They look a bit different than the cable ends at the shift tower. Plus they are pressed on. They aren't going anywhere. You have a problem at the shifter you're replacing the cables.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me