Removing the rear seat in a Nissan Note E11: a complete guide with photos and tips

Removing the rear seat Nissan Note E11 - a task that owners face when repairing the interior, cleaning upholstery or accessing hidden body elements. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from the type of fasteners to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the plastic latches or electrical wiring (if any). This article will help you understand all the stages - from preparing tools to reassembly, taking into account the features of a particular modification Note E11 (2006–2013).

We will consider two scenarios: complete seat removal (together with a metal frame) and removing only the pillow (for example, to clean or replace upholstery). We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that lead to damage to the fasteners, and will also give recommendations on working with electrical connectors (if your equipment is equipped with heating or seat belts with sensors).

Important: The design of the rear seat is Nissan Note E11 different from later models (eg E12). It uses plastic pins and metal hooks rather than bolts - this simplifies the process, but requires precision. If you plan to work with the system ISOFIX or child seat attachments; their removal is also described below.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. Unlike many cars where the rear seat is bolted on, Nissan Note E11 are used plastic rivets and latches. This means you won't need a wrench, but you will need a special tool to remove them.

List of what you need:

• 🔧 Plastic mounting spatula (or a flathead screwdriver with electrical tape on the end to avoid scratching the plastic).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder - useful if a metal bracket or bolt suddenly falls out.
• 🧴 Silicone grease (For example, WD-40) - for processing jammed latches.
• 📸 Smartphone - to photograph the location of the fasteners before removal.
• 🧤 Gloves — protection of hands from sharp edges of the metal frame.

If your Note E11 equipped heated seats or seat belt sensors, additionally prepare:

• 🔌 Multimeter — to check the continuity of the circuit after disconnecting the connectors.
• 📝 Scotch tape and marker - to mark the wires during dismantling.

⚠️ Attention: If the car has airbag in the rear seat (rare, but found in top trim levels), disconnect the battery 10 minutes before starting workto avoid triggering the squib. Check for yellow connectors under the seat - this is a sign of an air cushion.

Step 1: Removing the rear seat cushion

Let's start with the simplest thing - dismantling the cushion (the soft part of the seat). B Nissan Note E11 it is attached to the metal base using two plastic latches on the front And two metal hooks at the back.

Instructions:

1. Open the rear doors and lower the front passenger seat to provide access.
2. Kneel by the back seat and pull pillow up from the trunk side. You should hear a click - this is the first latch that has come loose.
3. Move to the opposite edge and repeat the action. If the pillow does not budge, do not apply force - most likely, the latch is jammed. Use a plastic spatula to carefully pry it out.
4. After releasing the latches, slide the pillow forward to free it from the metal hooks.

If the pillow does not come off:

• 🔍 Check if it is caught on the seat belt or fastener ISOFIX.
• 💦 Apply a little silicone grease to the latches and wait 5 minutes.
• 📸 Take a photo of the fasteners so as not to confuse them when reassembling.

⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the pillow towards you - this way you risk breaking the plastic latches. Movement must be strictly up and forward.

Step 2: Removing the metal seat frame

If you need to completely remove the rear seat (for example, to access the fuel pump or repair the body), you will have to remove the metal frame. B Nissan Note E11 it is attached to the body four bolts (two on each side) and two plastic pistons on the front.

Procedure:

1. Remove the seat cushion (as described in the previous step).
2. Lift up the carpet in the trunk - under it you will find two bolts (usually a Phillips screwdriver or 10 mm).
3. Unscrew the bolts on both sides. If they are rusty, use a penetrating lubricant.
4. Move into the interior and find two plastic pistons on the front of the frame. Gently pry them up with a spatula and pull them out.
5. Lift the frame up and slide it forward to free it from the fastenings.

Features:

• 🔧 The bolts may be hidden under plastic plugs - they need to be removed with a screwdriver.
• 🔌 If there are wires in the frame (for example, from heating), disconnect the connectors after unscrewing the bolts.
• 📏 In some modifications Note E11 bolts are used on 12 mm instead of 10 mm - check in advance.

Mounting type	Quantity	Tool	Notes
Bolts (rear)	2 pcs.	10 or 12 mm head	May be hidden under the carpet
Plastic rivets (front)	2 pcs.	Plastic spatula	Easily breaks when pressed hard
Metal hooks (pillow)	2 pcs.	Hands (without tools)	Can get caught in seat belts
Electrical connectors	1–2 pcs.	Flat head screwdriver	Only available with heating

Working with ISOFIX anchorages and seat belts

If your Nissan Note E11 equipped with a system ISOFIX or seat belt sensors, their removal requires additional steps. Unlike the cushion, these elements are attached separately and may interfere with complete removal of the seat.

How to remove fasteners ISOFIX:

1. Look for plastic plugs in the gaps between the seat and backrest - bolts are hidden under them.
2. Remove the plugs with a flathead screwdriver (careful, they are fragile!).
3. Unscrew the bolts (usually 10 mm) and pull out the metal brackets ISOFIX.

If you need to remove the seat belts:

• 🔧 Find the bolt securing the belt to the body (under the plastic trim near the door).
• 📌 Disconnect the sensor connector (if any) - it is usually black with an orange lock.
• ⚠️ Do not pull on the belt itself - this may damage the inertial reel mechanism.

What to do if the ISOFIX bolt breaks?

If a bolt breaks off when unscrewing, do not try to drill it out right away. First try:

1. Apply WD-40 liquid and wait 15 minutes.

2. Use a broken bolt extractor (sold in auto stores).

3. If all else fails, carefully drill with a drill 0.5 mm smaller than the diameter of the bolt, then cut a new thread.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when removing the rear seat Nissan Note E11. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

1. Broken plastic latches

Cause: Trying to pull out the seat cushion by jerking or in the wrong direction. Always check to see if they are disconnected both latches before pulling the cushion forward. If one remains fixed, you risk breaking it.

2. Lost bolts or pistons

When dismantling, small parts are easily lost in the interior. Use a magnetic holder or fastener container. If the piston falls out and is lost, it can be replaced with a universal one (for example, from Toyota or Honda suitable size).

3. Damaged electrical wiring

If the seat has heating or sensors, never pull on the wires when disconnecting the connectors. Always press down on the release tab (usually a plastic tab) before pulling out the plug.

4. Forgotten tools under the seat

After completing the work, check whether there are any screwdrivers or nuts left in the interior. They can get stuck under the carpet and make noise when moved.

Reassembly: nuances and verification

Putting the rear seat back seems easier than removing it, but there are pitfalls here too. Follow these guidelines:

1. Procedure:

1. If you removed the frame, first reinstall it and tighten the bolts (do not tighten it completely!).
2. Connect the electrical connectors (if any).
3. Secure the plastic clips to the front.
4. Install the cushion starting with the rear metal hooks, then snap the front section into place.
5. Check the secure fit by pulling the seat up.

2. Bolt tightening torques:

• Frame bolts: 20–25 Nm (do not overtighten so as not to break the thread!).
• Bolts ISOFIX: 15–18 Nm.

3. Check after assembly:

• 🔋 Make sure the heated seats are working (if equipped).
• 🚗 Take a test drive: there should be no extraneous sounds when driving.
• 🔍 Inspect the gaps between the seat and the body - they should be uniform.

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the seat wobbles or creaks, it means that one of the latches is not in place. Remove the cushion and check the fastenings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the rear seat in Nissan Note E11

Is it possible to remove just the seat back without touching the cushion?

B Nissan Note E11 the backrest and rear seat cushion are a single structure. The backrest cannot be removed separately, only together with the metal frame. If you need access to the trunk (for example, to transport long cargo), simply fold the backrest forward (if provided for in the package).

What to do if the plastic latch breaks?

A broken latch can be replaced with a new one (item number for Note E11 — 78211-3M000 or analogues). Temporary solution: use a plastic clamp or double-sided tape, but this is not reliable. If the latch is cracked but not broken, it can be strengthened with epoxy glue.

How to remove the seat if the bolts are rusty?

First treat the bolts with a penetrating lubricant (eg Liqui Moly Rostloser) and wait 10–15 minutes. If this does not help, use an impact screwdriver or heat the bolt with a hair dryer (not higher than 100°C, so as not to damage the plastic). As a last resort, drill out the bolt and cut a new thread.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the seat?

It is necessary to disconnect the battery only if there is airbag (which is rare for Note E11) or you plan to work with electrical wiring (for example, soldering heating wires). In other cases, it is enough to disconnect the connectors with the ignition off.

Where can I buy spare pistons and bolts?

Original parts can be ordered by catalog numbers from an authorized dealer Nissan (for example, piston - 78211-3M000, bolt - 08915-14010). Analogues are sold in auto parts stores (for example, Febi or SWAG). To save money, universal pistons from 3M or HELLA.