How to properly remove the rear seat on a Nissan Qashqai J10: instructions with photos and tips

Removing the rear seat Nissan Qashqai J10 (first generation, 2007–2013) may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal interior cleaning to electronics repair, trim replacement or installation of additional equipment. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, the process has a number of nuances that are important to consider in order not to damage fastenings, folding mechanisms or wiring (if your equipment is equipped with heated seats or seat belts with sensors).

In this article, we will analyze in detail the entire process - from preparing tools to reassembly - and also talk about typical mistakes that owners make when dismantling for the first time. We will pay special attention hidden fastenings, which are often overlooked, and we will give recommendations for working with plastic clips to avoid their breakage. If you plan to remove the seat for access to the fuel pump or battery in hybrid versions, here you will find current diagrams and warnings.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Most operations can be performed without specialized tools, but some parts (for example, plastic plugs) require careful handling.

Here minimal set of toolswhich you will need:

• 🔧 12 mm socket wrench or socket — to unscrew the bolts securing the seat to the body.
• 🔨 Flat head screwdriver — for prying off plastic plugs and clips.
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers — so as not to lose small parts (bolts, washers) in the interior.
• 🧴 Silicone grease or WD-40 - if the bolts are stuck or corroded.
• 📸 Smartphone - for photographing the location of wires and fasteners before dismantling.

Also prepare your workspace: empty the trunk of things so that it is convenient to store the removed parts. If you're working in a garage, cover the floor with cardboard or a rag to prevent scratching the seat upholstery.

⚠️ Attention: If your Qashqai J10 equipped with side airbags in the rear seat (optional for top trim levels), before dismantling be sure to disconnect the battery to avoid triggering the squibs. To do this, remove the minus terminal and wait 10–15 minutes.

Rear seat mounting diagram for Qashqai J10

Back seat on Nissan Qashqai J10 It is attached to the body at four points: two bolts in the front (under the seat cushion) and two in the back (in the backrest area). In addition, depending on the configuration, the following may be present:

• 🔌 Wiring connectors - for heating seats or seat belt sensors.
• 🔗 Folding cable - in versions with the function Easy Fold.
• 🛠️ Additional clips — fixing the back trim.

Below is a table with the location of the fasteners and their features:

Attachment point	Fastener type	Tool	Notes
Front bolts (under the cushion)	M8 bolt with washer	12 mm head	Can be hidden under plastic plugs
Rear bolts (at the back)	M8 Bolt with Grover	12 mm head	Often sticks - requires WD-40
Back trim clips	Plastic pistons	Flat head screwdriver	They break if removed incorrectly
Seat heating connector	Chip with latch	Hands or tweezers	Turn off when battery is off

In most cases, you only need to remove the front bolts to lift the seat cushion and gain access to the trunk or fuel pump. However, for complete dismantling (for example, to replace the trim), you will also need to remove the backrest.

Step-by-step instructions: Removing the rear seat cushion

Let's start by removing the cushion - this is the simplest part of the process and does not require disconnecting the wiring (unless you have heated seats). Follow this algorithm:

1. Move the front seats as far forward as possible to free up room for manoeuvres.

2. Kneel down in front of the rear seat and locate the two plastic hatches at the base of the cushion (they are located closer to the backs of the front seats). Pry them off with a flathead screwdriver and remove.

3. Under the hatches you will see two 12mm bolts. Unscrew them using a socket wrench or socket. If the bolts do not budge, process them WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

4. After unscrewing the bolts, pull the seat cushion up and towards you. It should come off the guides easily. If the seat is stuck, check to see if you forgot to unscrew one of the bolts.

If your equipment is equipped with heated rear seats, before removing the cushion, disconnect the power connector, which is located under the trim closer to the backrest. To do this:

1. Lift up the edge of the pillow cover (being careful not to tear the fabric).
2. Find the wire chip and press the latch to disconnect it.

⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the wires when disconnecting the connector - this may damage the contacts. Always hold onto the body of the chip.

Removing the rear seat back

Removing the backrest is less common, but may be necessary to replace the trim, repair the folding mechanism, or access wiring. It is important to consider here that the backrest is secured not only with bolts, but also with plastic clips, which are easy to break if handled carelessly.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Fold the backrest forward (if it is not fixed in a vertical position). In some trim levels, this requires pulling a lever in the trunk or pressing a button under the armrest.

2. On the back side of the backrest (trunk side), unscrew the two 12 mm bolts that secure it to the body. They may be hidden under the plastic casing - carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.

3. Return the backrest to its upright position and locate the two plastic clips at the bottom (at the base). They need to be carefully pulled out with a flat screwdriver, pulling up.

4. After removing the clips, pull the back up and towards you - it should come out of the grooves. If the backrest is stuck, check to see if there are any unnoticed fasteners.

In versions with the function Easy Fold (electric folding) you will additionally need to disconnect the mechanism cable. To do this:

• Locate the plastic plug on the side of the backrest (door side).
• Remove it and disconnect the cable by pulling the lock.

What to do if the clips are broken?

If the plastic clips on the backrest break during dismantling, they can be replaced with new ones (article number for Qashqai J10 - 77110-4M000). A temporary solution may be to secure the sheathing with tape or zip ties, but this is not recommended for permanent use as it can lead to rattling.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing the rear seat, which leads to breakdowns or unnecessary expenses. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔧 Trying to remove the seat without unscrewing the bolts - some owners think that the pillow simply snaps into place and pulls it with force, breaking the guides.
• 🔌 Ignoring wiring connectors — If you do not turn off the heated seats, you can break the wires or cause a short circuit.
• 🛠️ Using inappropriate tools - for example, an attempt to unscrew bolts with an open-end wrench instead of a socket wrench, which leads to “licking” of the edges.
• 📏 Incorrect assembly - if you mix up the front and rear bolts, the seat will wobble or squeak.

To avoid these problems, follow these simple rules:

• Always check for hidden fasteners before using force.
• If the bolt does not unscrew, do not increase the force - treat it WD-40 or heat with a hair dryer (carefully so as not to damage the skin).
• When disconnecting connectors remember or photograph their location.

Features for different trim levels of Qashqai J10

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Nissan Qashqai J10 The dismantling process may have nuances. Let's look at the key differences:

1. Basic equipment (Visia, Acenta)

In the simplest versions, the rear seat is not equipped with heating and electrical mechanisms. Here you just need to unscrew 4 bolts (2 in front, 2 in back) and remove the plastic clips on the backrest. The main difficulty is stuck bolts that may require processing WD-40.

2. Heated configurations (Tekna, N-Connecta)

In these versions, heating elements are installed under the cushion cover, connected to the on-board network. When dismantling, be sure to:

• Disconnect the battery (remove the minus terminal).
• Disconnect the heating power connector (located under the trim closer to the back).
• Avoid sudden movements to avoid damaging the wires.

3. Hybrid versions (Qashqai+2)

Long version Qashqai+2 The rear seat has additional anchors for the third row. Here you will need:

• Unscrew the 2 additional bolts under the second row cushion.
• Remove the plastic cover between the rows, under which the clips are hidden.
• Keep in mind that the backrest of the second row can be connected to the third row by cables.

Also, hybrid versions often have a high-voltage battery located under the rear seat. Strictly prohibited touch orange wires or connectors without special training!

4. Restyled models (2010–2013)

After restyling in 2010 in Qashqai J10 The plastic bolt plugs have changed - they have become more fragile. When removing them, it is recommended to use a plastic pick or a special spatula to avoid scratching the casing.

Reassembly: nuances and tips

Putting the rear seat in place seems simple, but there are pitfalls here too. Here's what to look for:

1. Check the condition of the clips and bolts. If the clips are broken, replace them with new ones. If necessary, clean the bolts from rust and apply to the threads copper grease for protection against corrosion.

2. Make sure the wiring is connected correctly. If you reverse the polarity when connecting the heating, the system will not work, and in the worst case, the fuse may blow.

3. Adjust the folding mechanism. After assembly, check whether the backrest folds and locks easily. If there is play, tighten the bolts or adjust the cable.

4. Check seat belt operation. In some cases, after removing the seat, the belt sensors may not work correctly (for example, a light on the dashboard will come on). Reset the error by disconnecting the battery for 5-10 minutes.

After assembly, sit in the back seat and check it for squeaks or play. If the seat is wobbly, you most likely did not tighten the bolts enough or installed the clips incorrectly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to remove the rear seat on a Qashqai J10 without tools?

Theoretically, you can try to remove the seat cushion without tools if the bolts were previously unscrewed and not tightened. However, for complete dismantling (especially the backrest), you cannot do without a 12 mm socket wrench and a screwdriver. Also keep in mind that it is almost impossible to remove plastic clips without a tool - you will simply break them.

What to do if the bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed?

If the bolts do not budge, proceed according to the following algorithm:

1. Treat the threads with penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liqui Moly MoS2).
2. Wait 10–15 minutes.
3. Try unscrewing again, applying force gradually.
4. If this does not help, heat the bolt with a hair dryer (do not overheat the plastic parts!).
5. As a last resort, use a broken bolt extractor.

Do not use a hammer or chisel as this will damage the threads in the body.

How to remove the rear seat if it is electrically heated?

In this case, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
2. Unscrew the pillow mounting bolts.
3. Lift the pillow and find the heating power connector (usually black or gray).
4. Carefully disconnect the connector by pressing the latch.
5. Remove the cushion and remove the backrest if necessary.

When reassembling, make sure that the connector is connected tightly - otherwise the heating will not work.

Where are the fuses for the heated rear seats?

B Nissan Qashqai J10 The rear seat heater fuse is located in the passenger compartment fuse box, which is located on the driver's side under the instrument panel. Look for a fuse with a rating 15A and labeling SEAT HEATER or RR HEATER. The exact location can be clarified in the manual of your configuration.

Can the removed rear seat be washed with water?

Yes, but with caution:

• Do not use strong water pressure - this may damage the foam filling.
• Avoid getting water on the folding mechanisms and wiring (if heated).
• To clean the upholstery, use a soft brush and special car shampoos.
• After washing, dry the seat thoroughly in the sun or with a hair dryer.

If the upholstery is heavily soiled, it is better to contact a dry cleaner - washing it yourself can lead to deformation of the material.