Neutral safety switch Tacoma

My 2013 Tacoma presented a code that led me to the Transmission neutral safety switch. Thankfully it is not too deeply hidden and I am able to reach the single bolt holding it on, HOWEVER, it seems the shaft that extends out of the transmission and through the switch itself will not let go of the switch preventing removal. The muffler prevents getting in or behind the switch to attempt a pry off. I have sprayed it with PB blaster (not a big fan) but still stuck.
Can't get a hammer in there to tap on it. I was thinking about breaking it in order to remove it but if that doesn't work I will be dead in the water. At least now it still works (mostly).
ANyone have a trick for getting this little electrical part off the transmission?

 

I’ve seen many of those stuck. I cut it with a Dremel, the switch, not the shaft.

 

Yeah, I figured it would come to that. It is intermittent but working now so I hate to destroy a part that still allows the truck to function. If I can't get it off then I am stuck. I hate stress. Nothing is ever easy! I went to replace the rear bumper a few days ago. Was going to be a half hour job....until it wouldn't come off, then the receiver was rusted nd needed replacement, then the frame needed to be cleaned up painted, then the new bumper didn't fit, then the old brackets were bad and had to order new ones, then , then , then. A week later it is still sitting waiting for parts. I better go dig up the Dremel cutting bits.

 

Get the reinforced ones. They work better

 

Cut it off. 100% cut it off


If you crank on the shaft coming out of the nut too much, you can damage the seal around the shaft and cause a leak.

That seal is installed form INSIDE the transmission. The nut being stuck will have been the least of your problems if that happens.

 

Of course they did. Yeah, I am pretty careful when playing around in areas I am not familiar. I pulled as hard as I could without going crazy and backed off and decided I needed to think about this. The switch is intermittent now so I can use the truck. I have the new part, just have to figure out if I am going to cut it off or find another way. Your input is appreciated.

 

Last week it was a reverse switch. The week before it was injectors. Before that rear sway bar bushings. Now rear bumper…. I love my truck and it has been great with little maintenance but it’s at the point where I’ve replaced virtually every switch and grommet on this thing. It’s almost new again.

 

My lord. You had to do all that for a 2013 Tacoma?
Jesus. All I've done to my 2012 is Oil/Filter Changes, Air/Cabin Filters, one set of tires, and an occasional wash/wax.

** Edit I need to add I had an AC Refrigerant leak I had repaired also...

 

No, no, no! It must have been the way I wrote the note. My 99 4Runner has had all of the replacements of little parts. The Tacoma is doing well, knock wood, with over 300k miles on it.

 

You've done as much as me and I have a 2007

 

with all that description of rear bumper and appendages rust, have you carefully inspected the rest of the frame? Like in the places they fail from rust? Your neutral switch may be a mere blip in the big picture.