So yesterday I started my cutlass to move it out of the shop to clean and to just let it move fluids through since it had been awhile it drove in and out just fine but my ignition switch is a little goofy so sometimes I have to move the shifter through the gears to get the ignition to switch to move to the lock position so I did this once and it didn’t work I did it a second time and it wouldn’t lock into any gears put park and neutral and it’s got a lot of play in neutral does anyone know what would be causing this

 

What year and is it a floor or column shift?

 

1970 floor shift

 

Start with NSS and back drive linkage. Check for spark.

 

I'm not really sure what your issue is as that post was a bit hard to read and understand. S

If the problem is getting the ignition to work (start the engine or remove the key when in Park) the backdrive linkage may be loose or needs to be adjusted. Try grabbing the steering wheel collar behind the key and turning it counter clockwise.

If the issue is actually engaging gears when moving the shifter, the cable may be loose.