1995 Explorer intermittant start - starter spins doesn't engage

[lenzel]

When turning the key on a 1995 Explorer, sometimes stater spins but doesn't engage, either in Park or Neutral. Moving the shifter around eventually it starts. Do I have a neutral Safety switch problem or are these symtoms of another issue?

 

[koda2000]

Bad starter. Specifically the solenoid/Bendix, which throws gear out to engage the ring-gear on the flywheel. Moving the gear shifter around has nothing to do with you eventually getting the engine to start.