1996 Ford Taurus

Sounds like a classic example of the mlps sensor, multi-lever-position-sensor, failing. Aka neutral safety switch. It sits on top of the trans, usually underneath the air cleaner hose, the shift linkage is hooked to it along with a big wire connector. For some reason, when it starts to go south, the items you listed start acting up. 9 times out of ten it's that sensor. You can replace it yourself, it does need some sort of alignment tool to set it to operate correctly with the gearshift, you may be able to jury-rig a tool. Sometimes it will show up as the check engine light, other times not