Only starts in neutral 1999 Dodge Durango

Only starts in neutral , no backup lights! neutral / safety switch bad? thanks in advance!

That would be my first thought, being the neutral switch. Or the gear shift cable is just out of adjustment.

• No Start Diagnostics

Transmission Park/Neutral Switch

The park/neutral switch is located on the transmission housing and provides an input to the powertrain control module (PCM) This will indicate that the automatic transmission is in Park, Neutral or a drive gear selection. This input is used to determine idle speed (varying with gear selection), fuel injector pulse width, ignition timing advance and vehicle speed control operation.

Gearshift Cable

Check adjustment by starting the engine in Park and Neutral. Adjustment is OK if the engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is incorrect if the engine starts in one but not both positions. If the engine starts in any position other than Park or Neutral, or if the engine will not start at all, the park/neutral position switch may be faulty.

Gearshift Adjustment Procedure

1. Shift transmission into Park.
2. Release cable adjuster lock (underneath the power brake booster) to unlock cable.
3. Raise vehicle.
4. Slide cable eyelet off transmission shift lever.
5. Verify transmission shift lever is in Park detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward detent is Park position.
6. Verify positive engagement of transmission park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft. Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
7. Slide cable eyelet onto transmission shift lever.
8. Lower vehicle and check engine starting. Engine should start only in Park and Neutral.
9. Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster clamp down until it snaps into place