’07 Navigator won’t crank shift indicator stuck & starter terminal has 12V

[5ofa0nWh33ls]

I could really use your help. My dad's 2007 Navigator has been acting up lately, and it's starting to drive me a little crazy. The shift indicator keeps glowing in both park and drive, and now, it just won't crank at all. I checked the starter, and it's getting 12 volts at the terminal, but it's still playing hard to get. It feels like there's some kind of backfeeding issue going on

Before I dive into replacing the starter, I'm wondering if there's anything else I should take a look at. Has anyone else run into something like this? I'd really appreciate any tips or advice you might have

 

[Collins.page]

Getting 12V at the starter terminal might just be constant battery voltage, not the actual crank signal from the ignition switch. I'd test light or multimeter on the signal wire at the solenoid and see if it lights up when you turn the key to start. If it doesn't, then the problem is probably upstream

 

[Main character]

It sounds more like a failing range sensor or faulty ignition switch than the starter itself, too many people jump straight to replacing starters when the real issue's buried in the electronics or neutral safety circuit