Chrysler Repair: Starter wont actuate reliably unless shifter moved: Sebring, sebring convertable, chrysler sebring

Question
Hi, I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertable. Recently when I go to start the car nothing happens.This happened again today.  In both cases I shifted the car out of park and back into park and the car has started.  Can you give me any suggestions what might be causing this problem? Thanking you in advance!!

Answer
Hi Chuck,
The most likely cause is that the shifter cable is slightly out of adjustment. Try moving the lever slightly to one side or the other of the park or neutral position to see if it will allow you to start in the off-center position. If so the cable needs to be adjusted between the lever and the trans. There is a range switch inside the transmission at the bottom of the rod which rotates when the shift lever is moved, and that switch has to be exactly positioned for the starter motor to be actuated in the Park or Neutral position. If the cable is slightly too long or too short, then the switch won't be in the proper position to complete the circuit. To adjust you need to remove the shift knob (set screw) and lift off the bezel and indicator lamp wiring. Then put the knob back on and set the lever in park. Then loosen the nut on the gear shifter cable. Then go to the trans rod and rotate its lever so it is squarely at the end of its range in the park position. Verify that the lever in the cabin and the lever at the trans are in the park position, then tighten the adjuster nut on the cable. Then check that it starts in Park and Neutral, and not in other positions.
That is the most likely reason but let me know if that doesn't seem to be the issue.
Roland