What is the safety switch which prevents you from starting the car unless it is in neutral or park?

Question

because my car doesnt start unless ints on neutral sometimes

Answer 1

If the car has an automatic transmission the car won't have a clutch pedal but it will be equipped with a neutral safety switch. The neutral safety switch prevents the starter from engaging unless the shift selector is in the "P" or "N" positions.

Answer 2

It is also called an inhibitor switch. By the sound of it it is doing its job

Answer 3

It's called... surprisingly enough, the "neutral safety switch"

Answer 4

It is called a neutral safety switch.  If you have an automatic transmission, you may notice part of your steering column turn when you shift gears, at least the older GM cars did this.  It allows the ignition circuit to be completed, and provide electricity to the starter.  If a part of your linkage is loose, you may not be able to start the car when it is in park.  Try shifting into neutral and then back into park.  You may be able to start the car then.