my dakota will not start in park. When I turn the key nothing happens other than the dash lighting up. I have to get out and rock the truck back and forth and then it starts right up normally. Is there a park safety switch in the starting system somewhere?

 

There is a neutral safety switch, yes. Try it in neutral too.

What engine/transmission do you have?

 

V6 with auto transmission.

 

Does the same in neutral. Played with it some more and found that after three or more attempts with the key the starter ingauges and it starts right up. Maybe the starter solenoid?

 

You could try jumping the starter solenoid to see if it cranks.

There should also be a relay in the PDC, under the hood, the trips the starter solenoid. When you turn the key, do you hear a faint click?

 

Yes I hear a click. It ingages and start on the 3rd or 4th click.Battery seems to be ok, starts instantly...no cranking.
What is the PDC?

 

PDC = Power Distribution Center. Where all the fuses/relays are under the hood.

The good news is that if you hear that click the circuit is good from the ignition switch and the neutral safety switch. It would be very unlikely for the starter relay (in the PDC) to fail but you can swap it around with another to test.

It very well could be the starter solenoid OR I had the same problem because my starter was loose.

 

Thanks for all your help. I will pull the starter and have it tested. Hopefully its the culprit and a strait mechanical replacement. Electrical circuitry is not my strong point.
I think a lot of my problems with this truck lately is it doesn't get used a lot anymore and sits. Only use it for hunting/fishing and depot runs.