1984 Mercury Marquis Car won't turn over unless push up on

1984 Mercury Marquis 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 225000 miles

Starting yesterday, x3 times, I could only get my Mercury Marquis to start by pushing up on the transmission shift lever.

It won't turn over, at all - unless I push up on the lever.

It acts like the lockout devise that stops car from starting when out of "PARK" isn't seeing it in park.

A probable related problem- I thought is was only information - but maybe related?
For about a year or so, it has had a progressively worsening issue with not showing the right gear I'm in, when I move the shift lever (on the steering column). For example, if I am really in drive, it shows reverse, and if in neutral, near park, and so on. I thought it was just an information issue. But there must be something else behind this interlock.

Look under the steering almost over the brake paddle you should be able to locate the shifter cable and where it connect to the shifter tube
it has two screws on the side make sure they are tight if so then you may have to adjust the cable at the tranny where its connect to the N/S switch

Thanks - I got under the dash, and checked out the connection - what this car has is a solid metal rod, attached to the shift lever, and this rod runs thru the firewall- with no connections I could see - It does run thru one other metal piece in its course. But doesn't seem to interact with it. Where is the park lockout in this car? Couldnt I bypass that/?

I don't see a cable, just solid metal.

Thanks! It's dark right now, but that sounds like a plan! I wonder if I actually need a new switch anyhow - I havent had back up lights for several years, but the bulbs are good.

I need to get underneath, to figure out which switch I have - that car had a C3, 4, or 5 transmission, from what I can tell from the parts selections at autozone/advance auto, but don't know which this one had - I was pretty certain it was a C-5, from someone, years ago.

The n/s switch on one of them is a simple switch (push button) and the other is more complicated replacement - 2 bolts - cable and connector.

I'm thinking that you're suggestion is for the latter - appreciate the input - I'll give f/u once I get under neathe (if I can do it before it fails completely, and I have to have it towed to someone for assistance).

On one forum, someone talked about putting car in neutral, putting a rod thru the center of the switch, and then tightening to adjust - this was for a ford mustang forum - don't know if that's the same.]