Mazda: Car Problems, neutral safety switch, mazda mpv

Question
I have a 1990 Mazda MPV van. I am having trouble starting it. The mechanic says it is the starter, but I think it could be the neutral safety switch.I have to move the gear shaft around before it starts. It's an automatic.What do you think the problem is? Thank You.

Answer
It's out of my area of expertise but if you can move the shifter and it starts and you can repeat this then it sounds like you located the area of the fault.  Not moving the shifter or anything else but the key does it eventually engage and start, if so then the starter solenoid may be failing.  Any clicking heard when you turn the key?

Common fixes; check all contacts at the battery, clean and reconnect them.  Also the contacts and ground at the starter.  Corrosion is a common contributor to ignition system failures.