mcetmc

I am going to buy a 97 Caravan. When I move the shift lever to neutral, the dash display does not show an "N" or an "N" with a box around it.

Also, sometimes all the shift positions (P, R, N, D, 3, L) light and all have boxes around them.

Is the above caused by a mis-adjusted or bad switch connected to the shift lever?

Does all the positions lighting suggest a problem with the dashboard PC board or circuitry?

How do I get to it to adjust it or replace it?

I assume that the above will not affect the transmission or any other part of the van. True?

RickMN

When all the gears have boxes around them, it an indication of power backfeed due to a poor ground. Start by cleaning battery terminals with special attention to the negative terminal. Also clean batt neg to body, batt neg to engine, engine to firewall.

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I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology.

troy1

The early PNRDL switches have a corrosion issue Chrysler has an updated switch and harness.

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HoraceMac

HI,
I also own a '97 Caravan, 2.4L and know from personal experience that the position indicator on this vehicle is a mechanical indicator, connected by a cable behind the instrument console. During removal of the console for any work on the dash, including replacement of light bulbs, requires disconnecting this cable. Failure to reconnect it will result in NO INDICATION of activity, BUT this does not reflect the location of the actual shift lever in the transmission.
Have fun reconnecting it, as it is an awkward assembly to deal with.
Good luck,
Horacemac