Hy hb32, try spraying some penetrating oil in at the bottom of the column [in the engine compartment] and up the column a bit where the shift levers come out. If you can get someone to shift the linkage as you're applying the penetrating oil it would have a better chance of working its way in, hope that helps.
Did as suggested 3B and a little better but still a struggle getting through neutral. Any other thoughts?
