Bypass starter inhibitor switch easily - 1991 Volvo 940

It's also known as an 'inhibitor switch'. You haven't said what make/model of car you have, but the link below will show you generic images of the switch, which will be located on the side of the transmission:

automatic transmission inhibitor switch Google Search

Grab a flashlight and crawl under your car. Look on the side of the transmission unit. Disconnect the electrical unit and try cleaning all the contacts.

You can, if you know how, 'short out' the switch using a length of wire to bypass it. However, be aware that this can also allow the car to be started in Drive or Reverse.

Don't jump to conclusions and presume that it is the inhibitor switch. It may be a faulty sensor somewhere in the engine - the crankshaft sensor is usually the prime suspect which can cause the symptoms you describe, as can a faulty coil/ignition pack.

The best course of action would be to get someone with an OBD scanner - the handheld diagnostic machine - to connect it to your car and do a diagnostic check for you. Any error codes picked up by the OBD will identify the cause of the problem.

It is cheaper, easier and less hassle to get an OBD check done first than it is to replace parts in the hope of curing the problem.

check or isolate auto inhibitor switch and see if that works.if it does,get a new inhibitor switch

Look for a relay block at the right front fender, under the hood. Bottom of the cover should show relay locations.

If by lights, you mean the dash lights come on, then ignition switch must be getting power. If dash is not working with key on, check the 30 amp fuse link which powers the ignition switch.
If switch is good and starter is good, the start wire from switch goes to, if automatic, to inhibitor relay (the park/neutral function) and then to starter. There is also an inhibitor switch on the shifter or on the transaxle that turns on the inhibitor relay when key is on and shifter in park or neutral. The inhibitor switch is powered by a 10 amp fuse D.
If you have a manual transmission, the start wire from ignition switch goes to the clutch interlock relay and then to the starter. This relay is turned on by the clutch interlock switch on the clutch pedal.
You can check for power on either relay, the inhibitor relay or the clutch interlock relay, with a test light. Pull the relay out, have the key held in start position. Now both relays would have power showing on two terminals where the relay plugs in. If inhibitor relay only has power on one terminal or no power at all, either ignition switch is not sending power or fuse D is out or the inhibitor switch is not working right. If clutch interlock switch does not have power on two terminals either the ignition switch is not sending power or the clutch interlock switch is bad.
If the relay checks are good, check for power on the small wire to starter with key held in start. If you have power there, the starter solenoid must be out.

Google the '93 pathfinder, manuals available, & someone may have the same problem. Just google the make & model.

It sounds like you need a new ignition switch, and possibly a new connector to the switch.

Sounds like its your inhibitor switch. The switch prevents you from starting the car in any gear other than park and neutral

A wire run from the starter solenoid postive (+) terminal to a button somewhere on the dash panel is all that is required You need to connect the other side of the press button to a power source under the dash. The fuse box is a good place to start. Make sure your wiring is protected against shorts by a fuse. If the vehicle is an auto, don't do this. Get the inhibitor switch replaced instead.

HELLO I HAVE A 95 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT DID THIS SAME THING AND IT WAS THE STARTER CHANGE THE STARTER AND YOUR PROBLEMS FIXED

SOURCE: Kia Technician Times
TITLE: A/T Inhibitor Switch
APPLIES TO: 95-00 Sephia
SERVICE TIP:
CONDITION
Some 1995 thru 2000 Sephia Automatic Transmission equipped vehicles may exhibit the following inhibitor switch concerns: - The vehicle may not start intermittently in park or neutral. - The vehicle TCU may intermittently lose the gear position signal from the inhibitor switch and go into failsafe mode (third gear). If the inhibitor switch signal returns while driving, the TCU will return to normal transmission control. The vehicle will then upshift or downshift abruptly depending on vehicle speed. - The TCU will set a pending OBDII code and then after two key cycles, the MIL light will come on and the O/D light will flash.
CAUSE
Corrosion/dirt on the inhibitor switch connector terminals or internal contacts.
CORRECTIVE ACTION Replace the inhibitor switch with P/N KFW35-21-444 and carefully adjust per procedures in the applicable service manual.
Note: The 1998-2000 Sephia Service Manual has an error on page 42-104 inhibitor switch inspection/adjustment. The connector terminal chart should show terminals 5 and 7 having continuity in neutral. The correct inhibitor switch terminal locations are shown below.

I Hope this Info Corrects Your Problem Please Don't Forget to RATE Me ! Thank you