1988 Dodge Dynasty. Auto transmission. Gear indicator pointer on dash is off by one position. It reads 'R' when it's actually in park. Or 'N' when its actually in D. How do I correct that?

The issue you are describing with your 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, where the dash says "reverse" when the vehicle is actually in "park" and the key can be removed while the engine is running, is likely related to a problem with the vehicle's transmission range sensor or park/neutral safety switch.
The transmission range sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the vehicle's computer indicating the position of the transmission shift lever. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may send an incorrect signal to the computer, causing the dash to display the wrong gear position.
The park/neutral safety switch is responsible for preventing the engine from starting or the key from being removed when the transmission is not in the "park" position. If the switch is malfunctioning, the engine may start and the key may be removable even when the transmission is not in "park".
It's best to diagnose the problem by a professional, or if the vehicle is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for assistance. It's important to note that these are general steps and the specific procedures may vary depending on the exact model and type of your vehicle. It's recommended to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for the specific instructions and precautions for your vehicle.

Disconnect shift cable from transmission linkage and try to manually put transmission in drive gear ( make sure wheels chocked/park brake on ). If transmission goes into drive gear, suspect a shift cable or shifter assembly problem. If you can't manually shift into drive gear by hand with cable disconnected, suspect internal transmission/shift linkage issue

PRND321 Display
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the selected gear position as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The IPC - instrument panel cluster receives a serial data message from the ECM indicating the gear position. The PRND321 display blanks if:
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The ECM detects a malfunction in the transmission range switch circuit.

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The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the ECM. The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
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The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid

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The automatic transmission shift lock control switch

With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Voltage flows through the normally closed contacts of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid causing the transmission shift lever to be physically locked in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is pressed the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, de-energizing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. This allows the shift lever to be move out of the PARK position.
The transmission range (TR) switch is part of the park/neutral position (PNP) and backup lamp switch assembly, which is externally mounted on the transmission manual shaft. The TR switch contains four internal switches that indicate the transmission gear range selector lever position. The PCM supplies ignition voltage to each switch circuit. As the gear range selector lever is moved, the state of each switch may change, causing the circuit to open or close. An open circuit or switch indicates a high voltage signal. A closed circuit or switch indicates a low voltage signal. The PCM detects the selected gear range by deciphering the combination of the voltage signals. The PCM compares the actual voltage combination of the switch signals to a TR switch combination chart stored in memory.
You need a Tech2 scan tool to diagnose this problem ! possible range sensor !

The adjustment will be at the base of the column in the engine compartment.

if you changed the driver side axle the problem is probaly not from what you did. but if you changed the pass side axle, which has a gear cut into it that the speed sensor gear mesh with, that you probaly damaged the speed sensor gear, pull the speed sensor out of the extention housing on the pass side of the transmission and inspect for damage.on the gear. if no damage and the wires are clean and tight ,replac speed sensor.

The camshaft Position Sensor (CPS) is located on the timing gear cover.


The Crankshaft Position Sensor is located on the transmission bellhousing.

Hope this was some help to you?

there must be a loose wiring inside the lighting compartment

Could be your shift cable adjustment. In the engine compartment move the shift cable forward ( you can do this by hand) This will move the transmission out of low gear and into park. You will probably find you can now shift into the other gears without problem but if you go into low it will stick again. You might be able to adjust it or you might have to replace the cable.

indicates a fluid change is needed
have the fault codes read

I had a similiar problem. The D4 indicator light stays on. I changed the transmission computer and it solved my problem. The computer is located in the floor underneath the dash on the passenger side.