2003 Mercury Gran Marq, when I start the engine and try to shift into reverse you cannot move the shift lever. If I place the ignition instart but do not start the engine, I can then place the shift into neutral, start the engine and then place into reverse

run the fault codes
check for torque converter clutch servo/solenoid problems

Define won't crank ? I'am assuming the key will turn to the start position ! When doing so does the starter spin the engine or not ? Trying to define your problem of won't crank . If when you turn the key to start position an the starter spins the engine over but doesn't start an run , this is a cranks no start condition . If nothing happens when you turn the key to start , this is a no crank no start condition . Your vehicle has a safety system , shift interlock , won't let it shift out of park if the brake pedal isn't pressed . Won't let the key turn off either . Electronics involved , locking solenoid's etc.... Floor or column shift ?
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:
• The automatic transmission shift lock solenoid (serviced as the automatic transmission shift lock actuator), as well as the body control module (BCM) and the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM). The shift lock solenoid is located within the floor shift control assembly with vehicles equipped with floor shift.
• The BCM controls the voltage supply circuit of the shift lock control solenoid. The following conditions must be before the BCM will supply voltage to the shift lock control solenoid.
The BCM controls the voltage to the shift lock control solenoid through the shift lock control solenoid controlled voltage circuit. The following conditions must be met before the BCM will supply voltage to the shift lock solenoid:
• The ignition is in the ON position.
• The ECM/PCM sends an input via GMLAN serial data to the BCM indicating the transmission is in the PARK position.
• The BCM determines the brake pedal is applied according the brake pedal position.
Since the shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded, the BCM supplies voltage to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid, mechanically unlocking the shift lever allowing the driver to move the shift lever out of the PARK position as the solenoid energizes. When the brake pedal is not applied, the BCM turns the control voltage output of the shift lock control solenoid OFF, de-energizing the shift lock control solenoid. The de-energized solenoid mechanically locks the shift lever in the PARK position.
During remote start operation, the BCM will de-energize the shift lock control circuit, locking the shift lever in the PARK position.

Plus the reverse lock out !
The reverse lockout system is a safety feature which prevents an inadvertent shift into reverse at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph). The system consists of the following components:
• The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM)
• The reverse lockout solenoid
With the ignition ON, battery voltage is supplied directly to reverse lockout solenoid. At forward speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph), the ECM/PCM commands the reverse lockout solenoid ON by grounding the control circuit of the solenoid. This energizes the solenoid and mechanically prevents the shift lever from being moved into the REVERSE position. At forward speeds below 5 km/h (3 mph), the ECM/PCM commands the reverse lockout solenoid OFF, de-energizing the solenoid, which allows the shift lever to move into the REVERSE position.

Power Mode Master
This vehicles BCM functions as the power mode master (PMM). The ignition switch is a low current switch with multiple discrete ignition switch signals to the PMM for determination the power mode that will be sent over the serial data circuits to the other modules that need this information, and so the PMM will activate relays and other direct outputs of the PMM as needed. Refer to Power Mode Description and Operation for a complete description of power mode functions.
You have no clue of the electronics in your vehicle , your best bet have it towed to the Buick dealer .

Make sure the shift cable hasn't come loose from the mechanism on the transmission and that it's moving as it should when the shift lever is being moved.

SHIFTER LOCKED IN PLACE

1. Remove the instrument panel cover below the steering column, then remove the steering column shrouds to gain access to the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid. The solenoid is part of the interlock cable assembly.
2. Disconnect the wire connector from the rear of the BTSI solenoid.
3. Insert the ignition key and turn it to the ON position.
4. With the brakes applied, try moving the shifter out of the PARK position.

• If the lever now moves freely in and out of PARK, perform the Circuit Test below.
• If the shift lever still does not move from the PARK position, remove the BTSI solenoid from the shift lever assembly. If the shift lever now moves freely in and out of the park position, the BTSI solenoid is faulty and the interlock cable must be replaced. If the shift lever still does not move from the park position, the problem is in the shift lever assembly or the ignition interlock cassette

This is an alignment problem with the Gearshift. If you have a trigger in the shifthead, try starting and moving the car into Neutral. Then shift the gearshift into Park and make sure the trigger on the gearshift sets when you put it into Park. Now turn off the car and try removing the key again.

If this does not work for you, there is an interlock switch on the brake pedal lever. Usually this switch will prevent starting if it is out of alignment or broken. But you may have moved it enough to throw the other controls off. If no success, then you may need a new shift cable or adjustment in the shift cable.

You have a broken shifter cable. The inner cable is broken though the casing may look fine.

Things haven't changed much...look on top of the transmission in the engine compartment and look at the shifting linkage. Look for anything that could be interfering with the shifting. One linkage is the cable to the Shift Lever and Rod that goes down into the transmission. Remove the cable adjustment screw.
Move the shift lever rod towards the front of the Van into the Park Indent Position. Place the Driver's Position (Dash) Shift Lever into Park and then reconnect the Cable to the Shift Lever and tighten down the cable adjustment screw to 70 in-lbs.
Check operation's
Let me know if this helped, or if you have any additional information, questions of problems, Feel free to contact me at FixYa.com!

It sounds like it can be either very cheap or very expensive to fix. If you know a little about cars look under the hood at the transmission which is behind the engine.

The engine should only crank in Park and Neutral. If the engine cranks in any gear the shifter is not attached to the cable anymore. The shifter or cable is broken.

You should see something like a shift cable attached to a stem coming out the transmission. You need to determine if the cable moves or rods move. You may need to look under the floor shift too! If either end is not moving when the shifter is moving, then you just need a shift cable.

However, if the transmission levers are moving and the engine cranks only in Park or Neutral then it is the transmission.

You may have a loose shift linkage in the steering column. Remove the upper and lower plastic covers behind the steerong wheel (5 or 6 philips head) and see if you have any loose torx head or allen head screws. Ea
rlier models had this isue.

Also, go to this site for Villager Quest help.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/
Here's adjustment procedure too

SECTION 307-05: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission External Controls 2000 Villager Workshop Manual
GENERAL PROCEDURES Cable Adjustment —Shift Control

1. Place the gearshift lever in PARK (P) position.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the splash shield.

1. Loosen the shift cable nut.

1. Position the shift linkage in PARK (P) position.

1. Tighten the shift cable nut.

1. Move the gearshift lever through the entire shifting range.

1. Verify that the engine will crank with the gearshift lever in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) position.

1. Adjust the transmission range (TR) switch as necessary, refer to Section 307-01 .

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Item Part Number Description 1 043B13 Driver side air bag module 2 — Steering wheel nut 3 3600 Steering wheel 4 — Radio volume control cover 5 — Air bag sliding contact electrical connector access panel 6 — Cruise control cover 7 14A664 Air bag sliding contact 8 13K359 Multifunction switch 9 — Tilt wheel lever 10 13318 Turn indicator cancel cam 11 — Steering column assembly 12 — Steering column mounting bracket nuts (4 Req'd) 13 3C695 Lower column shroud 14 — Steering column opening cover nuts (3 Req'd) 15 — Steering column lower yoke bolt 16 3N725 Steering column lower yoke 17 — Steering column clamp bolt 18 3C695 Upper column shroud 19 7210 Gearshift lever

Todd, Over time, shift linkages and cables tend to stretch or develop some "slack" in the system which can cause this type of problem. I would suggest readjusting the linkage and see if that takes care of the problem.
1) On level ground, block the wheels to prevent rolling.
2) Place the shift lever in neutral.
3) Loosen fastener at transmission select lever and allow linkage to relax or find center.
4) Turn key to start position to verify transmission is in neutral, engine should roll over, no need to start engine. Shut engine off if started.
5)Center linkage at transmission select lever and tighten fastener.
6) Recheck Park position, readjust if necessary.
Good luck, let me know how it goes.
Regards,