Dodge Repair: neutral safety switch location, neutral safety switch, dodge caravan

Question
I have a 1998 dodge caravan with a 3.0 liter motor and a 3 speed automatic transmission (1,2 and D).

when I turn the key sometimes I just hear a clicking sound. If I release the key and turn to start again and do this a few times it will start.

I was told it could be the neutral safety switch, so I bought one, my problem is I can't find where its located on my transmission. I'm starting to think this switch is not on my transmission.

The switch is a made by Standard part #NS-11  

Answer
This component that they gave you, does it look like it may just screw in to the side of the case or is it a larger black plastic piece, with an o-ring and slot for about an 8-10 pin connector?

If it's the second one then the valve body has to be dropped and the switch is serviced like that.  It's not a horrible job but there are a few details that shouldn't be overlooked so having a transmission guy work on it may be best.

If it's a simple screw in style switch then that is actually the Park/Neutral switch.  It mounts externally on the transmission on the front or driver's side of the transmission.  Most have a three wire connecter that plugs in to it and you can take them out with a socket or large wrench.

One thing to keep in mind is that starters on these minivans also fail in the manor you described above.

I had another response somewhere and I can't seem to find it now so I'll try and re-type it here:
The starters in the minivans have a problem with wearing out contacts inside after a while.  They're rather cheap parts ($10.00 or less) but I don't know who sells them anymore since it's been over 6 years since I've replaced just the contacts.  

Basically what happens is that after a period of time there's a certain moving component inside the starter that makes an electrical connection.  The more it's used the more the contacting points wear.  Eventually, the material wears away and what you've left with is that moving part no longer contacting the mating part in enough places to carry the load to spin over the engine.

As a result the starter has to come out to correct the condition.  Replacement of the contacts is the cheapest and easiest part but finding them will be a challenge.  Complete unit replacement is more expensive but EVERYWHERE will be will to sell you a starter.

That info may help you in this case if your switch doesn't take care of the problem.  In either way let me know what you find.
Doug