Nissan Repair: 1998 Nissian Sentra, neutral safety switch, nissan sentra

Question
I just bought a used 98 nissan sentra. The car is an automatic. I'm having trouble with the shifter that puts the car into gear. For example, Sometimes when I turn the key to crank the car nothing happens. However, I can push the gear shifter forward (Note it was already in the park position) and the car will start. It also seems that every gear is a half position forward. Example, If I put the car into the drive slot The car will only shift into 1st and 2nd gears. However, If i put the shifter between the drive and neutral slots the car will shift through all gears. The same is true for reverse. If I put the shifter into the reverse position the car acts as if its in neutral, but if I put it between park and reverse. The car will go into reverse. I accidentally bumped it today and made the car downshift which really turned it several rpm's. Now it seems as if there is some type of vibration in the drive train in the first 2 gears. it seems to stop when the car shifts into od.

Answer
Hi Dusty -

Looks like you need to adjust your shifter linkage. This is located on the transmission. Just follow the linkage from the shifter (looking at the bottom of the car) to the transmission, and you should see it. There should be a threaded rod of some sort. Also check the tightness of your neutral safety switch. This is what allows your vehicle to start in N and P but not in any drive gear.

Finally check your transmission oil and ensure it is at proper level.

Hope this helps
aloha
calvin