Thanks for all the info guys, will look into this tomorrow, see what I can see.

Look for the timer and or plug for it as it may be missing. You can check for power on 1 side of the plug. If 1 side has power, jumper across the plug and see if the light comes on. If so you have found the problem

Regarding the key light, missing the timer and hookup to power, and I don't think the bulb housing is screwed to the column either. Don't think I want to tackle taking the column apart for the minor inconvenience. I just like all the cool little things to work if possible.
Also went 3 steps back. Lost my clock, parking lights and instrument bar lights again, in addition to an intermittent starting issue I thought I fixed with checking and cleaning grounds as well as a new battery.

For the parking lights , clock and instrument light bar, I found I had blown a fuse. Not sure why, but upon replacement got them all back.

The intermittent starting issue , after again checking power and grounds ( especially the ECU mounted UNDER the battery tray - by previous owner - had that issue on a previous car as well BTW) , I believe the issue is the neutral safety switch not knowing the car is in park . I tested the switch per the service manual ( center pin to case as ground ) and had continuity. And the car started fine in neutral. After shifting back to park, it started in Park as well .

Not sure yet how to adjust the linkage to ensure car is in Park. I know the older cars had an adjuster on the switch itself, turning it clockwise or CCW accordingly. But I don't think that is an option.

The 3 pin neutral safety switches used in the Automatics are not adjustable but the linkage is.

Make sure the car will not roll!

With the car in the air make sure there is not excessive play in the linkage or bad bushings. Bad linkage/bushings will cause intermittent start problems.

The lever on the transmission works in reverse of the shifter on the floor. Park is forward on the shifter, rearward on the transmission lever.

Put the car in park and loosen the adjusting bolt located on the linkage under the car. Some years/models it is on the rod from the shift lever to the bellcrank under the steering column (Column Shift) or under the floorboard towards the rear of the transmission (Floor Shift). On others it is on the rod going from the column to the bellcrank.

Push the transmission shift lever towards the back of the car and the shift linkage towards the front and lock down the linkage. Not a lot of pressure just make sure the transmission is locked in park (lever on top of the transmission pushed rearward) and the linkage is pushed to the park position,, Pushed forward.

Hope it helps.

Thanks IMGTX, will be working on car tomorrow again, and will reread your suggestion, and yes will make sure car will not roll !

Update - tried adjusting linkage yesterday and no change.
I had ordered a new neutral safety switch anyway, replaced it today, and didn't make a difference, although I am glad I changed it as the seals on the switch that was in there were shot and it was dripping tranny fluid.

I made a 2nd attempt at adjusting the linkage and so far so good ! Have started it about a half a dozen times or so in Park ( and in neutral), won't start in other gears, car shifts good and indicators line up correctly on shifter.
Guess I just had to find the sweet spot. I marked it as well in case it happens again.

Thanks for the help!

" I marked it as well in case it happens again."



the sign of a smart man !

More like a sign of man with a bad memory, lol .

at least i recognize "what goes in one [of my] ears, goes out the other"...........