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

Removing the rear seat Nissan Qashqai - a task that every owner faces sooner or later. Whether you need to get to the fuel pump, clean the interior of dirt, replace the trim, or simply transport a large load. At first glance, the process seems simple, but without knowing the nuances, you can end up with broken latches, torn upholstery, or even damaged electrical wiring (if we are talking about heated models).

In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm for all generations Kashkaya (J10, J11, J11 FL), we will indicate the necessary tools and warn against common mistakes. We will pay special attention to models with separate folding of the backrest (60/40) and options with integrated seat belts — their dismantling has its own characteristics. If you have never done this kind of work, don’t worry: with the right approach, the process will take no more than 20–30 minutes.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin removing the seat, prepare your work area and tools. You don’t need professional equipment—what’s in a car owner’s standard kit is enough. However, there are a few nuances that are worth remembering:

• 🔧 Tools: flathead screwdriver (for prying up plastic clips), 10 or 12 mm socket wrench (for seat belt fastenings), flashlight (to inspect hidden latches).
• 🧤 Protection: gloves - to avoid scratching the plastic and getting your hands dirty (dust and moisture often accumulate under the seat).
• 📸 Fixing the process: Take a photo of the location of the fasteners and wiring before dismantling - this will simplify reassembly.

If your Nissan Qashqai equipped with a heated rear seat, mandatory disconnect the negative terminal of the battery 10–15 minutes before the start of work. This will prevent a short circuit from accidental contact with the wires. Also check if there are any important things under the seat - many owners forget about small things in the glove compartment under the pillow.

⚠️ Attention: On models with climate control panel For rear passengers (optional on top trims), additional wiring harnesses can be run under the seat. Do not pull the seat sharply up - first inspect the space for the presence of fasteners.

Step-by-step instructions: removing the rear seat on a Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013)

First generation Kashkaya has the simplest rear seat mounting design. There is no electrical wiring (except for heated options), and the latches are located symmetrically. Follow the algorithm:

1. Open the rear doors and fold the seatback forward (if available on your vehicle). This will give access to the pillow mounts.

2. On the back of the pillow, find two plastic tabs (one on each side). Pry them open with a flat head screwdriver and pull them up. They fix the pillow to the body.

3. After releasing the latches, lift the seat cushion up and slightly towards you - it should be easily removed from the guides.

If the backrest does not fold (for example, in basic versions), you will have to work in limited space. In this case:

• 🔹 First, remove the plastic plugs from the backrest mounting bolts (they are located in the lower part at the base).
• 🔹 Unscrew the bolts with a 12 mm socket wrench.
• 🔹 Gently tilt the backrest forward and remove it from the hinges.

On Qashqai J10 With heated rear seats, you'll find the power socket under the cushion. Don't pull the wires — first disconnect the chip by pressing the plastic lock.

Take a photo of the location of the latches|Disconnect the battery (if there is heating)|Prepare a screwdriver and socket wrench|Check that there are no things under the seat-->

Features of dismantling the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) and the restyled version

Second generation Kashkaya received a more complex design of the rear row. Here you can find:

• 🔌 Electric backrest folding (in top versions).
• 💺 Integrated seat belts with fastening to the body through the seat.
• 🔋 Additional sensors (for example, for a passenger control system).

The algorithm for removing the pillow is similar J10, but the backrest will require additional steps:

Stage	Action	Tool
1. Removing the pillow	Pry 2 latches on the back and pull up	Flat head screwdriver
2. Detaching the belts	Unscrew the bolts securing the belts to the body (under the plastic plugs)	Socket wrench 10 mm
3. Removing the backrest	Unscrew the 4 bolts at the bottom, disconnect the electrical connectors (if any)	12 mm socket wrench, flashlight

On restyled Qashqai J11 (after 2017) in configurations with Nissan ProPILOT Driver assistance system sensors may be located under the seat. Their connectors are usually marked with yellow or orange marks - do not confuse them with heating wires!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many owners make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or additional expenses. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔨 Force on the latches. The plastic clips break if you do not pry them off with a screwdriver, but simply pull the seat up. Replacement will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles per part.
• ⚡ Ignoring electrical wiring. On models with heating or sensors, a broken wire may cause errors on the instrument panel (for example, U1000 — CAN bus malfunction).
• 🔩 Loss of mounting bolts. Backrest bolts often fall into the trunk niche and are lost. Prepare a magnet or container for small items in advance.

Critical error: attempt to remove the backrest without unscrewing the seat belt bolts. This leads to deformation of the metal frame of the seat - it can only be restored in a car service center.

⚠️ Attention: If the light comes on after installing the seat back AIR BAG or SEAT BELT, it means that you forgot to connect the passenger sensor connector or did not fasten the belt correctly. Check all connections and reset the error using the diagnostic scanner.

When to remove the rear seat: practical cases

Removing the rear row Nissan Qashqai may be needed in a variety of situations. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔧 Fuel pump repair. On J10 And J11 it is accessed through a hatch under the seat cushion.
• 🧹 Deep interior cleaning. Sand, crumbs and moisture accumulate under the seats, which cannot be removed with a vacuum cleaner without dismantling them.
• 🚗 Transportation of oversized cargo. Removing the backrest increases the length of the trunk to 1.8 m (versus the standard 1.3–1.5 m).
• 🔥 Replacement of sheathing or foam rubber. If there is wear or damage (for example, from cigarettes), it is easier to remove the seat completely.

If you are planning regularly transport goods, consider installing separate seat with function Easy Flex (available at Qashqai J11 included Tekna). It allows you to fold the backrest asymmetrically (40/20/40) without removing it completely.

How to check the fuel pump without removing the seat?

On Nissan Qashqai You can perform preliminary diagnostics of the pump without removing the seat. To do this:

1. With the ignition on (without starting the engine), listen to the sound from under the rear row - the pump should hum for 2-3 seconds.

2. If there is no sound, check the fuse F30 (15A) in the block under the steering wheel.

3. You can also measure the pressure in the fuel rail (standard: 3.5–4 bar) through the fitting under the hood.

Reverse installation: nuances and verification

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

1. Before installation clean the guides from dirt and lubricate them with silicone grease. This will prevent squeaks in the future.

2. Make sure everything electrical connectors are connected correctly. On heated models, check the function before finally fixing the seat.

3. Fasten your seat belts with a force of 20–25 Nm (use a torque wrench). Loose bolts can lead to loosening in an emergency.

After installation:

• 🔹 Check it out fixing the latches - Pull the seat up, it should not move.
• 🔹 Make sure that the back is securely latched in a vertical position.
• 🔹 Start the engine and check for errors on the dashboard.

⚠️ Attention: If there is play or squeaking after installing the seat, most likely you have not secured the cushion guides correctly. Repeat the process, paying attention to the symmetry of the fixation on both sides.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the rear seat on a Nissan Qashqai

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

Yes, the pillow can be removed regardless of the backrest on all generations Qashqai. To do this, just pry the two latches on the back and pull it up. The back remains in place.

What to do if the latch breaks during dismantling?

If the plastic latch is cracked, it can be temporarily fixed with a tie or replaced with a new one (item number for J10: 80310-4M000, for J11: 80310-4M100). The cost of the part is about 500–800 rubles.

Do I need to remove the seat to change the fuel filter?

No, the fuel filter is on Nissan Qashqai located in the engine compartment (to the right of the engine). It can be accessed without dismantling the interior elements.

How to remove a seat if the backrest bolts are rusty?

Use a penetrating lubricant (eg Liqui Moly Rostloser) and let it run for 10–15 minutes. If the bolt does not budge, try heating it with a hair dryer (do not overheat the plastic!). In extreme cases, you will have to cut off the bolt with a grinder and replace it with a new one.

Can the removed seat be washed with water?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Use cold water and a soft brush.
• Avoid direct contact with water foam rubber - It takes a long time to dry and can become moldy.
• To clean the casing, use special products (for example, Autoglym Interior Shampoo).

After washing, dry the seat in the sun or with a fan for 6-8 hours.