HerrHarry

I have a '95 Ford Escort GT with a little over 100,000 miles behind it. It suddenly began to crank the starter anytime the transmission is in Park or Neutral. Even if the ignition switch is off, the starter cranks when in Park or Neutral, however, the car won't actually start unless I turn the key just slightly. It doesn't have to be turned all of the way to the "start" position, just a little way. Once the engine starts, the starter continues to crank until the transmission is pulled into reverse or drive. Once in reverse or drive, the car runs normally.

My problem is this. One mechanic told me that this was caused by a faulty MLP sensor on the transmission. Another mechanic told me that the '95 Escort doesn't have an MLP sensor but has a switch called a Transmission Range (TR) switch. In any case, the second mechanic said a faulty TR switch wouldn't cause a problem like this. He thinks the problem has to be either the
ignition switch or a shorted lead inside the steering column.


Would anyone have a clue as to who's right on this?
Does the '95 Escort have an MLP sensor?