My 1985 back up lamps are not working, and I've determined the problem is at the white plastic backup lamp switch on the steering column.

Here's what I found. I can move the switch by hand. Seems to be the "ratcheting" type where you can feel/hear the teeth. I can find a position that turns on the back up lights, but when I move the shift lever back to Park and then to Reverse again, the switch moves, but it doesn't end up in that same place with the lights on. It's hard to visualize what's going on up in there. Seems like whatever link connects the switch to the steering column mechanism could be broken.

Does it just pop out?

Edit: What I really need help with is how this switch comes out. The instructions I found online were "Remove the switch by grasping and pulling it straight out of the steering column jacket." It's not bolted in, but this thing is not budging when I try to push it out of position.

 

Update: I got the switch out by pushing as hard as I could. The thing is, the switch seems OK. I cleaned and lubed it, checked with my Fluke meter, and snapped it back in. I can adjust the switch to turn on the back-up lights with the shift lever in Reverse just fine. But here's the problem: When you put the car in Park, it actually changes the alignment of the switch, pushing the adjustment counter-clockwise, so that it no longer makes contact when you go back to Reverse. If you're really careful and just barely slip the car into Park, it's OK, but a normal shift into Park misaligns the switch contacts.

I know my brother had the transmission completely rebuilt. Is there any adjustment in the position of the shift lever on the steering column relative to the transmission? Could the steering column shift mechanism be too far counter-clockwise relative to the switch's range of motion? Is the mechanism worn out with too much free play? What stops the shift mechanism when you put it in Park?

I'm stumped at this point. I have ordered a new switch on the off chance that it's binding up in some way in actual use, but it seems very strange.

What I do know is that this is not going to pass state safety inspection where I live. They are very strict about having all your exterior lights working properly.