Won't shift out of park with brake depressed

The brake light switch works correctly (contact close when brake is depressed). The brake transmission interlock switch is under the steering column. I can't see an obvious way to release the switch, I don't see clips or detent tabs. I want to know if anyone has removed one, if so, what's the trick to release the two connection points. It connects to the steering column and to the shift lever. When the solenoid is energized, it releases the shift lever to move. I don't want to force it off and destroy the shift lever pivot point. The steering column mount looks very robust, I don't think it will break.

Something is causing the solenoid to stick, perhaps it's dirty or just dying of old age. I won't know the actual reason until I remove it and take a look.