Niece has 2004 Neon, for the last couple of days car will start sometimes. When it doesn't start, she turns the switch, puts the car in "D" and it starts. First I thought it was the starter but now no clue. Unfortunately, not in same area so want to arm her with as much information as possible. Any ideas?

 

If I had to throw something out there, I'd first take look at the shifter linkage.