I have a 1993 Dakota that will not start normally. It has a manual transmission. When I hold the ignition switch to the start position and move the shifter around it starts. It acts like there is a gear position sensor, but I can't find any data on this sensor for a standard transmission. I would call the dealer, but they are closed. I thought maybe one of you have had this issue.

 

I don't think you moving the shifted any has any relation to the start problem being on a manual transmission there's no electrics that are involved in the shifter.

However, it does sound like the neutral safety switch is toast. I'd look up info on that and see how dodge did it. As far as I know, it should be behind the clutch pedal, but who knows if dodge thinks they have to be special.