Replacing transmission neutral switch

It should just slide off. However it has likely bonded in place from rust between the shaft and interior of the switch. About the only way to get it free will be to get a pry tool between the shift lever and the inner area of the switch and pry it off. Do not try to pry it from the outside against the case as you could cause damage inside the transmission where the shift lever acts on the internal parts. Then use some emery paper to polish the shaft, then coat it with a bit of silicone grease or never-seize to keep moisture out of the replacement.

thanks, i appreciate your help.

Living in a rust belt state means you get real good at removing stuck, rusted parts. Did you get the switch off to replace it?

Yes, I did not want to break anything and your answer showed me that I was doing the right thing. I got some antifreeze stuff that helped me break the part loose. If it does not rain tomorrow I will get under there and clean up that shaft and put the new transmission range sensor on. And I will treat it with some sort of anti-seize. Thanks again for your help.

Yeah rust is always fun. I am so used to repairing broken bolts/studs that I will break them off just to save the time on the attempt to remove them. If you intend on doing much work on a vehicle that is "aged" you may want to look at a cordless impact, the newer ones work pretty well on breaking loose stubborn bolts.