My 2007 Dodge Caravan won't always acknowledge that it is in Park or Neutral when I try to turn it on. I turn the key and nothing happens. If you look at the display the P is not framed with a box

Before turning the key to start, lift the shift lever on the column with your left hand so that it puts the "P" into the box. Sounds like your column safety switch and key activation rod in the column are out (or going out) of alignment due to age.

I have tried that...running the shift lever through the gears and it won't put Park or Neutral in the box. I have tried lifting it, etc but it just won't recognize Park or Neutral. I can also tell when it won't start the next time because when I put it in park to turn it off it doesn't have Park in the box. Very frustrating

I would replace the "Neutral start safety switch" located on the steering column. Sounds like it or the rod/cable running to it has broken over time.

ground cable motor to body corrosion of wire cable on motor

We have one doing the exact same problem! Being a military family, we just moved to Hawaii and the car has been doing this to us. Three times we have had it towed to the mechanic. They think its a sensor or that the Computer is fried. Did you ever find the root of the problem? We are still trying to find out!!! Our does the exact thing....the car thinks its in R and won't go to the P or N or anything to start!!

My 04 dodge caravan is doing the same thing. I noticed that when I disconnect the battery and wait about a minute then reconnect battery.. the P is now in the box. Still not sure why it does that, but at least I can get it to start again without towing.

My grand caravan is doing the same thing. I have to reset the computer by taking the neg. cable off the battery and turning the ignition key for 20 to 30 seconds. Then reattach the neg. cable to the battery. Some times it takes 2 times , but it will reset and recognize park.

Anyone find out how to fix this?