Chrysler Repair: all gears circled and car wont start in park, transmission control module, 4 digit numbers

Question
"I have a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica all gears are
circled on the dash and sometimes it doesnt start or it will start
in drive or reverse. Can anyone help? I've replaced the starter,
alternator, spark plugs, battery and battery cables. Still doing the same
thing."

Answer
Hi Trish,
Two suggestions:
The 'gears all circled' may mean that there is an issue involving the digital communication between the transmission control module and the instrument cluster. To see if that is the case try using the ignition key: "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window of the cluster to see if the mileage reading is replaced by any 4-digit numbers preceded by a P. Let me know if so.
The history of it sometimes starting in reverse or drive suggests that the connection between the gear shift lever in the cabin and the vertical rod on the transmission, which is operated by the lever by means of a connecting cable, is loose. Have a helper shift the lever while you watch in the engine compartment to see the vertical rod move back and forth. Examine where the cable that moves the rod attaches to the lever on the rod. You will see a set screw on top of that connection that when loose allows that cable to move freely from its position. Put the shift lever in the cabin in Park. Then with the screw loosened, using your hand rotate the lever arm as far forward as it will go, hold it there, and then tighten down the set screw so the cable is locked in that position.
Then see is the starter will work reliably in only Park or Neutral.
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Thanks,
Roland