i'll answer my own post. with the new switch in hand, it is obvious how to remove old switch from holder. merely apply pressure to the two tabs. one can't readily see the tabs in the installed switch. fyi.

now i am still without 4th gear. even with new switch. for some reason the old switch was coverd in oil. and the contacts to the switch and the connector were also covered with oil. i did probably not clean the assembly correctly. so now with a que tip and some alcohol i will revisit. wish me luck.