Ford Repair: 95 Windstar Ignition or Other?, neutral safety switch, shift cable

Question
I seem to have one of the few 95's that has behaved reasonably so far in my 2 years of ownership. Anyway, it has developed this thing where when the key is moved to the start position, nothing happens. The first time, I moved the tranny lever to neutral, and then voila the engine turned over fine, and started. This worked a few times, along with other little dumb things, like moving it back to park, etc. My ignition switch has always been a bit wierd, moves without the key, easy to leave it in the wrong position to insert the key - etc. My question is trying to figure if this is strictly an ignition key switch trouble, or some kinda interlock on the column or what? The starter seems to sound perfectly normal once the secret combo is figured out to make contact. This also doesnt happen all the time, other times its normal.

Answer
Tim,

It sounds as though you have a faulty or misadjusted neutral safety switch. It is mounted on the transmission were the shift cable connects.  It will only allow power to the starter if the transmission is in park or neutral.

Also, that is a common problem on your ignition switch. It is very easy to replace and not that expensive.