I have a '94 Dakota, automatic transmission, 5.2L V8. I just replaced the ignition switch and ignition cylinder lock and now my truck starts fine, but I can't get it out of park and into gear. Any suggestions?

 

something in the cylinder lock is not releasing the shifter arm. when you start it can you turn the steering wheel?

 

The ignition cylinder lock should only be a mechanical device that receives the key and allows you to turn the switch. Get a wiring diagram of the switch pinout and a multi-meter and check the output that energizes the shifter unlock (it probably does more than that & might have a different function name on the wiring diagram pin, but look for transmission related functions). If you can't find a pinout diagram, check the pins with a multi-meter with the key OFF. You should be able to find the hot wire from the power distribution center. Next, when you turn the key to ACCESSORY, you'll find the hot outputs associated with that position. When you rotate the key to RUN or ON, you'll find power to almost all the other pins - all except the one that provides the power for the starter circuit. If you're putting the probe on the switch pins, you'll be testing the switch function - you need to see if the wire supplying power to the transmission circuit has power on it. These wires are fairly heavy gauge for the most part and its easy to get a bad connection when re-installing the switch - that would be what I'd first look for (that, and the switch itself. New parts can be broken too).

 

94 wont have a brake pedal interlock like the newer ones