1994 Ford F150 Engine won't crank until gear selector moved

1994 FORD F-150
262,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TKD4U2
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I just bought a used F150. A couple of days later when trying to start the engine, it acted like it was a dead battery. Sometimes I would hear a faint click or two, but mostly just nothing. No lights come on or anything.
I accidentally bumped the gear selector arm and the lights on the dash came one. So I moved it up farther into 'park' and it started. Since then most times when I go out to start, I notice the selector has edged out away from the "P" just a little. When I move it farther to the left the truck will start.

Is this an ignition/key switch problem (as this is very loose like someone tried to jimmy it at one time), or is this a gear selector/tranny adjustment problem?

At any other times the truck starts like it should. Brand new battery and charging system works normal.
Thanks.
Feb 14, 2008 at 12:50 AM
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