96 4Runner Starting issue

[mmankins]

I have a 96 4x4 automatic. Recently I have been having to push the gear shift all the way forward while turning the ignition to start up. The gear shift seems to slighly fall out of the position it needs to be in to startup. With 276,000 miles I'm sure the gear shift has too much play in it. Hoping there is a simple inexpensive fix. Thank you

 

[Srabai]

Might be the neutral safety switch. Does it start without issue when the shifter is in neutral?