Center Console Removal

I have a 200 Jeep Cherokee Sport (4x4, AW-4 automatic transmission), and am replacing the carpeting. I'm at the stage of removing the center floor console. I cannot remove the automatic transmission shift lever handle. My shop manual says to lift straight up to remove, but it isn't budging and I don't want to force it. I've already separated the shifter position bezel, transfer case shifter position bezel and removed all the screws holding down the console.

What am I missing?

Thanks for any info.

Force it. You have to pull very hard.

That did it - two hands and with all my might. Whew. Thanks.