Won't start until I mess with shifter

[jakecorn]

Guys, I have an 2003 Dodge Diesel regular cab. It won't start in park, but will in neutral. If I mess with shifter and get the "P" for park to light up, it will start in park. A lot of the time, the "P" doesn't light up and it won't start. Could it be neutral safety switch on transmission? I have problems with that with a different truck, but thought then it wouldn't start in neutral. Thanks in advance.

 

[DavidC]

Sounds like the linkage needs a little fine tuning to activate the switch in Park.

Dave

 

[cerberusiam]

No linkage, shift cable and that the problem. You need to adjust the shift cable sop P shows on the dash, or, replace the range sensor that controls the dash display. Could very well be both things need done to fix it.

 

[Ozymandias]

on mine it was the range sensor, a 10$ part and also built.

 

[Motorhead]

Check any plastic bushings on the linkage too. Your neutral safety switch might be failing also.