Well, I am finally home with the column & shifter. No work tonight, but a bit of studying.
The column is complete, less airbag. I am almost contemplating swapping the whole thing, as (As far as I know) the steering wheel bolt removal tool is not in any of my tool boxes, unless a normal Torx will work?
Shifter looks relatively simple, actually. It seems that there will be a magnet, or ferrous metal, in the white part of the shifter. It's on the backside of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). On the other side, I am guessing some form of hall effect units that indicate the gear selection, as they correspond to positions well. THen off to the chip.
Ya know, I will install the replacement, but will also try to diagnose the real issue with the shifter system.
Yes, yes, I surely will take many photos to document it all, pass or fail.
Good evening, I am off to do a Scotch rocks & study...
Ed