Been here before ('96 Caravan with 3.3 liter and EATX) with issue of the PRNDL icons not always llighting up or at least not showing what gear I am in (P and N only). Due to that I assumed that either the transmission cable was not properly adjusted or the PRNDL switch was bad. After adjusting the cable I still have a erratic starting issue, when I get in and try to start her,I get nothing, no starter rotation, I turn her off and try again and she fires and runs. I am wondering if perhaps the ignition switch (electrical not key cylinder ) is malfunctioning. What do you folks think.

 

There are several things you can assume that are the problem. You can assume that it is the ignition switch, you can assume it's the neutral safety switch, you can assume there is a wiring problem, you could assume it is bad starter contacts, you could assume it is a bad starter relay, you already assumed it was the shift cable, and you could assume it is a circuit board problem in the cluster. so instead of assuming, use rational problem solving skills to isolate segments of the systems involved with the starting system. Check voltages, grounds, switches for continuity and so on. Did you ever try moving the shifter while having the key in the start position? Thats one thing I would start with (pun intended)

 

I agree. But i have had problems with ignition switches on the 1996 thru 2000.

 

I have tried to bump the shifter handle toward Park while trying to start her and once in awhile that works, and that is what led me to try and adjust the shifter cable, but that did not help. Back last year I did have an issue with starting her up and having no HVAC, radio,etc. I then would shut her down and restart her and Voila all systems go, and that is when I started suspecting the ignition switch, then the symptom disappeared (go figure).