful tips for operating the salon
Regular removal and installation of seats requires careful handling of the mechanisms. Periodically check the condition of the springs and retainers. If you notice corrosion, treat the mounting points with an anti-corrosion compound, but be careful not to get it on the upholstery.
To preserve the appearance of the interior, use special covers. They will protect the fabric from dirt and wear, especially if you frequently transport cargo. By removing the covers, you also gain access to hidden fasteners and mechanisms.
If you plan to frequently transform your interior, consider installing additional fasteners or strengthening existing ones. This will increase the reliability of the design and reduce the risk of breakdown during intensive use.
Remember that proper use of the interior extends the life of the car. Do not overload the trunk, even if the seats are removed. This may cause damage to the floor and body frame.
The correct sequence of actions when dismantling and installing seats guarantees the safety and security of the car interior.
How to remove the rear seat in a Nissan Tiida C13?
On the C13, you first need to lift the front edge of the pad to disengage it from the front hooks. Then, by pulling towards yourself, release the rear latches. The backrest usually folds after removing the pillow; to do this, you need to pull the levers located on top of the headrests.
Do I need to remove the headrests before removing the seat?
It is recommended to remove the head restraints before manipulating the backrest. This will free up space and prevent damage to the ceiling or upholstery when reclining the backrest. The head restraints can be removed by simply pressing the lock while pulling up.
Can the seat be removed without tools?
Yes, in most cases for removing seats in Nissan Tiida no special tool required. Enough physical effort of the hands. However, to completely dismantle the backrest in some configurations, a socket wrench may be required to unscrew the bolts.
What to do if the seat latch is stuck?
If the latch is stuck, do not use brute force. Try gently rocking the seat while pressing the release lever. Check for debris in the mechanism. If the problem cannot be solved, contact a service center for diagnostics.
How to properly store removed seats?
Removed seats should be stored in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. It is recommended to wrap them in thick cloth or cardboard to avoid scratches and contamination. Do not place heavy objects on the seats to avoid deforming the springs.