So my bf's car won't start and I am almost positive why but need a professional opinion since there's a lot of different things it could be. He has an '02 TL Type S with the semi-auto option. So the gear shifter is not a straight up and down it takes all those cute little turns on its way to park, and for some unknown reason when trying to go from park to drive or any other gear it fights you. So normally you would push it to the right, and pull it down, this one you have to hit it (sometimes repeatedly) to the right then it eventually it allows you to change gears. The same thing happens when trying to go from drive to park etc... NOW it wont start at all, it doesn't turn over or anything, it just clicks when pushing the key to crank. Now the clicking can be heard under the hood as well as in the car right next to the gear shifter. Theres a tiny little access panel looking there right where the clicking is coming from right next to the shifter which leads me to believe the cars neutral safety switch is where the problem is lying. I have tried the Neutral start, Park and start, tried jumping it for shits and giggles, about to try the solenoid and I got a wild hair to try and lock the car with the key fob, just to see what it would do, and it wont let me lock the doors, which only happens when the keys are in the ignition or something close to that which leads me to believe I am accurate with my hypothesis, please help

 

Relatively close enough to be taking a closer look at the shifter mechanisms under the console cover. There is a safety interlock and solenoid that may be sticky and possibly need to be cleaned or replaced ? Worth a try !

 

Do you think there would be anything in a Chiltons or hanes that could show me what I should be looking for? Or maybe a forum or youtube video?