Bought it tonight, and my Neck is Killing Me! Help Please!

1841 Views 18 Replies 11 Participants Last post by g60man, Nov 27, 2006

Ballardbeau

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2006

I'll go in to detail later on, but for now, I bought a Black Cherry Mica Speed 6 GT a couple of hours ago!!!
YEAH!!! Traded in a yellow 04 Pontiac GTO which was a great car but I couldn't handle 14.5 mpg anymore.

The car is being picked up in Portland and delivered to my dealer in Seattle tomorrow morning.

They took my GTO tonight and gave me a regular 6 to drive home. I don't know the model but it has a 6 cylinder engine and leather. From the getgo, it felt like the huge headrest was pushing my head forward, and I swear to God, it's aching as I type this.

I had driven the Speed 6 before and don't remember having this problem at all. I was hoping my seat would be different (or at least the headrest) but when I looked at the 6 at Mazda's site, they're exactly the same.

Is it an exaggeration to say that these things are "pushed forward" pretty agressively?

Any way to remove these, since they're not adjustable? I read on another Mazda 6 forum that they can be "jiggled out" by pushing the release button, but I couldn't get mine out tonight. Another guy said that if you hold the button in and insert a paper clip-like instrument into the bolt, or lock, on the OTHER side, it would come out...supposedly someone at Mazda told him that...the problem is, I don't SEE where that "tool" would go on the other side.

I'd be perfectly happy to remove the thing and put it in BACKWARDS. That's what I did with a TSX and it worked beautifully.

Any help/suggestions?

Thanks from a NUB!!!

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

yomama69

· #2 · Nov 25, 2006

I would imagine that they could just pull right out. They seem identical as the ones in the backseat and those pull right out.

ninecoronas

· #3 · Nov 25, 2006

Thats interesting. With my headrest it moves in and out like butter. Just make sure that you have the button fully depressed.

king_lam925

· #4 · Nov 25, 2006

Get a pillow...

need4$peed6

· #5 · Nov 25, 2006

Get a pillow...
[/b]

Congratulations! Which Seattle dealer did you go through, and do you mind if I ask what you paid?

Ballardbeau

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 25, 2006

Get a pillow...

That's hilarious; thanks a lot.

I originally went to Doug's Lynnwood Mazda and University mazda in Seattle. I was after a specific color--red or black cherry--and neither had them. They both claimed to do a "regional search" and found nothing so I gave up as I wasn't going to compromise on color.

I work in Renton and Pinnacle Mazda is a few blocks from my office, so I went to them last week and lo and behold, they found one red and two black cherries, both in OR. I suppose the other 2 dealerships were either not willing to drive to OR to sell me a car, or it didn't occur to them to search out of state!

So...MazdaSpeed 6 GT with sunroof, compass mirror, chrome gas cap, wind deflector and Sirius (gotta have Howard) and all season mats for 25,800.

How'd I do????

Kokopellian

· #7 · Nov 25, 2006

He was serious about the pillow. Check it out.

SkippyRock

· #8 · Nov 25, 2006

arent the seats in the speed and the seats in the 6s different? i hope u wont have this problem with your speed

Ballardbeau

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 25, 2006

The seats are definitely different but the seatrests are identical. They aggressively "push forward." When I pick it up tomorrow I'm not taking delivery until they take the damn thing out! I know it's potentially dangerous but, two hours after a 30 minute drive, my neck still hurts.

I looked at the site...couldn't find the pillow...where is it?

Oh, OK....found it on ebay...but if the headrest pushes forward, wouldn't a pillow around it make it lean
forward even more? I'm sure it's more comfortable, but it's the position of the headrest that's an issue with me, not the comfort....

Thanks for the link.

Oh, wait a minute...I'm looking at them again...do these REPLACE the existing headrests, or just wrap around them?

Kokopellian

· #10 · Nov 25, 2006

The seats are definitely different but the seatrests are identical. They aggressively "push forward." When I pick it up tomorrow I'm not taking delivery until they take the damn thing out! I know it's potentially dangerous but, two hours after a 30 minute drive, my neck still hurts.

I looked at the site...couldn't find the pillow...where is it?

Oh, OK....found it on ebay...but if the headrest pushes forward, wouldn't a pillow around it make it lean
forward even more? I'm sure it's more comfortable, but it's the position of the headrest that's an issue with me, not the comfort....

Thanks for the link.
[/b]

No problem man. I think the pillow may help though. From the sound of what you're describing I have a similar problem on some airline seats so I think I know where you're coming from. The back of your head probably rests on the pushed forward section of the headrest thereby causing the rear neck muscles along side your spine to support weight that they weren't intended to support. And you end up with neck strain. A small pillow behind my neck is all it takes for me to be comfortable on airplanes. On the first day of ownership of my MS6 I suffered a little strain but, I recognized what it was and adjusted the headrest and I'm fine now. I hope this helps. Btw, here's a link to a member's car domain page and the last pic shows the pillow installed on the rear seats. I think you'll be able to see how it could be helpful. MS Pillow

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Ballardbeau

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 25, 2006

No problem man. I think the pillow may help though. From the sound of what you're describing I have a similar problem on some airline seats so I think I know where you're coming from. The back of your head probably rests on the pushed forward section of the headrest thereby causing the rear neck muscles along side your spine to support weight that they weren't intended to support. And you end up with neck strain. A small pillow behind my neck is all it takes for me to be comfortable on airplanes. On the first day of ownership of my MS6 I suffered a little strain but, I recognized what it was and adjusted the headrest and I'm fine now. I hope this helps. Btw, here's a link to a member's car domain page and the last pic shows the pillow installed on the rear seats. I think you'll be able to see how it could be helpful. MS Pillow
[/b]

Hey K, when you said you adjusted the headrest, I assume that meant you either lowered or raised them, as there's no "tilt" function? I did put the headrest in the most upright position towards the end of my drive and that seemed to help a little as my neck wasn't in direct contact with the headrest; just more towards the bottom of my head.

I saw the pics and I can see how the pillows would be helpful. If the dealership can't yank it out tomorrow, I'll be buying 'em!

Thanks again for your help to a nube who hasn't even taken delivery yet!!

Kokopellian

· #12 · Nov 25, 2006

Hey K, when you said you adjusted the headrest, I assume that meant you either lowered or raised them, as there's no "tilt" function? I did put the headrest in the most upright position towards the end of my drive and that seemed to help a little as my neck wasn't in direct contact with the headrest; just more towards the bottom of my head.

I saw the pics and I can see how the pillows would be helpful. If the dealership can't yank it out tomorrow, I'll be buying 'em!

Thanks again for your help to a nube who hasn't even taken delivery yet!!
[/b]

Yeah, the headrest only lowers/raises. A tilt function would be nice. :yesnod: I think they can be removed. I haven't tried though. You're welcome. Glad I could help and welcome to the community.

king_lam925

· #13 · Nov 25, 2006

You thought I was joking eh? But really it's the easiest way to fix the problem.

I can imagine that you're a pretty tall guy, I don't have that issue when I drive the car cuz I'm only 5"4.
However, it does bother me when I'm on a plane. That's why I choose Cathay everytime I go aboard because they provide pillows and branket! I don't need instant noodles but these bedding stuffs is a must.

Ballardbeau

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 25, 2006

You thought I was joking eh? But really it's the easiest way to fix the problem.

I can imagine that you're a pretty tall guy, I don't have that issue when I drive the car cuz I'm only 5"4.
However, it does bother me when I'm on a plane. That's why I choose Cathay everytime I go aboard because they provide pillows and branket! I don't need instant noodles but these bedding stuffs is a must.
[/b]

My apologies. King!

Chalk it up to a noob error.

king_lam925

· #15 · Nov 25, 2006

My apologies. King!

Chalk it up to a noob error.
[/b]

Nonono...it's okay. Hope it helps.

Welcome and congratz on the new car btw.

stl_ls1gto

· #16 · Nov 26, 2006

traded in a goat for an ms6 huh......well, I guess not everyone can just keep acquiring cool, rare cars like me

My goat will smoke my MS6 though....except in the snow/rain. The guy in the STI this morning was quite suprised by my MS6 though.....up to 140. He did the ricer flyby, and I by the time I floored it to pass him (on the closed course we were on) he was already 4 cars ahead of me. Well, I held that distance up until we both let off at around 140. Not to bad. There was no way I had the power to pull him in though.

2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Whitewater Pearl Grand Touring</span> - daily driver
FACTORY OPTIONS
-black and white leather -NAV -Mazdaspeed Rays forged wheels -Sirius radio from factory -alarm shock sensor -cargo net -compass auto-dimming mirror -wheel locks -MS all weather mats
AFTERMARKET MODS
-3M clearbra - 20% tint all around - CPE engine mount

2004 Pontiac GTO A4 black/black - my toy
-Comp cam - Lingtenfelter CAI - Stainless Works Long Tubes with cats -S.W. dual 3-in catback - Taylor 10.4's and TR55's -Vig 3200 stall -Nitto 275 drags- 3M clearbra -20% tint all around 13.9 1/4 stock, 2.0 60ft stock tires -13.5 @ 103 with LPE intake 2.0 60ft stock tires [email protected] 1.767 60ft 4/4/6 Gateway International -HP dyno tune <span style="color:#FF0000">378whp 344wtq

2007 Audi Q7 3.6 Premium Phantom Black Pearl/Cardamom Beige New 5/21/7 - wife's ride
Infotainment Package -Convenience Package -3rd Row -Panorama Sunroof

2005 Infiniti G35X Brilliant silver/stone leather - sold 5/21/7
-Premium package 3 - Intelligent key - Nav Package -factory rear spoiler -factory Sirius -Rosewood package

sea6speed

· #17 · Nov 27, 2006

Hey, congrats. Maybe I'll see you around as my GF lives in Loyal Heights.

awh

· #18 · Nov 27, 2006

No problem man. I think the pillow may help though. From the sound of what you're describing I have a similar problem on some airline seats so I think I know where you're coming from. The back of your head probably rests on the pushed forward section of the headrest thereby causing the rear neck muscles along side your spine to support weight that they weren't intended to support. And you end up with neck strain. A small pillow behind my neck is all it takes for me to be comfortable on airplanes. On the first day of ownership of my MS6 I suffered a little strain but, I recognized what it was and adjusted the headrest and I'm fine now. I hope this helps. Btw, here's a link to a member's car domain page and the last pic shows the pillow installed on the rear seats. I think you'll be able to see how it could be helpful. MS Pillow
[/b]

I'm the one with the pillows. they work fine for the rear passengers, but dont work sufficiently well on the front headrests. I'm getting some small orthopedic pillows for the front headrests....but they wont latch on like the ebay specials. these work great.

http://www.tempurpedic.com/TempurCMSVB/pil...avelneckpillow/

My Velocity6 Car Domain Page - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2418091 not updated.....

My Mods : CP-E Single CBE w/ Muffler Welded In, TurboXS TP, CP-E CAI w/ Hydro Shield & Wheel Well Splash Mod, Speedie TIP, Denso Spark Plugs, CP-E Rear Engine Mount, RPM Sport Springs, CorkSport Shock Brace, Whiteline RSB, HKS BOV, TT & CP-E Diff Mounts, TT Front Engine Mount, Cobb Shifter Weight, Vent Pod w/ VEI Boost Gauge, Hardwired Beltronics RX65, Blinder Laser Jammer (ask about install), Hardwired Audiolink & Garmin Nuvi 760 in Map Pocket, Hardwired Scan Gauge II in Sunglass Holder, Bose Pre-Amp, HID Fogs, Smoked Rear Reflectors w/LEDs, Side Markers Tinted w/Film, Wolo Bad Boy Horn, Redline Hood Struts, TWM Shift Knob & Shifter Bushings,Winter Set Up - 225 Pirelli Sottozeros on White Powder Coated OEM Rims, Summer Set Up - 225 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics on Konig Troubles, Fluids (Royal Purple 5w30, Redline 75w90 in the Differential, Redline MT-90 75w90 in the Transmission, Amsoil 80w90 in the Transfer Case)

g60man

· #19 · Nov 27, 2006

Happy to have u on board and i fell you on the headrest, but guess what u will need it with that speed6. u need something strong with the Gs u will pull

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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