I am going to buy a 97 Caravan. When I move the shift lever to neutral, the dash display does not show an "N" or an "N" with a box around it.

Also, sometimes all the shift positions (P, R, N, D, 3, L) light and all have boxes around them.

Is the above caused by a mis-adjusted or bad switch connected to the shift lever?

Does all the positions lighting suggest a problem with the dashboard PC board or circuitry?

How do I get to it to adjust it or replace it?

I assume that the above will not affect the transmission or any other part of the van. True?

 

i would suggest you have the vendor have this problem fixed before you buy the vehicle, unless you take the vehicle to a shop for a quote and have them reduce the price by that much.
i just replaced the shifter cable on my 99 3.8L and it was quite easy, and there's not much to adjust on it either, an 8 mm screw is all that's there.
however, i was doing some reading and there's a 'neutral switch ' or some such thing that can cause some problems so like i said i'd have it checked out before or instead of asking on this board and trusting the diagnosis from a stranger from afar.
Wayne in Calgary
ps i'm not too impressed with the lack of response on this board so you may want to try other boards as well.


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Replace the Ignition switch, This was a common problem with 1996 thru 1998 caravans.

 

I have a 99 caravan.. it does the same thing.. and mine works just fine like that..
trans dont slip or anything.. runs great..