How do I get the shaft out of there ????

 

There is a spring loaded release button on the switch.You have to access from behind the facsia.

 

You've got to remove the dash pad.

 

Yea, and the dash pad off too. I pulled mine ('89) several times while adding a metal bracket in that area to repair the "cookie cutter" damage to the plastic dash carrier under the top corner nuts. If you want to check that while you're in there, take the large integral-washer nut off the stud and see if the plastic is cut thru. A fender washer with a flat ground on one edge will prevent the original washer from cutting thru the plastic.

The headlight switch shaft release on mine was problematic in it's repeatability. FSM says push/hold in the button (outboard side of switch body) and pull the ****/shaft out. I had to wiggle it and fiddle with the extension of the shaft before pushing the button in to get it out.It's the same mechanism GM has used for decades and always has been flakely.

If all you need is to get the **** off to remove the facsia panel, there's less chance of breaking something in the switch by taking off just the ****. There's a notch in the plastic skirt of the **** (dash end of ****) that allows a small pick or screwdriver to push the metal **** retainer rearward and disengage from the shaft. It's a spring affair, so push rearward on the metal tab while supporting the otherside of the **** and guide the **** off quickly-you almost can't do it slowly. It's the same kind of joint as the retainer on most pop-up drain rods on a bathroom sink. Good luck.