Originally Posted by Weasel

You really gotta pull hard sometines, but don't worry... there is nothing to break. One trick is to put the shifter into the drive position so it is aiming back at you.

... funny side note. The other day in the shop I watched a fellow tech remove a shiftknob. He pulled so hard that when it popped off he punched himself in the face with it!!! (he was ok, just embarrased)