Automatic shifter seems misaligned, car doesn't start at times.
 

I've searched the forums but didn't have any luck finding anything similar to what I'm experiencing.

Occasionally when I try to start the car, all the lights come on but nothing happens. I've noticed that sometimes the gear indicator is not illuminated on the instrument cluster. Keeping my foot on the brake pedal, I move the shifter through the gears, but it seems stiff and not really aligned with the position markings. I can play with the shifter a bit to get the neutral light on, then the car starts from there. Also, when I put it back in park, I have to push it really hard into park for the light to come on, and the doors to unlock.

I'm thinking it's a bushing on the shift linkage, or a cable adjustment but wanted to see if anyone here has some experience with this. Also, I removed the top cover of the center console to see if I'd be able to see anything from the top but shift lever is well encased in a plastic assembly that didn't seem easy to take apart unless I removed the entire center console.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

If in fact moving the lever brings the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) into alignment and you can start the car, then you have some things to check.

Step:
1, car safely in the air, engine off, wheels chocked, brake on.
2, place trans in neutral and verify the NSS is aligned by inserting a small drill bit through the opening in the side. If it does not insert, loosen the shift linkage bolts at the adjust, then the NSS mounting bolts and align the NSS with the drill bit and tighten it down.

Uhg - gottav rub TBC...