Help please: I put the shifter into park, but it doesn't register

[bakerbh]

A month ago my car would always not start at certain times in the day, nothing consistent. Mechanic thought it was the starter motor, so I got that replaced. It then happened again afterwords. It turns out that when I put it into park with the shifter, for some reason the transmission does not recognize that it is in Park. So when I go to start it next, it won't unless I fiddle around with it. Now it will only start in neutral. Also, it won't go into reverse from drive, I can only go into reverse after putting it in "park." How serious of a problem is this or might it just be something with the linkage?

Thanks in advance for the help,

Brian

 

[HiImBrian]

It's easy enough to check the linkage. I'd do that first. Just climb underneath and watch as someone shifts back and forth. If thats the problem it should be pretty apparent. If nothing looks funny there, sit down, take a Xanax and prepare for some bad news. Good luck!