97 Trans Am ws6

Alright im working on my dads 86 corvette changing out a broken auto shift cable. My question is bolted on the shifter is a sensor of some sort that is shaped like an almost upside down U. it has a plastic piece that slides back and forth and seems to move as the shifter does. I dont know what this is and the plastic piece is chipped on the end so im gunna have to get another.
says delco-remy on it with the number 6196. anyone have any idea what this is, any help is much appreciated.